FTX US President Brett Harrison Stepping Down, Shifting to Advisory Role

Brett Harrison, president of the United States division of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, announced today that he is stepping down from the role. He plans to shift into an advisory role over the next few months as he transfers his duties and exits his current role.

In a series of tweets, Harrison explained that he will transfer his responsibilities to others over the next few months as he transitions into an advisory role at FTX US.

Harrison joined in May 2021 from Citadel Securities to help FTX build out its U.S. presence, ultimately establishing the FTX US division with a headquarters in Chicago. FTX US now has more than 100 employees, per Harrison’s tweets.

According to the thread, Harrison will stay in the crypto industry in an as-yet-undisclosed new role. “I’m remaining in the industry with the goal of removing technological barriers to full participation in and maturation of global crypto markets, both centralized and decentralized,” he wrote.

“I can’t wait to share more about what I’m doing next,” Harrison added. “Until then, I’ll be assisting Sam [Bankman-Fried, FTX CEO] and the team with this transition to ensure FTX ends the year with all its characteristic momentum.”

Harrison’s departure follows a couple of other high-profile crypto firm exits in recent days. Earlier today, Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky resigned amid the startup’s bankruptcy proceedings. Last week, Kraken co-founder and CEO Jesse Powell stepped down, a few months after stirring controversy by sharing an “anti-woke” agenda for the firm.

Editor's note: This article was updated after publication to add additional details and comments from Brett Harrison.