Koine Secures Former SDX CEO as Chair of Advisory Board

Koine has managed to secure the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SIX Digital Exchange (SDX), Martin Halblaub, as Chair of its advisory board, the company announced this Tuesday.
The appointment of Halblaub will be effective from the 1st of January 2020. It is the first of a series of hires to the Global Advisory Board of the institutional custodian and settlement service provider.

The Global Advisory Board will be formed in order to support the company as it continues on its growth trajectory, the statement said. Halblaub will use his experience at SDX to help guide the company.
Namely, at the digital exchange, Halblaub shaped the business’ strategy, model and core technology. He was also responsible for the client and product portfolio. As the CEO he also built the operating company.
Martin Halblaub leaves SDX due to strategic differences
As , he stepped down from his leading role at SDX due to strategic differences. Reportedly, this was in regards to him wanting to launch SDX as an independent company, whereas the board of the parent company SIX Group did not agree.
Commenting on the appointment, Phil Mochan, Founder and Head of Strategy & Corporate Development at Koine, said: “Koine brings together experienced capital market professionals with entrepreneurial spirit to create digital infrastructure solutions for market participants seeking to win out from the digital transformation process.
“As the former CEO of SDX, the Swiss-based digital exchange established by SIX, which has pioneered the entry of digital assets into the institutional market, Martin has the insight, know-how and reputation in bringing digital assets and money to the institutional capital markets and supporting incumbents with their digital transitions. He is a fantastic addition to our team.”
In January, Halblaub will join a senior team of founders and non-executive directors from companies such as Société Générale, EY, Bacs Payment Schemes, Bank of England and Kleinwort Benson and more.
In addition to being the CEO of SDX, Halblaub was also a Senior Advisor to , the parent company of the digital exchange. During his career, he has held positions such as Chairman, Board Member, CEO and Senior Executive at asset managers and financial institutions.