Russell Barlow

Russell Barlow serves as CEO of 21Shares, bringing over 25 years of experience in regulated asset management. He joined the Swiss-based crypto asset manager in late 2024, previously serving as Global Head of Multi-Asset and Alternative Investment Solutions at Abrdn plc, where he managed a team of over 110 people across three continents and assets exceeding $250bn.

At Abrdn, Barlow managed hedge funds, private credit, private equity, property, infrastructure, real assets, and more. He has designed, launched, and managed investment products and served as a Non-Executive Director of Archax, the UK's only FCA-regulated digital asset exchange. Since assuming his CEO role, Barlow has set strategic objectives including strengthening positioning in US and UK growth markets, obtaining a Finma licence, and venturing into active crypto ETPs.

In 2025, his first full year as CEO, Barlow achieved record revenues for 21Shares. His career has spanned product design, development, and multi-asset portfolio management across regulated markets.

Career History

• CEO, 21Shares (January 2025–present)
• Global Head of Multi-Asset and Alternative Investment Solutions, Abrdn plc (February 2023–January 2025)
• Global Head of Alternative Investment Strategies, Abrdn plc (June 2016–February 2023)
• Hedge Fund Analyst, Coutts (March 1998–January 2004)

What Russell Barlow could bring to CEO at 21Shares: Barlow's appointment positions 21Shares to leverage his extensive background bridging traditional and alternative asset management with the emerging crypto sector. His track record managing large global teams and multi-billion-dollar asset portfolios, combined with his prior involvement with Archax, suggests he can accelerate institutional adoption of crypto products and navigate regulatory expansion—particularly evident in his pursuit of Finma licensing and active product innovation. His transition from legacy asset management into digital assets reflects confidence that blockchain-based investments represent a maturing asset class worthy of institutional infrastructure.