Gautam Sharma, who led Brevan Howard's digital assets, has announced his departure. This change is significant for the hedge fund's position in the crypto market.
Sharma's Departure
Gautam Sharma, CEO of Brevan Howard’s digital assets division, is leaving the company after five years. His exit is a major event for the crypto fund, which has seen rapid growth since its inception in 2021.
Digital Asset Division Overview
As of April 2025, Brevan Howard managed approximately $34 billion in assets, with its digital asset division overseeing a $2 billion portfolio. The division employs over 10 portfolio managers, 13 investment experts, and 15 blockchain engineers. According to a Bloomberg report, there are no immediate plans to replace Sharma. Chris Rayner-Cook, formerly of Coinbase, was elevated to the role of chief investment officer for digital assets.
Crypto Job Market Trends
The crypto sector is witnessing a surge in hiring, especially for senior roles as traditional finance companies expand into the blockchain space. This trend coincides with increasing regulatory clarity for Web3 across global markets. Highly compensated crypto roles span quant analytics, decentralized finance, legal, and executive functions.
Gautam Sharma's departure from Brevan Howard highlights shifts in management and the competitive nature of the crypto industry, where talent acquisition is becoming increasingly important.
