Blockchain, the leading provider of cryptocurrency products including the world’s most popular crypto wallet, has hired former Blackrock (NYSE:BLK) and Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) executive Howard Surloff to advance the gold standard for legal, compliance, and corporate governance within the cryptocurrency industry. Surloff brings over 25 years of executive experience to Blockchain’s Executive Team as its new General Counsel.

Most recently, Surloff was the long-serving Deputy General Counsel of Blackrock Inc., and subsequently became Global Chief Operating Officer of Blackrock’s iShares and Index business, with over 4.4 trillion USD in assets and 800 employees globally. He contributed vital legal, negotiation, and integration strategy for 13 acquisitions while at the firm, and served on its Global Operating and U.S. Executive Committees.

Prior to Blackrock, he was Managing Director and General Counsel for the US Asset Management Division at Goldman Sachs, where he oversaw legal strategy and structuring across more than 1000 investment products.

“Howard has played a key role in building two of the world’s leading financial services firms,” says Peter Smith, Co-founder and CEO of Blockchain. “His passion for legal, compliance, and operational excellence in new markets will be vital to executing our strategy globally.”

The addition of Surloff follows a banner year of growth for Blockchain. In the last year the firm launched The PIT, an institutional-grade crypto exchange with microsecond trading, invested in multiple startups through its venture fund, continues to attract top-level talent like its first CFO Macrina Kgil who took Springleaf Holdings public on the NYSE, and opened its fifth office in Vilnius, Lithuania.

“Blockchain is at the center of the digital assets ecosystem, and continues to expand with infrastructure like The PIT,” says Surloff. “As such, there is a complex regulatory landscape to navigate to best serve our users and partners around the world. I am excited to take on these challenges and join a team of talented individuals committed to maintaining Blockchain’s meteoric growth and building a world-class legal and compliance program.”

Marco Santori remains Blockchain’s President and Chief Legal Officer. He will continue his vital work on regulatory and legal strategy while expanding Blockchain’s partnerships across the industry globally.