Komainu Company Profile

Background

Komainu is a regulated digital asset custodian established in 2018 as a joint venture between Nomura, digital asset manager CoinShares, and digital asset security company Ledger. The company is dedicated to providing secure and compliant custody services for institutional clients, merging traditional financial services with advanced security standards to facilitate the next generation of institutional custody solutions.

Key Strategic Focus

Komainu's strategic objectives include:

Secure Custody: Offering regulated digital asset custody solutions that are secure, segregated, and verifiable on the blockchain, tailored to meet the unique requirements of institutional clients.

Staking Services: Enabling clients to participate in blockchain rewards while assets remain in custody, under a secure infrastructure and governance layer.

Collateral Management: Through Komainu Connect, reducing client counterparty risk by allowing assets to remain in secure custody while being utilized in collateralization scenarios.

The company targets institutional investors, including asset managers, family offices, private banks, governments, ETP issuers, venture funds, exchanges, foundations, and hedge funds, providing them with tailored digital asset services.

Financials and Funding

Komainu has successfully completed multiple funding rounds to support its growth and expansion:

Series A Funding: In March 2021, Komainu raised $25 million in a Series A funding round led by hedge fund veteran Alan Howard.

Series B Funding: In January 2025, the company completed a Series B fundraising with a strategic investment from Blockstream.

The capital raised is intended to enhance Komainu's technological capabilities, expand its service offerings, and strengthen its global presence.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Komainu distinguishes itself through its proprietary technologies and innovative methodologies:

Secure Custody Infrastructure: Utilizing Hardware Security Module (HSM) Vaults and Multi-Party Computation (MPC) wallets to protect assets from cyber threats and human error.

Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to the highest standards of compliance and customer protection, with regulatory oversight from the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) and the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

Komainu Connect: A collateral management platform that allows clients to trade, borrow, or lend with assets held in custody, reducing counterparty risk.

Leadership Team

Komainu's leadership team comprises experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds:

Nicolas Bertrand: CEO, leading the company's strategic direction and global expansion efforts.

Robert Johnson: Co-CEO and CTO, overseeing technological advancements and innovation within the company.

Jonathan Patterson: Chief Operating Officer, EMEA, responsible for operational excellence and regional growth strategies.

Leadership Changes

In May 2025, Komainu appointed Jonathan Patterson as Chief Operating Officer for the EMEA region, bringing extensive experience in operational management to the leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The digital asset custody market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies and digital assets. The demand for secure, compliant, and institutional-grade custody solutions is at an all-time high, with market participants seeking trusted partners to safeguard their assets.

Competitor Analysis

Komainu operates in a competitive landscape alongside several key players:

Zodia Custody: A digital asset custodian backed by Standard Chartered and Northern Trust, focusing on providing secure custody services to institutional clients.

Anchorage Digital: A regulated crypto platform offering custody, trading, and financing services, known for its robust security measures and institutional focus.

Fireblocks: A digital asset custody and transfer platform providing secure infrastructure for moving, storing, and issuing digital assets, catering to a wide range of institutional clients.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Komainu has established several strategic partnerships to enhance its service offerings and expand its market reach:

Crypto Garage: Collaborated to build institutional crypto service offerings in Japan, with Digital Garage investing in Komainu to accelerate its presence in the region.

Hidden Road: Integrated Hidden Road into Komainu Connect, enabling clients to leverage digital assets in collateralization scenarios while assets remain in secure custody.

GMO-Z.com Trust Company: Partnered to offer institutional custody for regulated stablecoins GYEN and ZUSD, providing secure and compliant custody services for these assets.

Operational Insights

Komainu's strategic considerations include:

Regulatory Compliance: Maintaining adherence to regulatory standards across multiple jurisdictions to build trust and credibility among institutional clients.

Technological Innovation: Continuously enhancing its custody infrastructure and service offerings to meet the evolving needs of the digital asset market.

Global Expansion: Establishing a presence in key markets, such as Japan and Singapore, to cater to the growing demand for institutional digital asset services.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Komainu's strategic roadmap includes:

Expansion into Asia: The acquisition of Singapore-based Propine Holdings Pte Ltd positions Komainu to capitalize on the growing institutional demand for digital asset services in Southeast Asia.

Enhanced Service Offerings: Developing and launching new services, such as Komainu Yield, to provide clients with additional methods to gain exposure to digital assets while adhering to strict security standards.