Institutional Grade Crypto Infrastructure for Africa

As BitGo MENA expands its reach, Managing Director Nick Coombs shares his perspective on the continent’s digital asset landscape.

Following a successful NYSE listing in January 2026, BitGo is now among the crypto-native companies bringing institutional-grade financial infrastructure to global markets. This shift reflects broader trends where digital assets are increasingly viewed as legitimate investment opportunities for both retail and institutional investors.

Africa represents a significant frontier in this evolution. While the region hasn’t yet produced its own publicly listed crypto company, it exhibits strong adoption with Nigerian and South African users ranking among the world’s most active stablecoin adopters. Regulatory frameworks are emerging across countries like Kenya and Rwanda, while Gulf capital seeks entry points without unnecessary risk.

At BitGo MENA, Nick Coombs leads a team providing custody vaults, trading rails, and wallet infrastructure to clients including exchanges and fintech startups. He previously held roles in traditional finance at StoneX and Corpay before making the move to crypto.

“I’m comfortable with calculated risk but very conservative when it comes to how money is handled,” Coombs explains. “When your job is to safeguard institutions’ assets, you need a deep understanding of risk management.” He views Africa as poised for significant growth in digital asset adoption as regulatory clarity improves and institutional participation increases.

The continent’s remittance-heavy economies combined with growing fintech innovation create fertile ground for crypto solutions that can improve financial inclusion and efficiency. Coombs envisions a future where African businesses have access to the same institutional-grade infrastructure available in developed markets, unlocking new capital flows and economic opportunities.