Ex-NAB markets GM joins digital assets custodian

Former Executive General Manager, Markets at National Australia Bank (NAB), Drew Bradford, has joined the Australian arm of digital asset custodian, Zodia Custody, as its non-Executive Chairman.

Bradford will take on responsibility for leading the firm’s launch and growth in the Australian market commencing with its SAF3 platform, a digital asset custody platform geared toward institutional investors.

“Zodia Custody stands out in a crypto native digital asset world, as a fintech built by institutions, for institutions, combining the technology and agility of a start-up with the dependability and assurance of global Tier-1 financial institutions,” Bradford said.

“I look forward to bringing my own financial markets experience to a new challenge, ensuring Australian institutions are well-prepared to survive and thrive in a digital asset future.”

Zodia Custody Australia has also appointed David Ball, a former director of digital asset company Bitgo’s APAC operations, as Head of Business Development for the region. Also a founding Board Member of Fintech Australia, Ball will be responsible for serving corporate and institutional clients using the SAF3 platform and further services launching in 2024 to holistically manage their digital asset activities.

“The Australian market is integral to our global ambitions. Both Drew and David are high calibre additions to our growing team in the region, who will undoubtedly make that vision become a reality through their wealth of leadership and expertise in the worlds of fintech and digital assets,” Julian Sawyer, CEO of Zodia Custody, said.

“They will be joining the team at an incredibly exciting moment for Zodia Custody. Following a successful launch event, we are moving at speed to innovate the digital asset ecosystem locally and globally to enable financial institutions to maxmise the opportunities it presents.”

Zodia Custody is owned by several banks and investment managers including Standard Chartered, SBI Holdings and Northern Trust. Its recent Australian launch follows expansion into Singapore and Hong Kong.