Julia Donaldson CBE - Author Photo

Antony Lewis

In 2013, Antony took a significant interest in a specialized online currency known as Bitcoin, which led him to make a significant career shift from traditional banking to the world of cryptocurrencies. He joined a relatively small startup called itBit, which operated as a bitcoin exchange platform. At itBit, clients could engage in the buying and selling of bitcoins, marking Antony's initial foray into the nascent cryptocurrency industry. During this period, itBit was among the pioneering group of venture capital-funded companies exploring the potential of cryptocurrencies. After his time at itBit, Antony ventured into private consulting, primarily serving clients in the finance and consulting sectors. He focused on writing informative papers and conducting workshops to educate professionals about the innovative technology behind cryptocurrencies. In 2016, Antony's expertise led him to join R3, a financial industry consortium that was established to collaboratively explore and harness the potential benefits of blockchain technology. As the Director of Research at R3, Antony took on the responsibility of delving into and elucidating the evolving concepts and technologies related to blockchain. He aimed to educate clients, policymakers, and the general public about the intricacies of this transformative technology. Antony's influence extended beyond R3, as he became a part of the FinTech Advisory Group panel for the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. In this capacity, he contributed his insights and expertise to discussions and decisions related to financial technology within Hong Kong. Prior to his immersion in the world of bitcoins and blockchains, Antony had an established career in the banking sector. He worked as a technologist at Credit Suisse in both London and Singapore. His journey in banking began as an FX spot trader at Barclays Capital in 2007, marking his initial entry into the financial industry. Today, Antony resides in Singapore with his wife Sarah and their two children. He maintains a blog at www.bitsonblocks.net, where he shares his perspectives and insights on cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and their impact on the financial world. Through his diverse experiences and contributions, Antony has played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding and adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology within the financial landscape.