Blockchain.com Bolsters IPO Bid with Crypto Veterans
1min read Blockchain.com, a leading digital-asset exchange, has hired two prominent industry veterans as it prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO). Justin Evans, the former head of crypto investment banking at Goldman Sachs, has joined the company as its new chief financial officer. Mike Wilcox, a former portfolio manager at Point72 Asset Management and CFO of Velocity Global, has been appointed as the new chief operating officer.
The hires come as Blockchain.com aims to expand its workforce by 50% and strengthen its ties with the broader financial industry. Evans, who led Goldman's crypto investment banking arm, brings extensive experience in the digital asset space. Wilcox, with his background in portfolio management and consulting, will help streamline the company's operations.
Blockchain.com's IPO plans are part of a broader trend among crypto companies seeking to tap into public markets. The election of crypto-supporter Donald Trump as president is expected to create a more favorable regulatory environment in the US, potentially unleashing a wave of activity in the industry.
Evans, who has worked with crypto companies during his time at Goldman Sachs, sees significant growth opportunities at Blockchain.com. He believes the company is taking the necessary steps to become a public entity when the public markets are available. Other crypto companies, such as Circle Internet Financial Ltd. and Kraken, have also expressed interest in going public.
While at Goldman Sachs, Evans played a crucial role in building the firm's crypto investment banking unit and advising on deals like Coinbase's direct listing and Circle's planned IPO via a special purpose acquisition company. Other major banks, such as Morgan Stanley and Bank of America, are also exploring opportunities to form relationships with crypto companies and facilitate deals in the digital asset industry.
Evans left Goldman Sachs in May 2024 to become CFO of subscription service KiwiCo. Prior to his role at Goldman Sachs, he served as head of emerging fintech investment banking at Barclays. Blockchain.com, which was affected by the collapse of Three Arrows Capital hedge fund in 2022, has since raised $110 million in funding led by UK-based Kingsway Capital.
