Josh Riezman’s GSR in regulation, risk, and crypto preparation for the next stage
The manufacturer of the Crypto Market GSR has long been self -positioned as head of market structure, compliance, and global liquidity. In operations covering centralized and decentralized platforms, the firm actively develops how capital flows through the digital asset ecosystem.
Part of the company’s success can be attributed to Josh Riezman, a veteran of the GSR and now the chief official strategy, US and global representative of the General Advice. He previously served for more than a year as Managing Director.
Riezman joined the GSR after working at the USDC Issuer Circle. Prior to that, he spent six years with Société Générale and almost three years at Deutsche Bank.
Recently, GSR became the first crypto liquidity provider to secure permission from the same UK Financial Authority and Singapore financial authority – A milestone that reflects its proactive approach to adherence to some of the most closely watched constituents around the world.
Riezman hopes that regulatory alignment will be a foundation of sustainable crypto market growth.
In April, GSR topped with a $ 100 million Private placement in Apex (UPXI), a consumer-goods company that is now pivoting in a crypto-based crypto archive approach.
Leading to Consensus 2025CoinDesk talked to Riezman about what the wins of this regulation mean, how the GSR sees the future of the Defi and Cefi integration, and what the firm is doing to support the next generation of crypto projects through these entire services.
CoinDesk: The GSR has recently achieved some significant regulation approved, including in the UK how these milestones influenced its operations and strategic directions?
Riezman: What a wonderful question. GSR boasts itself in being ahead of thinking about what is the right regulation for this space and how it applies to us.
We have been active in collaboration with regulators around the world to level up as the global regime emerges and changes. We adopted Singapore and UK early – by MPI and MLR – to show our commitment to the best regulatory space standards, especially to trade companies.
We see this as just the beginning of the journey, as the regulation continues to be materialize. We always think in advance about how we need to be prepared to deliver our clients to each area.
Provided extensive experience GSR has in cryptocurrency space and with compliance, what are the main challenges in the regulation you see in the near future for market makers?
It becomes a matter of a trope today, but the regulation of regulation is a major issue in the crypto space, especially in the United States. We are in a period of dramatic change following Donald Trump’s election. But we see positive signs, both from regulatory agencies and from the legislative side.
As more clarity arrives, it will unlock greater investment – such as traditional economic planning, clarity and certainty are the key. When that clarity arrives, companies like GSR can invest in appropriate structures and techniques to comply.
For us, about ensuring that we can continue to deliver the stable liquidity we know. We see very promising signs in Singapore and Europe, where the frameworks are clearer, and we look forward to seeing similar development in the US
How does the GSR approach the integration of emerging technologies, including decentralized finances, its existing offerings?
This is a place where we, to some degree, are on the edge of the cutting. We are always looking for new places. When it comes to Defi, we have included all the leading AMMs and key platforms.
We also focus on expanding our on-chain capabilities, especially as these hybrids CEFI/Defi models appear. Something like Hyperliquid is a good example.
We see our strength in Cefi and on-chain liquidity together in a really meaningful way, and this is a space where we are actively engaging and building.
In connection with the current market dynamics, what techniques do GSR use to ensure liquidity and stability in its operations?
We’ve been around for a long time – GSR is one of the oldest, if not The oldest, market makers in space. The way we managed to stay here with all volatility is our deep risk commitment.
Our risk outline brought us through the chaotic market, and it continues to do so. This is a business as usual for us – we are accustomed to volatility and, on some sizes, let’s embrace it as part of the industry we love and here to support.
Beyond risk management, we focus on how to support clients looking for full lifecycle support through what really choppy markets. We provide more counseling services today, sharing expertise and market connection with our clients and friends.
At the forefront, what are the main priorities and initiatives of GSR in the cryptocurrency ecosystem?
Some things. First, we really focus on being a real lifecycle partner for crypto entrepreneurs – especially the most modern and creative protocol companies. We want to support them from the idea to launch and more, through our adventure investments, counseling, market making, and OTC services.
We take it all together in a one-stop shop for market participants. At the same time, we focus on the revised interest in the US market. There are many projects looking to get into the US and combine with its ecosystem, and we are well positioned to help – we are connected to every major exchange both worldwide and the US
Finally, we continue to rely on the advocacy of regulation and help in the shape of the effective, the structures of the pro-contradictory market that enable both development and liquidity.
