Constance Wang: From FTX to Pacifica – The Journey of a Global Fintech Leader
In the world of finance and cryptocurrency, very few names have risen as quickly as Constance Wang. Once recognized as one of the youngest executives at a global crypto exchange, she has built an impressive career that spans traditional banking, blockchain technology, and entrepreneurship. Today, as the Co-Founder of Pacifica, she is helping to redefine trading platforms with a focus on performance, design, and intelligent automation. This article explores her background, professional journey, and the impact she continues to make on the global fintech and Web3 landscape.
Early Life and Education
Academic Excellence at a Young Age
Constance Wang’s path to finance began in Singapore, where she pursued her education with outstanding achievements. She enrolled at the National University of Singapore (NUS), completing a rigorous four-year honors program in just three years. Majoring in Finance, she graduated with Second Upper Honors, an accomplishment that placed her in the top tier of her cohort.
Her education extended beyond Singapore. She participated in exchange programs at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earning scholarships and recognition for her academic performance. Alongside her studies, she also excelled in extracurricular activities, becoming a decorated ballroom dancer and winning multiple championships in Waltz, Tango, Quickstep, and other categories.
Building a Foundation in Banking and Finance
Before diving into cryptocurrency, Wang built a strong base in traditional finance. She completed a Diploma in Banking & Finance at Temasek Polytechnic, graduating among the top three percent of her business school cohort. During this time, she earned several awards for leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement. This early recognition foreshadowed her rapid ascent in the global financial industry.
Career Beginnings in Traditional Finance
Credit Suisse – Risk and Controls
Wang began her professional career at Credit Suisse in Singapore, where she worked in private banking with a focus on AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance. She later advanced to the APAC Risk and Controls team, where she made significant contributions:
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Led initiatives to redesign managerial reporting processes, reducing report production time from three weeks to five days.
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Performed due diligence on more than 50 private banking relationships across Asia.
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Designed semi-automated reconciliation processes to improve efficiency and reduce human error.
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Coordinated AML framework improvements using technology like R programming and Palantir.
Her work demonstrated her ability to merge compliance, data analytics, and process improvement—skills that would later prove invaluable in the crypto world.
Huobi Global – Business Development
In 2018, Wang transitioned into blockchain with Huobi Global, a major cryptocurrency exchange. As Business Development Manager for the APAC region, she was responsible for institutional sales, building investor communities, and forming partnerships with blockchain startups. Within less than a year, she earned the “Best Employee Award” for her outstanding contributions.
Rise to Prominence at FTX
Joining FTX as One of the First Executives
In 2019, Wang joined FTX, the cryptocurrency derivatives exchange founded by Sam Bankman-Fried and his team. She was among the first five founding members, stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Her responsibilities were vast and included global user growth, international partnerships, marketing, institutional services, and regional expansion.
Achievements as COO
During her tenure, FTX grew into one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, valued at $32 billion at its peak. Wang led initiatives that contributed directly to this rapid growth:
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Built and scaled institutional sales and liquidity management teams.
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Expanded FTX operations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
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Developed global marketing strategies that positioned FTX as a household name in cryptocurrency.
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Oversaw operations that supported more than nine million registered users and daily trading volumes exceeding $15 billion.
Her leadership was instrumental in transforming FTX into the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world.
FTX Digital Markets – Co-CEO
In January 2022, Wang was appointed Co-CEO of FTX Digital Markets, the Bahamian subsidiary of FTX. In this role, she spearheaded the development of FTX’s headquarters in Nassau. She facilitated staff relocation, managed logistics, and fostered collaboration between international employees and the local Bahamian community. She also built critical relationships with governmental and commercial stakeholders, strengthening FTX’s presence in the Caribbean.
The Collapse of FTX
Despite its meteoric rise, FTX collapsed in November 2022, sending shockwaves throughout the financial world. As COO and Co-CEO of its Bahamian unit, Wang’s name inevitably appeared in coverage of the fallout. However, there has been no evidence of wrongdoing on her part. Reports indicated she cooperated with authorities and shifted her focus to new opportunities after the collapse.
Reinvention with Ryze Labs
Partner at Ryze Labs
In June 2023, Wang joined Ryze Labs (formerly Sino Global Capital), a venture capital firm investing in Web3 projects. She served as a Partner, leading initiatives that supported builders of the next generation of the internet, particularly in emerging markets.
Her focus was on democratizing access to blockchain technology and accelerating adoption in regions with untapped potential. This role allowed her to apply her experience in global operations, partnerships, and scaling strategies to nurture early-stage companies.
Co-Founding Pacifica
A New Beginning
In early 2025, Constance Wang co-founded Pacifica, a next-generation trading platform based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Hong Kong. The venture was established by a team of seasoned founders and experts from top financial institutions, leading crypto exchanges, and AI pioneers.
Vision for Pacifica
Pacifica was created to address shortcomings in existing trading platforms, such as poor execution speeds, latency issues, and subpar user experiences. Its mission is to deliver:
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Exceptional trading performance through cutting-edge infrastructure.
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AI-powered smart tools that make advanced trading strategies accessible to everyday users.
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Seamless design and user-first principles to redefine the trading experience.
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Transparency and empowerment, ensuring all value created benefits users directly.
In less than six months, the Pacifica team launched both its testnet and mainnet, a testament to its speed and technical expertise. By self-funding, the company has maintained independence and aligned incentives with its community.
Skills and Personal Interests
Leadership Style
Wang’s career demonstrates strong skills in leadership, cross-cultural collaboration, and organizational growth. She excels in building teams from scratch, scaling operations, and forging global partnerships.
Personal Achievements
Outside of finance, Wang is a competitive ballroom dancer. She has won multiple championships across Asia in categories like Waltz, Tango, and Quickstep. Her discipline in dance parallels the determination and precision she brings to her professional life.
Conclusion
Constance Wang represents a new generation of financial leaders who seamlessly bridge traditional banking, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence. From her early days at Credit Suisse and Huobi to her pivotal role as COO of FTX, she has consistently demonstrated resilience, vision, and the ability to lead global teams.
While the collapse of FTX was a major setback, Wang has shown remarkable adaptability, reinventing herself through venture capital at Ryze Labs and now as the Co-Founder of Pacifica. Her journey reflects not only the volatility of the crypto industry but also the opportunities for those bold enough to innovate.
With Pacifica, she is once again at the forefront of redefining how global trading platforms function. Her story is far from over, and it will be fascinating to watch how she shapes the future of finance and technology in the years ahead.
