Meet Hex Trust's management team, board of directors, and advisory board. Our team has decades of experience in banking, finance, and building complex technology platforms for some of the largest financial institutions in the world.
Alessio Quaglini has over 15 years of professional experience, developed in banking, regulatory body and management consulting.
Prior to joining Hex Trust, Alessio was the Head of Strategy Asia for BBVA, overseeing the overall business development and geographical footprint in Asia. Among the responsibilities, Alessio helped the Bank set up branches and obtain regulatory approvals in Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, and Japan. Alessio was subsequently Director of Financial Institutions at First Abu Dhabi Bank, where he was responsible for developing the bank's business with Financial Institutions and Non-Bank Financial Institutions in North Asia. Alessio also worked at the Italian Financial Services Authority (Consob) in Rome, where he was responsible for the supervision of public equity and derivatives markets in the market abuse department.
Alessio earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in telecommunication engineering from La Sapienza University in Rome and his MBA from IE Business School.
Alessio Quaglini has over 15 years of professional experience, developed in banking, regulatory body and management consulting.
Prior to joining Hex Trust, Alessio was the Head of Strategy Asia for BBVA, overseeing the overall business development and geographical footprint in Asia. Among the responsibilities, Alessio helped the Bank set up branches and obtain regulatory approvals in Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, and Japan. Alessio was subsequently Director of Financial Institutions at First Abu Dhabi Bank, where he was responsible for developing the bank's business with Financial Institutions and Non-Bank Financial Institutions in North Asia. Alessio also worked at the Italian Financial Services Authority (Consob) in Rome, where he was responsible for the supervision of public equity and derivatives markets in the market abuse department.
Alessio earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in telecommunication engineering from La Sapienza University in Rome and his MBA from IE Business School.
Rafal Czerniawski is a veteran financial technologist and entrepreneur with a career spanning thirty years in software and product development for investment banks. Most notably, Rafal was CTO at CLSA for five years, one of Asia’s largest brokerage and investment firms, which was acquired by CITIC Securities for US$1.3 billion.
Prior to that, Rafal was CIO at SetClear and spent part of his early career at Deutsche Bank, Bankers Trust and Macquarie Bank. Rafal is the founder of Betatron, one of Asia’s leading startup accelerators and investment funds. To date, the firm has invested in 36 startups over the last three years. Rafal was also the CTO of Quikspaces, an online marketplace for flexible workspace rentals, which was acquired in 2019.
Rafal graduated from the University of Newcastle with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science.
Rafal Czerniawski is a veteran financial technologist and entrepreneur with a career spanning thirty years in software and product development for investment banks. Most notably, Rafal was CTO at CLSA for five years, one of Asia’s largest brokerage and investment firms, which was acquired by CITIC Securities for US$1.3 billion.
Prior to that, Rafal was CIO at SetClear and spent part of his early career at Deutsche Bank, Bankers Trust and Macquarie Bank. Rafal is the founder of Betatron, one of Asia’s leading startup accelerators and investment funds. To date, the firm has invested in 36 startups over the last three years. Rafal was also the CTO of Quikspaces, an online marketplace for flexible workspace rentals, which was acquired in 2019.
Rafal graduated from the University of Newcastle with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science.
Marty Jetton’s professional career began in Investment Banking with The Chase Manhattan Bank and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. He has built and managed enterprise-wide risk management teams in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
During the 1990’s, Marty set up Chase’s first global custody operation in China, India, and Bangladesh. More recently, Marty was a founding partner in Ultifin Limited, a virtual investment bank focusing on utilization of blockchain to increase the efficiency and lower operational risk of cross border trade finance.
Marty gained his preliminary interest and experience in Asia during his study at the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona, where he obtained his Masters of International Management degree, specializing in Southeast Asian Studies.
Marty Jetton’s professional career began in Investment Banking with The Chase Manhattan Bank and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. He has built and managed enterprise-wide risk management teams in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
During the 1990’s, Marty set up Chase’s first global custody operation in China, India, and Bangladesh. More recently, Marty was a founding partner in Ultifin Limited, a virtual investment bank focusing on utilization of blockchain to increase the efficiency and lower operational risk of cross border trade finance.
Marty gained his preliminary interest and experience in Asia during his study at the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona, where he obtained his Masters of International Management degree, specializing in Southeast Asian Studies.
Sam Ameen is a marketing expert and entrepreneur who has been focusing on the blockchain and technology sectors for the last eight years.
Sam is one of the founding team members of Betatron, a Venture Capital firm and accelerator which has invested in 36 startups over the last four years. Sam mentors startups on their marketing strategy and helps them scale online by building their brand, acquiring users / clients via paid and organic acquisition channels, and generating press and media coverage. Prior to that, Sam built a digital marketing agency and has worked on and advised over 20 blockchain projects on their marketing strategies.
Sam regularly contributes his insights and opinions on the blockchain and technology ecosystem via his articles published on media platforms such as Forbes and Tech in Asia, amongst others. Sam graduated studying Investment & Finance from the Henley Business School.
Sam Ameen is a marketing expert and entrepreneur who has been focusing on the blockchain and technology sectors for the last eight years.
Sam is one of the founding team members of Betatron, a Venture Capital firm and accelerator which has invested in 36 startups over the last four years. Sam mentors startups on their marketing strategy and helps them scale online by building their brand, acquiring users / clients via paid and organic acquisition channels, and generating press and media coverage. Prior to that, Sam built a digital marketing agency and has worked on and advised over 20 blockchain projects on their marketing strategies.
Sam regularly contributes his insights and opinions on the blockchain and technology ecosystem via his articles published on media platforms such as Forbes and Tech in Asia, amongst others. Sam graduated studying Investment & Finance from the Henley Business School.
Calvin Shen has more than 10 years of financial services and investment experience across fintech start-ups and asset management.
As the Head of Sales & Business Development of Hex Trust, Calvin works closely with clients to provide bespoke blockchain and custody solutions to help them bridge the worlds of digital assets and traditional finance. Prior to joining Hex Trust, Calvin was at Figure Technologies, a fintech and blockchain start-up based in San Francisco. Previously, he spent time at PIMCO, SSGA, Deloitte and BNY Mellon across portfolio management, business development and institutional sales based in the United States.
He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA in economics from UC San Diego and is a CFA and CAIA charter holder.
Calvin Shen has more than 10 years of financial services and investment experience across fintech start-ups and asset management.
As the Head of Sales & Business Development of Hex Trust, Calvin works closely with clients to provide bespoke blockchain and custody solutions to help them bridge the worlds of digital assets and traditional finance. Prior to joining Hex Trust, Calvin was at Figure Technologies, a fintech and blockchain start-up based in San Francisco. Previously, he spent time at PIMCO, SSGA, Deloitte and BNY Mellon across portfolio management, business development and institutional sales based in the United States.
He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA in economics from UC San Diego and is a CFA and CAIA charter holder.
Rajah Thiyagarajah has proven pivotal to the integration of large-scale applications, serving as a member of internal and global customer advisory boards of numerous worldwide Fortune 100 companies, including Symantec and Cisco.
At present, Rajah is dedicated to developing advances in big data / smart analytics /cloud / social and interactive technology, and has successfully defined a unique deal matching platform (Eco-system) for the fintech startup Ultifin in Hong Kong. Prior to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Rajah served as Chief Information Officer and member of the core management team for 13 years with CSLA Limited.
During his tenure, Rajah was recognized as a Top 100 Premiere IT Leader Worldwide by Computerworld in 2007. Rajah is a graduate of the Helsinki School of Economics and Business Administration where he earned an Executive Master of Business Administration as well as a Graduate Diploma in Electronic Commerce. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Studies from the East London University.
Alessio Quaglini has over 15 years of professional experience, developed in banking, regulatory body and management consulting.
Prior to joining Hex Trust, Alessio was the Head of Strategy Asia for BBVA, overseeing the overall business development and geographical footprint in Asia. Among the responsibilities, Alessio helped the Bank set up branches and obtain regulatory approvals in Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, and Japan. Alessio was subsequently Director of Financial Institutions at First Abu Dhabi Bank, where he was responsible for developing the bank's business with Financial Institutions and Non-Bank Financial Institutions in North Asia. Alessio also worked at the Italian Financial Services Authority (Consob) in Rome, where he was responsible for the supervision of public equity and derivatives markets in the market abuse department.
Alessio earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in telecommunication engineering from La Sapienza University in Rome and his MBA from IE Business School.
Marc Amez-Droz has over 30 years of experience and entrepreneurship in Hong Kong.
Prior to being the Chairman of Hex Trust, he has co-founded Betatron, a startup accelerator in Hong Kong, IC Studios and has invested in many start-up companies focused on the technology and fintech business.
Rafal Czerniawski is a veteran financial technologist and entrepreneur with a career spanning thirty years in software and product development for investment banks. Most notably, Rafal was CTO at CLSA for five years, one of Asia’s largest brokerage and investment firms, which was acquired by CITIC Securities for US$1.3 billion.
Prior to that, Rafal was CIO at SetClear and spent part of his early career at Deutsche Bank, Bankers Trust and Macquarie Bank. Rafal is the founder of Betatron, one of Asia’s leading startup accelerators and investment funds. To date, the firm has invested in 36 startups over the last three years. Rafal was also the CTO of Quikspaces, an online marketplace for flexible workspace rentals, which was acquired in 2019.
Rafal graduated from the University of Newcastle with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science.
Jehan Chu has been a pioneer in the digital asset space in Asia since 2013. He founded the Ethereum Hong Kong meetup in 2014, is the Founding co-Chairman of the Fintech Association of Hong Kong Blockchain Committee, Regional Head of the Interwork Alliance, co-Founder of Social Alpha Foundation, and a Kauffman Fellow.
Jehan joins the Board of Directors to bring his industry knowledge and network to help Hex Trust scale its enterprise adoption.
Almost 30 years experience in Corporate & Investment Banking in primary European Institutions based in Milan, London and now Hong Kong[, including Intesa San Paolo, UBS and Dresdner Kleinwort Benson (now part of Commerzbank)]. Over a decade as Head of Corporate & Investment Banking Italy at Santander until 2015. Since then in Hong Kong with Santander at first in the Executive Committee of the APAC unit as Head Global Debt and lately as Head of Financial Sponsors.
Since the 90’ Angel investor in several successful European startups including Edreams and Lastminute.com. Mentor in the BHeroes accelerator program in Italy.
Jack Lee is the founding managing partner of HCM Capital, the first global venture investment arm of Foxconn Technology Group. HCM Capital concentrates its investments mainly on companies applying new technologies or innovative business models, such as blockchain and data technology.
Jack has invested in a number of fintech companies, including Abra, located in Silicon Valley which has built the world's first decentralized digital cash conversion and peer-to-peer remittance platform. Chained Finance, which is dedicated to providing faster and lower-cost solutions for supply chain finance on the blockchain. And, Figure Technologies, a San Francisco-based fintech company that leverages AI, Fintech and Blockchain to facilitate loans origination and trading. Currently, Jack serves as a Board Director to several fintech/blockchain companies, including Galaxy Digital, Abra, Cambridge Blockchain, Chained Finance, and several more.
Before joining Foxconn in 2007, Jack was the Deputy General Manager of Yuanta Polaris Financial, one of the leading banks/securities group in Taiwan. Prior to that, he served at JP Morgan as an investment banker and has several years of banking experience at Citi Group.
Jack has an MBA from UCLA Anderson in California, and a bachelor's degree in business administration from the National Taiwan University in Taiwan.
Chris Lobello has more than 20 years of experience in Asian financial markets, in roles ranging from risk modelling to quantitative analysis to country and regional management.
As the Head of Strategy at Hex Trust, Chris drives the effort to meet customer needs by bridging blockchain technology capabilities and traditional financial systems. He serves as an adjunct professor and lecturer at several of Asia’s top business schools, teaching courses on decision making, risk management, business ethics, and of course fintech.
Chris also serves on various industry boards and committees, including several of the FTSE global advisory committees and his work as a board member for CQAsia, the Asian branch of the Chicago Quantitative Alliance. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from Illinois Benedictine College and his MBA from INSEAD.
Nick Adamus is an independent investor/advisor and business angel in Zürich and Hong Kong and the founder/ CEO of Swiss Dragon Group Ltd.
He previously worked at Credit Suisse AG in several roles, including Chief Operating Officer Asia Pacific, Head of Securities Trading and Sales in Switzerland, and Head of Corporate Development of the Group. Prior to that he served at McKinsey & Company, where he was a partner in the Firm and predominantly active in the Financial Institutions and Corporate Finance practices.
Nick is a seasoned executive with a proven track record in leadership, strategy, business development and execution and enjoys a strong top-management and private investor network in Asia and Europe. He is a venture partner at Betatron, one of Asia’s leading start-up accelerators and investment funds, and an active member in various start-up networks in Zurich and Hong Kong including SICTIC, venture.ch and AFTA.
Nick holds a masters degree in business from Zurich University as well as an MBA from INSEAD.
Colin has well over 30 years’ experience in the securities industry, including 30 years in Asia. He started in the industry as a project manager with the London Stock Exchange in the mid 1980s, during and after the Big Bang period.
He then moved to Hong Kong in 1990 as part of a small team that established HSBC Securities Services, taking on several regional and global roles as the business expanded in scope and geographically, his last role being Global Head of Custody and Clearing from 2008 to 2015, heading up a global business that covered over 50 markets in 6 continents.
Colin moved to Standard Chartered Bank in 2015, first as Senior Adviser to the securities business and then as Vice Chairman Securities Services based in Singapore, where his responsibilities included re-shaping the leadership team and driving forward a series of key change initiatives across multiple areas to effectively re-launch the SCB securities business.
He retired from SCB in 2020 after the successful completion of the re-launch. Colin has worked in a number of securities industry roles, including as a member of SWIFT’s Securities Council and their Asia Pacific Advisory Group, Board member of International Securities Services Association (ISSA) and has been a regular speaker at industry conferences and contributor to industry articles.
Colin has a BA (Hons) in Linguistic Science from University of Reading, UK and also attended Universität Tübingen in Germany.
Patrick Gillot has over 30 years of banking experience, developed in Europe, US and Asia, with a particular focus on Hong Kong, China and Japan.
Patrick has extensive expertise in global markets and was Head of Financial Markets (FX, Interest Rates and Equity Derivatives) at Credit Agricole. After that he was Co-head of Wholesale Banking for Standard Chartered and CEO Japan. Patrick was also COO at BBVA Asia and CEO Hong Kong at First Abu Dhabi Bank. In addition, he sat on the board of China Citic Bank International from 2011 to 2014.
Patrick has a passion to build client centric businesses and grow teams and individuals to perform at their best, delivering superior performance. Patrick is also an art and music lover, and was director or Art Asia Pacific Magazine.
