Copper names former SEC policy advisor as new global CEO

DIGITAL asset custody and management platform Copper.co has named Amar Kuchinad as its new Global CEO.

Kuchinad will lead Copper’s global growth strategy, driving its institutional-first approach to expansion across core markets.

The new CEO says strengthening the brand's US presence whilst building on recent regulatory milestones in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi will be central to his approach.

Kuchinad takes over from Copper’s founder Dmitry Tokarev, who has stepped back from his role as CEO after seven years. Tokarev will remain closely involved in Copper’s future, both as the board’s founder director and as a strategic shareholder.

Having launched his career at Credit Suisse, Kuchinad became a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs where he was Head of US Portfolio Credit Trading. He then served as a Senior Policy Advisor to the US Securities and Exchange Commission before founding Electronifie to enhance bond trading through systemic and digital innovation.

As the driving force behind Electronifie’s SEC-registered alternative trading platform, Kuchinad has proven experience combining capital efficiency and effective risk management.

Those credentials were recognised as highly relevant to Copper’s custody and trading solutions 'ClearLoop' - the largest global network for off-exchange settlement of digital assets. Since the start of 2024, ClearLoop is processing a monthly average of 20 million trades with a notional value of $100bn.

Following the successful acquisition of Electronifie by fixed income trading platform Trumid in 2017, Kuchinad oversaw all aspects of Trumid’s strategic direction as Chief Strategy Officer, before spending more than four years as a Senior Managing Director at investment manager Pretium.

“Since its inception, Copper has set the institutional standard for digital assets," said Amar Kuchinad.

"This remarkable track record of innovation and growth is testament to Dmitry Tokarev’s years of visionary leadership, both as Founder and CEO. I look forward to working alongside Dmitry, the board, and an outstanding global team to lead the next phase of Copper’s global growth.”

Dmitry Tokarev, Founder Director, Copper.co, added: “We covered all bases to find the right candidate for this vitally important role and I know that Amar is ideally placed to ensure Copper’s continued long-term success. As our board’s Founder Director, I will continue to be closely involved as we embark on this pivotal new chapter and the next phase of our company’s evolution.”

Copper's Chairman - former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Hammond - said he was delighted to see the new CEO appointed.

"His skill sets and experience provide the perfect complement to Dmitry’s technical strengths as we deploy our industry-leading technology to support global financial institutions to trade and safeguard digital assets of all kinds," he said.

"Dmitry will remain a key member of the Copper Board and I am confident that we now have the team in place to deliver the next stage of Copper’s global growth story.”