April 7, 2025, Abu Dhabi, UAE — M2, a prominent regulated platform for trading and investing in digital assets, has made significant leadership changes in an effort to expedite its growth and increase its institutional emphasis. Bill Qian takes over as Managing Director, while James Greenwood has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Bijan Alizadeh will remain in his role as a shareholder representative and board member.
These strategic appointments mark a pivotal chapter in M2’s evolution as the company positions itself as a comprehensive digital asset financial services platform for global users, with a strong foundation in the Middle East. The reshuffle underscores M2’s commitment to delivering secure and compliant solutions tailored for institutional investors and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).
As part of its broader transformation, M2 has restructured its treasury division to better serve family offices and institutional clients, expanding its team with experts in yield-oriented and financing strategies. This move builds on the success of its flagship earn product and reflects rising demand for sophisticated digital asset solutions.
James Greenwood Takes the Helm as CEO
James Greenwood is a seasoned veteran of the fintech and digital innovation fields who contributes a lot of knowledge to M2. He formerly served as Chief Technology and Operations Officer at Bitstamp, the oldest bitcoin exchange in the world. Leadership roles at Tandem Bank, Commercial Bank International, and Zand Bank are all listed on Greenwood’s remarkable resume. In addition to being well-known for leading digital transformation projects in Europe and the Middle East, he possesses a creative edge as a published author, creator of a mobile gaming studio, and regular speaker on innovation and disruption in the financial services industry.
Bill Qian Appointed Managing Director
Bill Qian, a well-known personality in digital finance and an experienced investor in cutting-edge technology, is joining Greenwood in guiding M2’s development. Qian was previously Binance’s Global Head of M&A and Binance Labs, having made over $30 billion in sector-wide investments. He will concentrate on growing institutional offerings, developing customised investment products, and implementing structured yield techniques and cutting-edge risk management systems at M2 to meet the changing demands of family offices, businesses, and UHNWIs.
Bijan Alizadeh to Continue Strategic Oversight
Remaining a guiding force on the board, Bijan Alizadeh brings deep entrepreneurial expertise and a strong vision for the digital asset space. Alizadeh is best known as the co-founder of Phoenix Group, a UAE-based blockchain giant listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and one of the world’s largest Bitcoin mining operators. Through Phoenix, and now at M2, Alizadeh has consistently backed high-growth ventures such as Lyvely and Rekt Studios, reinforcing his commitment to advancing the digital asset economy.
“This is a transformative time for M2, and we cannot wait to take on the opportunity,” said Alizadeh. “Together with James and Bill, I look forward to re-energizing M2’s mission—building the tools, teams, and strategies needed to drive innovation and create unmatched value for our customers. With our vision for sustainable growth and a solid foundation, M2 is well-positioned to lead the next wave of digital asset transformation.”
