LME Chief Jumps to Crypto Custodian
Posted by Colin Lambert. Last updated: January 24, 2022
Matthew Chamberlain, CEO of the London Metal Exchange, has joined digital assets custody services provider Komainu – a joint venture between Nomura, CoinShares and Ledger – as CEO.
Chamberlain joins Komainu during a period of growth for the company, it says, highlighting how, in 2021, it raised $25m in a Series A funding round and achieved key ISO and ISAE operational certifications. In his role as CEO, Chamberlain will be responsible for the continued growth of the company, as it further develops its platform to offer a comprehensive range of services for institutions looking to expand and establish their digital asset footprint.
“I have always been passionate about building safe and efficient solutions to ensure global markets function as effectively as possible,” says Chamberlain. “With its regulated institutional custody platform for cryptocurrencies and broader digital assets, Komainu’s hybrid servicing model combines the best of traditional and decentralised finance, and truly represents the natural evolution of our industry.
“I believe strongly in the transformative capacity of a blockchain-empowered world – but such technologies will only deliver their true potential when robust infrastructure exists to make them easily and reliably available to all those who wish to participate in this unprecedented period of financial democratisation,” he adds.
Henson Orser who has been acting CEO at the firm, is stepping into the role of president of Komainu.
“The rapid growth of the crypto asset space will need to be underpinned by professional market infrastructure providers,” says Pascal Gauthier, CEO of Ledger. “Komainu is positioned in precisely this sweet spot, and we look forward to its continued growth and development.”
Jean-Marie Mognetti, CEO of CoinShares, says, “The digital asset industry is maturing and needs experienced professionals to support the institutionalisation shift at work,” while
Jezri Mohideen, global chief digital officer, wholesale at Nomura, adds, “Komainu is a custodian built by institutions for institutions, and we are confident that Matthew’s experience will allow us to continue delivering on this vital mission.”