Breaking News: WeWork accepts cryptocurrency payments, Binance US hires former OCC comptroller as CEO

Consolidating two news updates from the evening of April 20:

1. WeWork Accepts Cryptocurrency Payments

The international real estate leasing company WeWork has announced that it will accept Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), Paxos Standard (PAX), and several other cryptocurrencies as a form of payment for its products through the cryptocurrency payment service provider BitPay.

In addition, Coinbase will become the first WeWork member to use cryptocurrency for payments. WeWork stated that accepting cryptocurrency payments will help drive innovation within its global business.

2. Binance US Hires Former OCC Chief Counsel Brian Brooks as CEO

Former Chief Counsel of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) Brian Brooks, known for his crypto-friendly policies during his tenure, such as chartering banks for cryptocurrency businesses and allowing banks to handle stablecoin activities, will begin his new role as the CEO of Binance US on May 1, according to WSJ.

It is not uncommon for cryptocurrency exchanges operating in the United States to hire former government officials. Facebook's Libra, now rebranded as Diem, and Coinbase have made similar moves in the past. Binance also recently appointed former U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus as a policy advisor.