After Coinbase, MEXC joins the race to lead web3 evolution

Cryptocurrency exchange MEXC has named blockchain entrepreneur Cecilia Hsueh as its new Chief Strategy Officer, underscoring a broader trend of digital asset platforms evolving beyond trading into infrastructure supporting Web3 applications.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed executive has worked across both entrepreneurship and strategic advisory roles. She co-founded Morph, a Layer 2 network aimed at making blockchain technology easier to use in daily life, and helped grow Phemex into a major exchange. Her background spans finance, technology, and consulting, which reflects the varied skill set now required to operate in the global blockchain industry.

This appointment comes as crypto exchanges are moving beyond simple trading to offer services like payments, staking, NFTs, and decentralised finance. This shift points to how blockchain is gradually becoming a part of broader digital infrastructure. As users begin to look for more than just trading, platforms are adjusting to meet new expectations. MEXC, with a large token offering and a global user base, is in a position to explore these new areas.

“Bringing in a unique blend of consulting discipline and entrepreneurial experience aligns perfectly with MEXC’s next stage of development,” said Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC. “A track record of building, scaling, and advising leading Web3 businesses makes this a valuable addition to our leadership team as we continue to evolve into a global ecosystem.”

The new focus comes at a time when the industry faces growing challenges. Regulators worldwide are tightening oversight, and exchanges must now balance compliance and innovation while continuing to serve both retail and institutional users. Regulatory approaches differ significantly across jurisdictions, creating operational complexity that demands region-specific strategies and tailored risk management frameworks. Experience in navigating diverse markets such as Asia and Europe becomes increasingly important in developing competitive strategies that meet regional regulatory standards.

Other major exchanges have taken comparable steps. In June, Coinbase brought on David Plouffe, a former senior adviser to President Barack Obama, as a member of its global advisory council. Plouffe is known for leading Obama’s presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012 and for his time as a senior figure in the White House. 

During his political career, he introduced new approaches to public engagement, using data, digital platforms, and grassroots organizing to target large numbers of first-time voters. His involvement shows that increasingly, crypto companies are focusing on issues of public policy, communications strategy, and regulatory navigation.