Starling Bank co-founder becomes CEO of Bitstamp

Julian Sawyer, a co-founder of Starling Bank, has been appointed as the new CEO of crypto exchange Bitstamp. 

Nejc Kodrič, the firm’s co-founder and outgoing CEO is stepping down but will join its board. 

Bitstamp was founded in 2011 making it the oldest and one of the largest by volume cryptocurrency exchanges in the world.  It also powers Revolut's crypto wallets and exchange functions.

Sawyer was until recently managing director of UK and Europe at Gemini.  

In May 2015, Sawyer co-founded Starling Bank alongside Anne Boden where he served as Chief Operating Officer until 2019,  

Prior to this, he has served as a consultant and advisor to other challenger banks and founded Bluerock Consulting, a financial management consulting firm. 

“Bitstamp has an unrivalled reputation in our industry that dates back to the start of the company more than nine years ago. I feel privileged to have been asked to join as CEO and become part of a fantastic team across Europe, the US and Singapore,” said Sawyer.  

“Cryptocurrency is at a pivotal moment with greater interest from institutional firms, regulators and central banks assessing the opportunities and an ever-evolving community of investors and traders. Bitstamp plays a critical role in helping all these stakeholders come together through our industry-leading technology and an unwavering focus on regulation.” 

Kodrič said: “Based on the direction of the company, Julian’s expertise in the complexities of global banking makes him the right choice to lead Bitstamp into its next phase. He understands the possibilities that cryptocurrency holds for our world and how to integrate it with existing financial structures”.