Caladan Expands to the U.S. Amid Pro-Crypto Regulatory Shift Under Trump
Singapore-based cryptocurrency trading firm Caladan has announced its expansion into the United States with plans to open a representative office in New York City. This move signals the firm’s strategic intent to capitalize on the regulatory reset underway in the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has been marked by a significantly more crypto-friendly stance.
Caladan Enters U.S. Market to Bridge Global Crypto Infrastructure
Caladan’s decision to expand stateside reflects a broader mission to link Asia's advanced crypto market infrastructure with the growing institutional momentum in the United States. The firm aims to serve as a key conduit for liquidity, regulatory collaboration, and cross-border crypto strategy.
As part of the expansion, the company will allocate at least 5% of its global workforce to its new U.S. operations, which will be based in New York. The move also reflects Caladan’s ambitions to secure broker-dealer registration and FINRA membership, enabling it to fully participate in the regulated U.S. digital asset market.
Strategic Hires to Lead U.S. Expansion
To lead the U.S. initiative, Caladan has brought on board a seasoned three-member team headed by Gian-Paul Caccia, whose experience spans both traditional finance and the digital asset ecosystem. Caccia has previously held roles at major institutions including Coinbase, BlackRock, Cowen Digital, and Bank of America.
This leadership team has been tasked with three key mandates:
Developing strong institutional partnerships
Enhancing the company’s compliance and risk management framework
Deepening engagement with U.S. regulators to help shape the evolving regulatory landscape
According to Julia Zhou, Chief Operating Officer at Caladan, the firm’s U.S. strategy is not merely about gaining access to a new market, but about contributing to a future where the cryptocurrency industry operates under clear, transparent, and accountable rules.
> “It’s not just about operating in the U.S.,” Zhou said. “We want to help shape the rules-based future of crypto markets with full transparency and accountability.”
A Changing Regulatory Climate Under the Trump Administration
Caladan's move comes during a remarkable shift in the regulatory environment for digital assets in the United States. Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has made several notable pro-crypto policy decisions. These include:
Appointing Paul Atkins as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a known advocate for innovation in digital finance
Dropping multiple lawsuits previously filed against digital asset companies
Reversing strict regulatory frameworks that were in place under the prior administration
This dramatic regulatory overhaul has already encouraged other firms to re-enter the U.S. crypto market. For example, Nexo, a digital lending platform that previously exited the country in 2022 due to what it called “regulatory dead ends,” recently announced its return. The firm credited the current administration's pro-innovation approach for its renewed access to the American market.
Supportive Policies and Legislative Progress
The Trump administration has also taken broader steps to create a more welcoming environment for crypto innovation. Recent developments include:
Hosting a White House Crypto Summit featuring leaders from top blockchain and fintech firms
Backing the GENIUS Act, a legislative framework for stablecoins that recently passed in the Senate and is now being considered by the House of Representatives
These initiatives reflect a strong governmental commitment to making the U.S. a leading hub for blockchain technology, digital assets, and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Political and Cultural Embrace of Crypto
Trump’s connection with crypto goes beyond policy. Even before officially assuming office, he launched a meme coin on the Solana blockchain, tapping into crypto culture and engaging a new wave of digital-native political supporters. This coin has since become a flashpoint for controversy and discussion, especially after a high-profile gala was held for major holders of the Official Trump (TRUMP) token.
Caladan’s Long-Term Vision
Caladan’s expansion into the U.S. is a carefully calculated move in line with its vision of becoming a global leader in crypto market infrastructure. The firm believes that aligning with the U.S. regulatory regime—especially one trending toward transparency and growth—will allow it to better serve institutional clients looking for compliant access to digital asset trading and investing.
By establishing a presence in New York, Caladan positions itself not only as a market participant but also as a policy contributor and thought leader during a pivotal moment for the American crypto industry.
Key Takeaways:
Caladan, a Singapore-based crypto trading firm, is expanding into the U.S. with a New York office.
The firm plans to allocate at least 5% of its global staff to the U.S. office and aims to secure broker-dealer registration and FINRA membership.
Gian-Paul Caccia will lead the U.S. team, bringing experience from Coinbase, BlackRock, Cowen Digital, and Bank of America.
The expansion is part of a broader mission to connect Asia's crypto infrastructure with institutional growth in the U.S.
President Trump’s pro-crypto administration is fueling a regulatory reset that is encouraging firms like Caladan and Nexo to operate in the U.S. market.
Initiatives like the GENIUS Act and the White House crypto summit indicate strong federal support for blockchain innovation.
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