Christopher Perkins

Christopher Perkins is the Managing Partner and President of CoinFund, a digital asset investment firm focused on supporting the development of decentralised technologies and the new internet economy. At CoinFund, he bridges the gap between cryptocurrency-native investment strategies and traditional finance, overseeing day-to-day operations and advocating for the interests of the crypto ecosystem.

In addition to his role at CoinFund, Perkins serves on the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) Global Markets Advisory Committee (GMAC) and its Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee, where he offers policy insights on digital assets and web3 technologies. He is also a co-inventor of the Composite Ether Staking Rate (CESR), a benchmark interest rate for ether staking.

Before joining CoinFund in 2021, Perkins had a long tenure at Citi, where he served as Global Co-Head of Futures, Clearing, and FX Prime Brokerage (FXPB), providing institutional clients with comprehensive clearing and execution services. He previously held a senior role at Lehman Brothers as the U.S. Head of Derivatives Intermediation.

Perkins is also actively involved in veteran support initiatives. He co-founded Veterans on Wall Street (VOWS) and Veterans in Digital Assets (VIDA), organisations that support military veterans transitioning into careers in finance and technology. He has served on various boards, including as Vice Chairman for Team Rubicon, a disaster response organisation.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from Georgetown University. Perkins has received numerous accolades, including induction into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame.

Christopher Perkins is the Managing Partner and President of CoinFund, a digital asset investment firm that supports the development of decentralised technologies and the new internet economy. At CoinFund, he is responsible for bridging the divide between cryptocurrency-native investment strategies and traditional financial services, leading enterprise-scale operations and advocating for thoughtful crypto market policy.

Born in the United States, Perkins began his professional journey in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for over nine years and attained the rank of Captain. His military career included leadership roles such as Commanding Officer of Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, and Fire Support Coordinator for the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.

Upon transitioning from the military, Perkins entered the financial sector. He held a senior role at Lehman Brothers as the U.S. Head of Derivatives Intermediation, managing a portfolio of over $100 billion in notional across credit and interest rate derivatives. In 2008, he joined Citi, where he served for over a decade. At Citi, he rose to become Global Co-Head of Futures, Clearing, and FX Prime Brokerage (FXPB). He played a key role in providing institutional clients with comprehensive clearing, listed derivatives, and FXPB services. He led strategic restructuring initiatives and worked closely with international regulatory bodies to improve service and compliance standards. During his tenure, Citi was recognised for clearing hundreds of trillions of dollars in notional value and safeguarding approximately $40 billion in client assets.

In September 2021, Perkins joined CoinFund. Under his leadership, CoinFund has advanced its role in the digital assets ecosystem. He was appointed to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Global Markets Advisory Committee (GMAC) and serves on its Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee, providing policy insights on web3 and crypto markets. He has testified before Congress on digital asset market structures. Perkins also co-invented the Composite Ether Staking Rate (CESR), an on-chain benchmark interest rate for ether staking.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Perkins has maintained strong involvement in veteran affairs. He is the co-founder of Veterans on Wall Street (VOWS) and Veterans in Digital Assets (VIDA), both organisations aimed at supporting military veterans’ transition to careers in finance and technology. He previously served as Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors for Team Rubicon, a disaster response organisation that mobilises veterans and first responders. He also served on the Veterans Advisory Committee of the City of New Rochelle and on the Leadership Council of the Bob Woodruff Foundation.

His contributions to policy and national security continue through his role as Co-Chair of the Blockchain Association’s National Security Committee, where he supports blockchain policies aligned with national and allied interests.

Perkins is also a member of the Economic Club of New York and sits on the Advisory Board of Academy Securities. He has published articles in respected media outlets such as Financial Times, CoinDesk, Blockworks, Fortune, and Risk Magazine, often writing about regulatory frameworks, stablecoins, staking mechanisms, and digital asset security.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction from the United States Naval Academy and a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from Georgetown University. He also participated in an exchange programme at the United States Air Force Academy.

In recognition of his service and professional accomplishments, he was inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame by the New York State Senate in 2024 and has received honours such as the Marine For Life Award and the Peter J. Awn Community Service Award. Perkins resides in the New York City Metropolitan Area and remains active across military, regulatory, and digital asset communities.

Christopher Perkins' vision is to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the emerging digital asset ecosystem. He aims to foster the growth of decentralised technologies and support their integration into mainstream financial markets. By advocating for clear and effective regulatory frameworks, Perkins seeks to ensure that the crypto industry evolves with a focus on security, transparency, and innovation. His work strives to empower both financial institutions and individuals, particularly military veterans, by offering opportunities for growth in the rapidly developing digital economy, while promoting policies that benefit the broader community and national security.

Christopher Perkins has received numerous accolades in recognition of his service and professional accomplishments. In 2024, he was inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame by the New York State Senate for his leadership and contributions to both the military and digital asset sectors. He has also been honoured with the Marine For Life Award and the Peter J. Awn Community Service Award.