Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX), an institutional-grade, regulated and insured token sale platform and digital asset exchange, today has announced that Kurt Looyens, former Country Executive for ABN AMRO Bank Spain, has been appointed as CEO. He takes over from Nick Cowan, who will now work exclusively as CEO of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange (GSX) and the GSX Group.
Looyens joined the GBX in July 2018 as Head of Business Development and transitions into the role of CEO having amassed extensive leadership experience in corporate and private banking, as well as experience running businesses across four continents with ABN AMRO Bank. Looyens held a number of senior positions during a stellar career with ABN AMRO Bank, including time as Chief Strategist and Global Head of Business Development within the International Diamond and Jewelry Group of ABN AMRO on a global scale (US, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia).
Commenting on the appointment, Kurt Looyens said, “I am excited to take the reigns of the GBX as we embark on an exciting new phase of development. This is a very interesting period for the wider GSX Group, following last week’s announcement that the GSX Global Market (GSX GM) will now offer the listing of digital debt and digital fund securities on its multilateral trading facility (MTF). My experience building up regional businesses with ABN AMRO Bank, coupled with my in-depth knowledge of financial solutions for a global audience has prepared me to drive the GBX forward as a world-leading digital asset exchange.”
Looyens begins his tenure as CEO during an extensive phase of token additions to the GBX Digital Asset Exchange (GBX-DAX), an exchange created for professional crypto asset traders in mind. The GBX received its full Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Licence from the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) in November 2018.
“We are pleased to have Kurt transition into the position of CEO of the GBX, following a very successful spell as Head of Business Development. His vast experience in finance, business development, and regulatory matters will provide the GBX with essential leadership to cement its position as a leading digital asset exchange. Kurt shares the overarching vision for the close interaction between the GSX and the GBX, with both entities working in tandem to capture the spirit of collaboration that has fuelled Gibraltar’s pursuit of blockchain innovation.”
“GBX and GSX have played a prominent role in Gibraltar’s emergence as a thriving blockchain hub. Part of this success has stemmed from building a strong sense of trust within our community, recognizing the needs and expectations of traders and putting them first. Broadening the reach of blockchain technology and digital assets to as many users as possible has always been at the heart of our efforts and I look forward to leading the next chapter of success for the GBX,” concluded Looyens.
