Blockchain.com Hires Former Goldman Sachs Exec as CFO

In a significant development, Blockchain.com, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has appointed Justin Evans, a former Goldman Sachs executive, as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Blockchain.com Taps CFO and COO Amid Expansion

According to Bloomberg, Evans previously led Goldman’s crypto investment banking unit and was involved in major deals, including Coinbase’s direct listing in 2021.

The company has also hired Mike Wilcox as its next Chief Operating Officer (COO). Wilcox, who has held leadership roles as CFO at Velocity Global and served as a portfolio manager at Point72, will be joining Blockchain.com from consulting firm AlixPartners.

The firm said that these deliberate appointments are part of its plan to expand employees by 50% as it positions itself for future expansion.

Blockchain.com Moves Closer to a Public Listing

Since entering the cryptocurrency space, Blockchain.com has consistently expressed interest in becoming a publicly traded company. The timing appears more favorable with Wall Street firms showing increased openness to crypto businesses.

Evans acknowledged that the U.S.’s regulatory environment has improved significantly compared to previous years, making an IPO more feasible.

“Having worked with crypto companies during my time at Goldman, I’ve seen firsthand how dynamic this industry can be,” Evans said in an interview. “Joining at this stage of the company’s journey presents growth opportunities and allows me to contribute meaningfully to its next chapter.”

The new CFO also stated that Blockchain.com is “taking the necessary steps to become a public company, if and when the public markets are available.”

Crypto Firms Gear Up for Public Market Debuts

Notably, Blockchain.com is not the only crypto exchange that is pursuing a public listing. Circle, the company behind the $55 billion USDC stablecoin, filed for an IPO with the SEC in January last year following a failed attempt to go public in 2022. 

Similarly, Kraken has been vocal about its intentions to go public. Meanwhile, firms such as BitGo, Gemini, and Bullish are also exploring public listings.

Similarly, major banks like Morgan Stanley and Bank of America are gradually warming up to crypto firms, signaling a shift in Wall Street’s stance on digital assets. Also, Royal Bank of Canada, which entered the crypto space with its first significant partnership last year, is looking to expand its crypto footprint further.

Consequently, with a refreshed leadership team and a more favorable market outlook, the company is positioning itself for a solid recovery.

Meanwhile, Bitwise anticipates trillions in crypto market growth following Trump’s crypto order, which could significantly influence Wall Street’s involvement in the sector.