Gautam Sharma, the CEO of Brevan Howard’s digital assets division, has announced his departure after an impactful five-year tenure. His exit marks a significant moment for the hedge fund’s growing crypto arm, which has rapidly expanded since its inception in 2021.
As of April 2025, Brevan Howard managed approximately $34 billion in assets, with its digital asset division overseeing a $2 billion portfolio. Established in September 2021, this division boasts a talented team including over 10 portfolio managers, 13 investment experts, and 15 blockchain engineers.
According to a Bloomberg report, there are no immediate plans to replace Sharma. In May, the company elevated Chris Rayner-Cook, formerly of Coinbase, to the role of chief investment officer for digital assets, signaling continued investment in the division’s leadership.
Sharma initially joined Brevan Howard as head of principal investments and collaborated closely with co-founder Alan Howard, managing his family’s crypto and digital asset investments. His prior experience includes serving as COO at Steadview Capital, alongside various strategic roles at McKinsey.
Despite efforts, Brevan Howard declined to comment on Sharma’s departure, and Sharma himself has not responded publicly.
Brevan Howard operates from offices in Jersey, London, Geneva, New York, and Hong Kong, comprising over 1,000 staff members. The firm’s digital asset funds reported a strong 51.3% gain in 2024, benefiting from favorable macroeconomic conditions and crypto market tailwinds.
The crypto sector is witnessing a surge in hiring, especially for senior roles as traditional finance companies expand into the blockchain space. This trend comes amid increasing regulatory clarity for Web3 across global markets.
Crypto roles offering top compensation range across quant analytics, decentralized finance, legal, and executive functions. While influencers command high incomes, these roles carry substantial market risks.
By Coinstelegram
about 7 hours ago
