It is a strong gesture that marks the first 100 days of Donald Trump's second term at the head of the United States: the president officially granted his presidential pardon to the three co-founders of the Crypto Bitmex exchange platform-Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo and Samuel Reed.
Donald Trump gives presidential grace to the founders of Bitmex
Sentenced in 2022 for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the three Crypto entrepreneurs had recognized that they have neglected the implementation of effective money laundering systems (AML) and customer identity verification (KYC). Bitmex was sanctioned in January 2025 by a fine of $ 100 million and placed under probation for two years.
Donald Trump's decision to erase the history of these emblematic figures in the crypto sector is part of a wider strategy. Barely returned to power, the Republican President multiplies the signals favorable to the digital asset industry, breaking with the more restrictive approach to the Biden administration.
However, Sam Bankman-Fried, a former CEO of FTX sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud, still remains incarcerated despite the calls for the leniency of his parents and his own approaches in this direction. The latter has even just been transferred to the Catimini and placed in “isolation” after having made shock revelations to Tucker Carlson. This disparity in Donald Trump's decisions raises questions about the potential political motivations behind these acts of Clemence.
A forgiveness that divides
This gesture already arouses contrasting reactions. For supporters of cryptocurrency, this is a clear signal for political support for sector entrepreneurs. Some see it as a desire to make the United States a global crypto hub, by releasing the regulatory pressure on exchange platforms.
But the detractors denounce a form of impunity, stressing that the infringements of the founders of Bitmex – Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo and Samuel Reed, have endangered the financial integrity of the system. This forgiveness From Donald Trump, although legal, could weaken the credibility of regulation efforts in decentralized finance.
With this new grace, Donald Trump confirms his desire to rehabilitate key figures in the crypto sector. After pardoning Ross Ulbricht, founder of Silk Road, it is the turn of the designers of Bitmex to benefit from his mercy. A strong message for a cryptocurrency placed at the heart of his political agenda.
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