Steven McWhirter is the Global Policy Lead at Binance, bringing over 25 years of extensive experience in regulation, policy, strategy, supervision and structural reform. Before joining Binance, Steven spent almost a decade at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). During his tenure at the FCA, Steven was a policy subject matter expert, contributing to UK and international policy development via the ESMA, EBA, EIOPA, BIS, FSB and IOSCO. His policy work included fintech, bigtech, professionalism, management body corporate governance and suitability, systems and controls, operational risk, internal governance, operational resilience, cloud outsourcing, cyber, digital markets and related technology policy.
Steven has previously advised on the creation of the UK Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) and the creation of the UK Banking Standards Board. He was also a member of the policy team responsible for implementing the UK’s Senior Manager and Certification Regime (SMCR), as well as the FCA’s lead on managing the UK Privy Council, UK Royal Chartered professions and the Secretariat of the Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN), a network of over 80 financial regulators and observers globally.
Hall C (Level 2)
Open
As the crypto space continues to mature, so too does the sophistication of its users. Once dominated by early adopters and tech-savvy investors, the industry is now welcoming mainstream consumers who demand not only innovative financial products but also heightened security and ease of use. This shift in consumer expectations is reshaping the future of crypto security, compelling businesses to adapt rapidly or risk losing user trust.
This panel will explore how evolving consumer needs are influencing security practices in crypto, from the demand for enhanced privacy protections to the increasing desire for intuitive user experiences. Panelists will discuss the key trends in consumer behavior, the growing emphasis on secure yet seamless interactions, and how the industry can strike a balance between robust security measures and user-friendly interfaces.