Employee Spotlight: Alex-Desmond Brathwaite

Tell us about yourself, your background and work responsibilities.
My name is Alex-Desmond Brathwaite, though most people know me as AD. Originally from the warm island of Barbados, I currently serve as the Trading Team Lead at ONE. In this role, I am primarily responsible for overseeing the daily trading operations at ONE, guiding clients through our exceptional trading experience— whether in crypto or foreign exchange—from the initial point of contact all the way to settlement is a priority. I have the pleasure of working closely with our Head of Trading, Nick Heather, to ensure we continue to grow and uphold the highest standards.
How did you get started in your career, and what led you to work at ONE?
My career began on the regulatory side, working in the Securities Division at the Financial Services Commission of Barbados, where I oversaw traders, dealers, and investment advisors across the Caribbean. After completing a master’s in Investment and Financial Risk, I worked on an FX desk before joining the incredible team at ONE. When I first joined, there were only a handful of us, but what truly sold me on the company was the people and the vision.
How have you grown personally and professionally since joining the company?
Spending four years at a start-up is akin to working at a large company for ten. The pace of learning and the ability to handle ad-hoc situations are accelerated. Over time, I’ve grown significantly in confidence and resilience. As you can imagine, there are always obstacles—especially during those growth pains—but overall, it’s been an incredible journey building our product alongside such amazing people.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’ve always had a passion for physical activity. I play cricket for a club in London, enjoy casual football on the weekends, and a few years ago, I was ranked among the top 50 male CrossFit athletes in my home country of Barbados!