Early Life
Jean-Louis van der Velde was born in the Netherlands and began his career in the technology sector. In 1985, he moved to Taiwan to attend National Taiwan Normal University, where he graduated in 1988. This move significantly shaped his career, setting the stage for his future involvement in the financial technology industry within Asia.
Rise to Success
After graduating, van der Velde co-founded several IT companies, specializing in hardware design, software development, and emerging technologies. His focus on areas such as embedded systems, video streaming, and digital marketing reflects his early interest in innovation. A pivotal moment in his career came in 2013 when he co-founded Bitfinex, a digital asset trading platform. Under his leadership, Bitfinex has become a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offering services to traders and liquidity providers.
Key Business Strategies
Van der Velde's strategies have centered around innovation and regulatory compliance. He implemented strict AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) protocols to build trust and accountability in the cryptocurrency market. He served as CEO of Tether, overseeing its operations and financial strategies, which contributed to the company generating substantial profits. His deep experience in technology and finance has been crucial to navigating the complexities of the digital asset world.
Philanthropy
Beyond his business ventures, van der Velde is recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He has established charitable foundations focused on education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. He also invests in clean energy projects and supports corporate responsibility in addressing climate change, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable development.
