FNG Exclusive… Another financial-old-economy executive has joined the crypto revolution.

FNG has learned that former Nasdaq Futures Exchange CEO Rick Beaman has joined offshore trading firm Gallant Exchange as the crypto platform’s new President. He joins Gallant founder Simon Grunfeld, now CEO, in running the company.

Gallant Exchange has developed trading in Athlete Coins (see more below). Athlete coins allow fans to trade on the “value” of athlete via crypto-created coins. Gallant also offers standard trading in cryptocurrencies.

Those in the FX world might recall the Gallant name, in conjunction with now-defunct Retail FX broker Gallant Capital Markets which filed for US bankruptcy protection in 2017. Mr. Grunfeld was a founder of that company as well, but left in 2012.

Rick Beaman was Vice President of Nasdaq, and Chief Executive Officer of Nasdaq Futures Exchange, from 2016-2018. He had been with Nasdaq since 2010. He spent a short spell as CEO of the San Juan Mercantile Exchange (SJMX) before joining Gallant Exchange.

Rick Beaman noted of his new appointment:

“I am extremely proud to lead and be a part of today’s launch of the Gallant Exchange, to bring Passion of two incredible worlds of Cryptocurrency and Sports together on one trading platform. Gallant Exchange will allow fans of cryptocurrency and global sports to converge and trade both.”

Athlete Coins are minted on the ERC20 protocol, tradeable on the Gallant platform, and increase or decrease in value subject to market forces. Users can enter into trading competitions, contests, raffles for real-world collectibles and memorabilia of the respective athlete as a coin holder; in time, Gallant said that it aims to provide more lucrative ‘experience’ prizes, providing fans direct interaction with their favorite athlete. When the value of the prize increases, so do the parameters of qualification to win.

Gallant noted that it intends to provide endorsed or “Athlete Backed” Coins by working with athletes directly to provide fans direct ownership in athlete’s contracts, business ventures, or endorsements. Gallant’s Initial Player Offering (IPO) seeks to provide direct investment opportunities by tokenizing an athlete’s contract or future endeavors.

Gallant SVG LLC operates as an offshore company, domiciled in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.