crypto-exchange

Chief Operating Officer of bitFlyer Europe

bitFlyer is (by some measures) the largest bitcoin exchange in the world. We became the No.1 and a household name in our home country Japan mainly thanks to a successful brand strategy, and from that position of strength I was hired to repeat our success overseas in the EU market. As COO / Co-head of the EU expansion project, this marked my first professional position in crypto, following a keen personal interest in the space since it's early days (sadly not early enough for me to retire just yet...)

Highlights

  • Grew headcount from 2-25 in 12 months

  • Built business from scratch to launch bitFlyer's product range in new markets

  • Acquired a Payment Institution (PI) License from the Luxembourg Financial Authorities, making bitFlyer the first bitcoin exchange in the world to be regulated in Japan, the EU, and the US combined

  • Regularly featured in the media (articles/podcasts) as spokesman / industry thought leader

Launching our bitcoin Exchange on-stage at London Blockchain Week (January 2018)

bitFlyer Lightning is part of our product offering that is particularly suited for sophisticated traders & investors

Andy LinkedIn Interview

One of many on-stage appearances, this time a panel discussion at ICT Spring in Luxembourg

One of our Japanese TV commercials

From far left: Japan Ambassador, my business partner, Minister of Finance Pierre Gramegna, and me

From far left: Japan Ambassador, my business partner, Minister of Finance Pierre Gramegna, and me