This week saw significant changes in leadership across the legal and compliance sectors, with notable movements in both law firms and executive positions. Ifrah Law has made headlines by hiring six new professionals and appointing a new managing partner. Meanwhile, Polymarket reportedly terminated its chief marketing officer amidst internal scrutiny, while Crypto.com announced a new chief compliance officer. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) also appointed an interim leader.
Ifrah Law’s latest expansion includes six new hires in areas such as iGaming regulation, litigation, compliance, and operations. The firm, located in Washington, D.C., has appointed Michelle Cohen as managing partner and elevated Sara Dalsheim to counsel. There has been a marked demand for defense against class action lawsuits and mass arbitrations, prompting these moves.
The latest hires at Ifrah Law include Sondra Grigsby, a trial lawyer with over 16 years of experience, who joins from Kasowitz LLP; Andrew Snell, formerly a compliance manager for a Malta-based online casino; Jerin Horton, who has managed law firms for more than eight years; Halina Bereday, an associate who has past experience as a federal law clerk and at Norton Rose Fulbright; Nicholas Velez, a former Marine Corps Reservist and associate from Lowenstein Sandler; and Jessica Hawkins, a new paralegal from Sodexo.
Jeff Ifrah, a founding member of Ifrah Law, remarked, “This is a highly regulated and closely watched industry that’s seeing an increase in high-stakes legal challenges. Michelle has been central to building our iGaming practice and is the right leader to guide the firm through its next stage of growth.” Cohen also noted, “Our new professionals bring experience from the courtroom, government, private practice, and inside the gaming industry.”
In a different arena, Polymarket reportedly let go of its chief marketing officer, Matthew Modabber, following an internal investigation, according to the New York Post. A representative from Polymarket did not provide comments on the matter, and Modabber could not be reached by the Post for a response. Modabber was appointed CMO in January 2024 and is noted as the company's 11th employee. Insiders indicated that Polymarket is currently finalizing his separation agreement. The investigation was launched earlier this year amid public controversies. In June, the Wall Street Journal reported an incident where Modabber’s team allegedly created a fake webpage to promote videos of users claiming to profit from fictitious trades. This led to an ongoing investigation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, but no wrongdoing has been established.
Crypto.com has appointed Mohammed Mortajine as its new chief compliance officer with plans to enhance governance and strengthen regulatory engagement. Mortajine has previously held compliance leadership roles at companies such as Western Union, ACI Worldwide, and Paysafe, where he managed programs across over 200 countries. He will oversee compliance for a platform that provides payment services, derivatives, and prediction markets, taking over from Antonio Alvarez, who recently left for Binance. This change comes as the House Oversight Committee is requesting records from Crypto.com regarding safeguards for prediction markets, including identity verification and geographic restrictions.
Crypto.com’s CEO, Kris Marszalek, expressed enthusiasm about Mortajine's appointment, stating, “We are incredibly excited to welcome Mohammed to build the next generation of global financial compliance operations. His deep regulatory expertise, proven executive judgment, and track record will be instrumental.”
Finally, the NCPG announced the appointment of Charles H. Jeffers II as its interim executive director, effective immediately. Jeffers, who established The Jeffers Group—a consulting firm focused on governance and organizational culture—replaces Heather Maurer, who stepped down after a year due to backlash regarding Kalshi’s $2 million investment in the NCPG. This deal faced criticism, resulting in NCPG losing support from various regulators in Michigan and Ohio and from problem gambling nonprofits in Nevada and Washington. Jeffers has previously served in leadership roles at the American Occupational Therapy Association and was CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Derek Longmeier, NCPG Board President, stated, “Charles’ depth of experience in understanding culture dynamics, operational demands, and board governance is key to our selecting him to lead as Interim Executive Director.”
A search for a permanent executive director will be conducted by Vetted Solutions, beginning in January 2027.
