An Audience With

Zodia Markets CEO Usman Ahmad: Crypto sector must challenge poor behaviour

The trading platform boss on why the industry has to grow up, expansion in the Middle East, and taking time out to coach cricket

The boss of the Standard Chartered-backed crypto firm is still bullish on the outlook for digital assets
The boss of the Standard Chartered-backed crypto firm is still bullish on the outlook for digital assets Photo: Danilo Agutoli for FN

Zodia Markets boss Usman Ahmad grew up with a passion for cricket. Entering the fast-paced world of crypto has not hampered his enthusiasm for the game — it’s even helped him start playing again.

Ahmad’s career spans more than 30 years, and he’s worked with traditional banking giants including Bank of America and HSBC. He entered the world of crypto in 2018 as group chief information officer of Hong Kong-based digital assets firm OSL Group. Three years later, he co-founded Standard Chartered-backed crypto firm Zodia Markets, of which he is now the chief executive.

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