Bitcoin fund behemoth Grayscale announces CEO succession

Bitcoin fund behemoth Grayscale announces CEO succession
The crypto investment colossus is tapping an asset management veteran with history at Goldman, BlackRock, and Invesco as its next chief executive.
MAY 20, 2024

Grayscale Investments, the asset manager behind the world’s largest bitcoin investment product, the $27.5 billion Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, has announced a pivotal leadership transition.

Grayscale has appointed Peter Mintzberg as its new chief executive officer, following the departure of Michael Sonnenshein, who has stepped down to pursue other interests.

Mintzberg, who will ascend to the chief executive role effective August 15, will also join Grayscale's board of directors on that date. During the interim period, Edward McGee, Grayscale's chief financial officer, will serve as the principal executive officer.

Mintzberg brings over two decades of experience in asset management, having held senior roles at leading firms.

"Peter is an exceptional strategic leader with global expertise across the most prominent asset managers, which are critical ingredients as we position Grayscale for its next phase of growth," Barry Silbert, founder and CEO of Digital Currency Group, which is one of Grayscale’s major venture capital backers, said in a statement.

"I’m excited to see what he accomplishes at Grayscale in its next chapter."

Mintzberg's career includes significant positions at Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, OppenheimerFunds, and Invesco. Most recently, he was global head of strategy for asset and wealth management at Goldman Sachs.

Reflecting on his new role, Mintzberg said, “I’ve long admired Grayscale’s position as the leading crypto asset management firm, and I am honored to join the most talented and pioneering team in the business. This is an exciting time in Grayscale’s history as it continues to capitalize on the unprecedented momentum in the asset class.”

Silbert also extended his thanks to Sonnenshein, who led Grayscale since 2021. He joined the company in 2014.

“Michael guided Grayscale from $60 million to approximately $30 billion of assets under management and through its historic court victory against the Securities and Exchange Commission.”

In a landmark decision last August, a federal appeals court ruled that the federal regulator must give consideration to an application Grayscale had submitted to convert its bitcoin trust into an ETF, which flew in the face of the SEC’s view at the time that while bitcoin futures ETFs are acceptable, spot Bitcoin ETFs aren’t.

The SEC changed tack in January when it granted approval to 11 spot bitcoin ETFs. That decision opened the floodgates to billions of investment dollars flowing into the product space. Grayscale has made plans to clone its bitcoin ETF, which hasn't benefited as much from the gold rush.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside such smart, passionate people to grow Grayscale into an industry titan over the last decade,” Sonnenshein said.

“The crypto asset class is at an important inflection point and this is the right moment for a smooth transition,” he said. “I wish the Grayscale team every success in its next chapter.”

Latest News

Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams
Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams

Integrated Partners is adding a mother-son tandem to its network in Missouri as Kestra onboards a father-son advisor duo from UBS.

Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases
Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases

Futures indicate stocks will build on Tuesday's rally.

From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier
From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier

Cost of living still tops concerns about negative impacts on personal finances

Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study
Women share investing strengths, asset preferences in new study

Financial advisors remain vital allies even as DIY investing grows

Trump vows to 'be nice' to China, slash tariffs
Trump vows to 'be nice' to China, slash tariffs

A trade deal would mean significant cut in tariffs but 'it wont be zero'.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.