Zak Mir talks to Nick Thurlow, Executive Chairman, Hamak Gold, following the announcement of the acquisition of 20 Bitcoin as part of its broader capital allocation and treasury management strategy. This move marks the Company’s first foray into digital asset investment and reflects a proactive approach to value creation and balance sheet optimisation.

Since early July, Hamak Gold has undergone a notable transformation. Nick Thurlow, along with a group of experienced professionals, took over the company and raised £2.4 million to build on the existing business while integrating a digital asset treasury component. This strategic pivot aims to capitalise on the growing interest and institutional demand for crypto assets, particularly within the UK market, which Nick describes as “massively underweight” in this area.

Nick highlights that the goal is to position Hamak Gold as a bridge for investors—especially institutions—to gain exposure to digital assets through a regulated and well-structured vehicle on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). This approach seeks to address the gap in the market where many investors remain cautious or underserved in the crypto space.

Hamak Gold’s Twin Bet: West African Discovery Meets Bitcoin Treasury Pivot

While many companies have recently jumped onto the digital asset bandwagon, Hamak Gold distinguishes itself through a combination of experienced management, a robust strategy, and a long-term value creation mindset. Nick emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation with the right partners, including lawyers, auditors, bankers, and regulated advisors, to navigate the complexities of institutional investment.

Nick’s background in tier-one banks, asset management, and family office investing underpins Hammock’s strategic approach. The company aims to serve not only retail investors but also to attract larger institutional capital by demonstrating disciplined risk management and governance. This foundation is crucial for managing the volatility and rumors that often accompany emerging asset classes, as Nick advises investors to remain patient through the inevitable swings.

One of the most compelling aspects of Hamak Gold’s strategy is its flexibility.  Nick draws on his extensive treasury experience to stress that holding a single asset is rarely a prudent risk management strategy. The company’s digital asset treasury policy, which Nick refers to as “Bitcoin Treasury 2.0,” aims to evolve beyond the pioneering efforts of firms like MicroStrategy by incorporating broader asset diversification and dynamic risk management. Hamak is assembling a team of world-renowned advisors, including Dr. Arthur Laffer, to navigate the next five years of this rapidly changing space.

Nick acknowledges that the company’s rapid share price appreciation—up 10x since the start of the year and 43% in a single week—has brought increased market scrutiny and volatility. This volatility is a natural part of being a growing company in a nascent market. Nick explains that reaching a larger scale, with a balance sheet of £50-100 million, will help stabilize price swings and reduce rumor-driven fluctuations. Until then, investor confidence and understanding are paramount.

Looking ahead, Nick sees digital assets fundamentally reshaping how investors manage portfolios and how financial markets operate. He points to recent innovations like Robinhood’s use of blockchain technology to enable 24/7 retail trading, illustrating how digital assets and blockchain will revolutionize traditional finance.

Nick concludes with a strong conviction that digital assets, particularly Bitcoin, are becoming a fundamental reserve currency worldwide. Hamak Gold is well-positioned to be at the forefront of this transition, combining traditional financial rigor with innovative digital asset strategies.

Hamak Gold’s bold move into digital asset treasury management represents a strategic evolution grounded in experience, discipline, and adaptability. Under the leadership of Nick Thurlow, the company is not just following the crypto trend but aiming to set new standards for institutional-grade digital asset investment in the UK and beyond.

For investors looking to understand how traditional asset management expertise can intersect with the future of digital finance, Hamak Gold offers a compelling case study. As the digital asset landscape continues to evolve, Hammock’s journey will be one to watch closely.