Digital asset trading platform GCEX has hired Kevin Gillespie, a 35-year industry veteran, to spearhead sales and business development across the UK and EMEA regions.

Gillespie joins the regulated digital prime broker from Laser Digital, the Nomura Group subsidiary, where he focused on digital asset and FX sales to institutional clients. The appointment comes as GCEX looks to capitalize on growing demand for institutional crypto services.

GCEX Hires Veteran FX Trader for EMEA Expansion

The newly created role sees Gillespie reporting directly to GCEX CEO and founder Lars Holst. The company claims his mandate involves driving growth for the new employer’s FX, CFD and cryptocurrency offerings among brokers, hedge funds, asset managers and professional traders.

"I have known Kevin for many years and am thrilled that he has chosen to join our team," Holst said. "He has a wealth of experience in the FX, CFD and crypto industries, a strong network of institutional clients, and an in-depth understanding of their requirements."

The move comes two months after GCEX hired Stanislav Bunimovich as managing director, the former chief operating officer at Finalto, a company co-founded by Holst. While Gillespie will be responsible for developing the offering in EMEA, Bunimovich is focusing on the APAC market.

Three Decades of FX Experience

Gillespie's career spans more than three decades, starting as an FX trader before transitioning to sales and business development two decades ago. His resume includes senior institutional sales positions at firms like Menai Markets, Spotex, CobaltFX, Hotspot and IFX Markets.

At IFX Markets, he developed the electronic institutional FX business into $2 million monthly revenue. His trading background includes proprietary FX positions at Banca di Roma, Bank of Yokohama and Toronto Dominion Bank, where he traded major currency pairs including USD/CHF.

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GCEX's Regulatory Foundation

GCEX competes in the institutional digital asset space alongside established players and newer entrants seeking to bridge traditional finance with cryptocurrency markets. The firm's XplorDigital technology offerings include "Crypto in a Box" and "Broker in a Box" solutions designed to address regulatory requirements while providing custody, staking, liquidity and risk management capabilities.

Gillespie highlighted the firm's infrastructure as a key factor in his decision to join. "I am really impressed by the strength of GCEX's offering, its robust infrastructure, the fact that it is regulated in three jurisdictions, and the breadth of its institutional client base," he said. "I am looking forward to playing a key role in driving further growth by sourcing new revenue opportunities and attracting new clients in the UK and EMEA."

The role creation for Gillespie suggests GCEX sees significant expansion potential in the UK and EMEA regions, where regulatory clarity around digital assets continues to evolve.