Institutional Grade Digital Asset Infrastructure for African Markets

As BitGo MENA expands its presence in the Middle East and North Africa, Managing Director Nick Coombs offers insights into the continent’s evolving digital asset landscape.

BitGo recently joined a select group of crypto-native companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), signaling growing institutional acceptance of digital assets. While Africa’s sector remains early stage, it’s poised for significant growth with rising stablecoin adoption in countries like Nigeria and South Africa, coupled with regulatory frameworks emerging across the region.

Coombs, who previously held positions in traditional finance at firms like StoneX and Corpay, sees a clear opportunity for institutional-grade infrastructure to support African digital asset growth. He notes that risk management is paramount in this space, requiring both calculated approaches and robust security measures.

“I’m comfortable with calculated risk but very conservative when it comes to safeguarding assets,” Coombs explains. “When you’re entrusted with institutions’ funds, a cavalier attitude simply won’t do.”

Looking ahead, Coombs envisions a decade where African businesses have access to the same institutional-grade digital asset tools and capital that power markets elsewhere—unlocking new economic opportunities across the continent.