Jimmy Zhao

Founder and Director @ ZBX | Techpreneur | Ex-Ericsson | Bridging Institutional Capital & Infrastructure across Asia & EMEA | AI, Web2 & Web3 Startup Founder

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About

Technology cycles move fast. Capital does not. My work focuses on building digital asset infrastructure that meets institutional standards, combining engineering discipline, regulatory clarity, and cross-border execution. Over the past decade, I have founded and scaled ventures across fintech, blockchain, and AI, generating multi-million revenues and operating across Europe, MENA, and Asia. Today, I lead a MiCA-licensed digital asset platform in the European Union, focused on regulated banking integration, compliant settlement rails, and institutional-grade custody architecture. I also invest in and advise blockchain infrastructure companies, regulated exchanges, and Layer-1 ecosystems. The long-term opportunity in digital finance is not speed alone -- it is architecture, integrity, and trust.

Experience

  • Founder & Director at ZBX
    Sep 2018 - Present · 7 yrs 10 mos

    ZBX is a MiCA-licensed Crypto-Asset Service Provider regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority, delivering compliant digital asset infrastructure across Europe. The platform integrates Swiss banking access, EUR/USD IBAN issuance, regulated crypto-fiat rails, OTC execution, and treasury solutions. Since founding ZBX, the company has: • Secured full regulatory authorization under EU MiCAR framework • Built banking integrations with Swiss and European institutions • Transitioned from retail exchange model to B2B infrastructure focus • Served clients across EU and MENA corridors • Established a zero-retention safeguarding model aligned with MFSA requirements Currently focused on scaling institutional partnerships, PSP integrations, and compliant cross-border settlement infrastructure.

  • CEO at Zillion Bits AG
    Dec 2017 - Present · 8 yrs 7 mos

    Zillion Bits AG is a Switzerland-based blockchain technology company delivering enterprise-grade digital asset infrastructure solutions. Core deliverables include: • White-label exchange infrastructure • Custodial wallet architecture • Smart contract deployment frameworks • Public chain integrations Technology developed under Zillion Bits AG forms part of the infrastructure backbone supporting regulated digital asset operations.

  • Group Chief Executive Officer at Origins MarketPlace Technology
    May 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 2 mos

    Origins Marketplace Technology incubates AI-driven ventures across enterprise SaaS and digital media in the MENA region. Current scope includes: • AI-as-a-Service platform development • Regional MCN operations under Origins Media • Multi-venture incubation strategy across AI and media verticals • Commercial partnerships across UAE and GCC markets Focused on structured commercialization of applied AI solutions in emerging markets.

  • Investor & Founder at Cryptonord
    Feb 2017 - Present · 9 yrs 5 mos

    Cryptonord is a digital asset-focused investment vehicle targeting infrastructure-layer blockchain companies. Portfolio exposure includes: • Safello (Nasdaq OMX-listed crypto exchange) • GhostDrive (Filecoin-based decentralized data infrastructure) • Abeychain (EVM-compatible Layer-1 blockchain) Investment focus centers on regulated exchanges, data infrastructure, and foundational blockchain protocols. Active across European and global Web3 ecosystems since early-stage adoption phase.

  • CEO and Co-Founder at ChainxGame
    Sep 2021 - Jan 2025 · 3 yrs 5 mos

    ChainXGame operates as a Web3 game publishing platform focused on blockchain-enabled asset ownership and decentralized gaming economies. Key initiatives include: • Development of tokenized in-game asset frameworks • Strategic publishing partnerships within Web3 gaming ecosystem • Multi-market operations spanning MENA and Asia • Structuring sustainable token economy models prioritizing long-term utility over speculative cycles Positioned at the intersection of gaming, blockchain infrastructure, and digital asset economies.