Portofino Technologies, a leading crypto market-making firm based in Switzerland, is gearing up for significant growth and expansion in 2025. CEO Leonard Lancia shared exclusive insights about the company’s strategic plans during a recent interview with CoinDesk.
Expansion Plans: New Offices on the Horizon
The firm is actively exploring the establishment of new offices in key financial hubs, specifically New York and Singapore. This move reflects Portofino’s commitment to enhancing its global presence and tapping into the vibrant trading ecosystems of these cities.
Regulatory Compliance and Licensing Growth
Portofino Technologies is already regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.K., Switzerland, and the British Virgin Islands. Looking ahead, the company aims to broaden its licensing under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which officially came into effect on December 30, 2022. This expansion will position the firm to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape in Europe effectively.
Strategic Talent Acquisition
In recent months, Portofino has made several strategic senior hires to strengthen its trading operations. Notably, Dipak Shah has joined the team as the head of over-the-counter (OTC) trading, based in London. Shah brings a wealth of experience from his previous role at Nomura, where he led FX options trading. He has also held positions at prestigious Wall Street banks such as Citi and Goldman Sachs.
Shah emphasized the company’s focus on client service and liquidity provision, stating, “While clients and liquidity provision remain our number one priority, we aim to invest in trading and technology talent to build and scale our business.”
Core Business Focus Areas
Portofino Technologies is determined to establish itself as a dominant player across three primary business segments: electronic market making, OTC trading, and token services. Shah highlighted the firm’s commitment to hiring top-tier talent in London, with further plans for expansion in Asia and New York to enhance its trading personnel.
Founding and Financial Milestones
Founded in 2021 by former Citadel Securities leaders Leonard Lancia and Alex Casimo, Portofino Technologies has rapidly gained traction in the competitive crypto market. The firm successfully raised $50 million in equity funding in late 2022 and reported impressive trading statistics, with over $100 billion in trading volume generated in 2024.
Navigating Challenges and Rebuilding
Despite its successes, Portofino Technologies has faced challenges, including a notable staff exodus last year. The company is currently focused on rebuilding its team and reinforcing its market position as it prepares for a transformative year ahead.
In conclusion, with its ambitious expansion plans and strategic investments in talent and technology, Portofino Technologies is poised for a significant impact in the crypto market by 2025.
