ClearToken appoints new senior chiefs

London-based digital financial market infrastructure firm ClearToken has strengthened its leadership team with two senior appointments.

Mark Williamson has joined as chief commercial officer, leading product management, sales and marketing and strategy as the company scales its institutional-grade digital market infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Chris Smith has been appointed chief operating officer, overseeing operational delivery as ClearToken transitions into live service.

Mark brings more than 35 years of experience in banking and finance, including senior roles at HSBC, BNP Paribas and J.P. Morgan. 

Chris adds over 25 years of operational leadership across financial market infrastructure, most recently serving as interim COO of LME Clear.

Mark said: “ClearToken has achieved a great deal in a relatively short space of time and has a solid plan to deliver the unification of TradFi and digital assets systems, long sought by the global markets. 

“Whilst many have discussed this, ClearToken is actually doing it, making this an opportunity I simply could not let pass. 

“I am totally aligned with their vision for the future of 24/7 global markets and am proud to join such an innovative company as we scale the financial infrastructure that will unlock the next phase of institutional tokenisation.”

Chris added: “Having worked closely with the team to build ClearToken’s regulatory and operational framework, I am pleased to take on the role of chief operating officer as we move into this next phase.

“Our focus now is on ensuring that our infrastructure and controls operate with the highest levels of efficiency and resilience. 

“We are building a bridge between the agility of digital assets and the robust standards required by the world’s largest financial institutions, and I look forward to leading our operational delivery.”

The appointments further bolster ClearToken’s executive team as it continues to develop clearing and settlement services for digital assets.

Benjamin Santos-Stephens, chief executive of ClearToken, added: “We are proud to welcome Mark to the ClearToken leadership team as chief commercial officer and to formalise Chris’ appointment as chief operating officer. 

“Securing further experience and expertise of this calibre is another step forward for us. 

“We are delighted to have them both on board on our journey to build the world’s first clearing house and settlement depository for tokenised digital and traditional assets. 

“We look forward to working with them as we continue to deliver on our strategy.”

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