Diana Biggs Joins Valour Amidst Growing Bitcoin Adoption

A prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world, Diana Biggs, an early advocate for Bitcoin, has accepted a position with Valour, a Swiss startup. Valour facilitates the acquisition of digital assets for investors directly through their existing banking or brokerage accounts.

This appointment coincides with significant market developments, notably Tesla’s recent $1.5 billion investment in bitcoin. This substantial purchase has considerably expanded the accessibility and acceptance of crypto assets within mainstream financial markets.

Proof of Purpose and Blockchain Advocacy

Biggs previously dedicated her efforts to exploring blockchain’s capacity to address global humanitarian issues through her initiative, Proof of Purpose, established in 2017.

Her 2017 TEDx presentation on Blockchain Technology is widely regarded as a seminal work within the blockchain community.

Valour's Expansion and Biggs' Role

Valour, headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, specializes in issuing investment products. They recently appointed Biggs, formerly the Global Head of Innovation for Private Banking at HSBC, as their new CEO.

This followed the launch of Bitcoin Zero, a groundbreaking exchange-traded product (ETP) offering fee-free access to digital assets, listed on the NGM stock exchange.

Institutional Interest in Decentralized Technologies

Having been involved with Bitcoin since 2013, Biggs shared with TechCrunch: “The level of attention currently focused on Bitcoin and other crypto-assets is unprecedented.”

She further stated, “The moment for decentralized technologies has arrived, and their potential is increasingly being recognized by institutional investors.”

Valour Founder's Perspective

Johan Wattenström, the founder of Valour, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “Diana possesses the ideal skillset to guide the company through its upcoming phase of growth and expansion.”

“Her extensive background in both traditional finance and fintech, coupled with her forward-thinking vision for integrating digital assets into the mainstream, makes her an invaluable asset to our team.” Wattenström pioneered the listing of a digital asset ETP on Nasdaq Nordic in 2015.

Biggs' Academic and Leadership Roles

Currently, Biggs serves as an Associate Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. She also held the position of Head Tutor for their Blockchain Strategy Programme from 2018 to 2020.

Her involvement extends to prominent organizations, including the World Economic Forum’s Digital Leaders of Europe community, where she is a Board member, and the Milken Institute’s Young Leaders Circle.

Prior to joining Valour, Biggs spearheaded fintech partnerships and open innovation initiatives as Global Head of Innovation for HSBC Private Banking.