Name
Wayne Sharpe
Job Title
CEO & Founder
Company
Carbon Trade Exchange
Speaker Bio
Wayne Sharpe is a highly renowned entrepreneur and innovator who has had a significant impact on the global exchange technology industry. He is the CEO and founder of Carbon Trade eXchange (CTX), the world's first global carbon exchange, and the first of any type of exchange based on Cloud technology (Microsoft Azure) in 2010. In this sector his ‘firsts’ are numerous, including Banking, Registry, and data interfaces, so what was once the first and only is now a leader in an entire industry sector.
Evidence of the crucial part CTX plays in the fight against climate change is the exclusive partnership with the UNFCCC and their unique interface launched in 2017 (another first). Wayne’s impressive track record has enabled him to design, build, and deploy over 30 exchanges in 25 countries, including Europe, the UK, the USA, MENA, South Africa, and across Asia, in sectors as diverse as carbon to water, RECs and a Stock Exchange.
Prior to founding CTX, Wayne was the CEO of Bartercard, which he founded and grew into the world's largest cashless trade exchange in 20 countries, with a global team of 3,500 employees, and revenue of over $40 billion. He sold the company to management funded by a major bank to focus on CTX, and then Global Environment Markets (GEM).
Wayne is widely recognised for his outstanding leadership skills and contributions to the carbon industry, as he was in the Barter Industry before it, having won every major award the International Reciprocal Trade Association (IRTA) has to offer, including being the first non-American to be appointed to its Hall of Fame. Bartercard won numerous awards globally under Wayne’s leadership, and now CTX continues this trend as part of the ‘Global FinTech 100’ and UK FinTech ‘Diversity & Inclusion Award 2023’ finalists.
In addition to his business achievements, Wayne is also known for his philanthropy. He has made generous donations to Kingston University. This has helped to fund multiple scholarships for underrepresented Postgraduate students in Data Science and AI in 2023.
Investment in education and training reflects Wayne's commitment to innovation and the next generation of leaders. In keeping with an ‘Action’ orientation he has made numerous donations to National Park Rescue to save African wildlife.
Wayne's innovative approach to business has resulted in exponential growth for CTX, and his strategic vision has enabled the company to navigate within a rapidly changing global market. Wayne Sharpe's achievements have demonstrated the transformative power of technology and entrepreneurship in driving positive change in the world, and he continues to inspire and lead others to follow in his footsteps.