Farzam Ehsani

Farzam Ehsani began their career in 2004 as a Business Analyst at Deloitte Consulting. In 2006, they joined McKinsey & Company as a Junior Associate, then Associate, and was promoted to Engagement Manager. During their time there, they advised two large private equity funds on a US$2bn investment in Sub-Saharan Africa, proposed a franchise strategy for one of the leading retailers in South Africa, and advised a pan-African fund on investments to make in the African tourism market. In 2012, they joined Rand Merchant Bank as their Blockchain Lead. During their time there, they monitored and contributed towards blockchain technology and cryptocurrency developments, built several blockchain prototypes, and presented findings to the Regulator, academic institutions, other banks, law firms, and global conferences. In 2017, they became the Chairperson of the South African Financial Blockchain Consortium, and in 2018 they Co-Founded and became the CEO of VALR, Africa's largest independent crypto exchange.

Farzam Ehsani earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley between 2000 and 2004.