Uniswap Labs President Mary-Catherine Lader Departs After Four-Year Run

Mary-Catherine Lader has stepped down as President and COO of Uniswap Labs, ending a four-year tenure that helped shape the company into a leading player in decentralized finance.

Lader announced her departure via social media on Tuesday, writing: “Personal news: after four incredible years as President & COO of @Uniswap, I’m starting something new.” She added that her journey began at BlackRock in 2015 and praised her experience building alongside Uniswap founder Hayden Adams.

Lader joined Uniswap Labs in 2021 after leading digital asset efforts at BlackRock. During her time at Uniswap, she oversaw major product and operational expansion, including the launch of the Uniswap mobile wallet and cross-chain support. She also helped guide the company through increasing regulatory scrutiny in the U.S.

Her exit comes as Uniswap navigates a changing policy landscape. In 2024, the SEC issued a Wells notice alleging Uniswap Labs operated as an unregistered exchange and broker. The company also settled with the CFTC for $175,000 over frontend access to leveraged crypto derivatives.

Despite these challenges, Uniswap continues to thrive, with over $5.3 billion in total value locked. The protocol has benefited from a more favorable regulatory shift under the Trump administration, which supports crypto innovation through efforts like the GENIUS Act and proposals for a national bitcoin reserve.

Lader’s successor has not yet been named. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Uniswap’s evolution — one defined by rapid growth, regulatory battles, and DeFi leadership.