Copper Appoints Former Goldman Sachs Exec as CEO to Lead Strategic Expansion

Copper Appoints Former Goldman Sachs Exec as CEO to Lead Strategic Expansion

Crypto custodian Copper has named Amar Kuchinad, a former managing director at Goldman Sachs, as its new group CEO, replacing Dmitry Tokarev. The company is targeting greater expansion in the U.S. and aims to attract more traditional financial institutions (TradFi) into the digital asset space. Kuchinad brings extensive experience from his time at Goldman Sachs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where he worked on modernizing financial trading systems.

Amar Kuchinad's Experience Brings Strategic Edge to Copper

Amar Kuchinad’s career spans several notable roles, including managing director at Goldman Sachs, where he led the U.S. Portfolio Credit Trading division. He later served as a senior policy advisor at the SEC before founding Electronifie, a company focused on modernizing bond trading through digital innovations. His background positions him as a key asset to Copper as it seeks to expand in the U.S. market and deepen its relationship with traditional financial firms interested in blockchain technology.

Former CEO Dmitry Tokarev, who led the company for seven years, is stepping down from his position but will continue as a board member and key strategic shareholder. Tokarev praised Kuchinad’s appointment, stating that his expertise makes him ideal for ensuring Copper's long-term success.

Copper’s Focus on TradFi and U.S. Expansion

Copper’s primary focus is providing secure infrastructure solutions for digital asset trading and custody within the blockchain industry. The company has positioned itself as a partner for traditional financial institutions (TradFi) looking to explore blockchain’s potential for trade settlement, cost reduction, and enhanced security.

The firm is looking to leverage recent regulatory advancements in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi while pushing for a stronger presence in the U.S. market under Kuchinad’s leadership. Copper had previously signed a licensing deal with State Street, although this agreement was terminated last year.