Our Team

James Zorab - Chief Executive, Co-Founder

James is CEO and Founder of Codel Ltd and it’s investor company The Ascent Group. He started the business 35 years ago and has steered it through numerous different phases and can claim to have been a pioneer in data immutability, tokenisation, digital notarisation and the development of a range of connected digital asset products and services. He leads a visionary team developing first-in- field web3 applications and with real-world immutability solutions already deployed that pre-date blockchain which will transform the cyber world we now live in.

Henry Raschen - Finance & Governance Officer

Henry Raschen, Head of Finance and Governance. Henry qualified as a chartered accountant before joining Samuel Montagu/HSBC, where he carried out a number of finance roles, prior to becoming Head of Strategic Development for HSBC's securities services business in Europe. Post-2008 he specialised in regulatory and market change, including chairing the ECB's T2S UK user group, before taking up the global role of Director, Regulatory Outlook for HSBC Securities Services. 

Ben Zorab – Director of Business Development

With six years of experience in business development across cybersecurity and automation, Ben Zorab specializes in driving strategic growth and securing high-value partnerships. At Codel, he leads market expansion efforts, helping organizations protect their digital assets with cutting-edge, blockchain-free digital fingerprinting technology. In his previous role, Ben built and managed multimillion-dollar annual client business, showcasing his expertise in scaling revenue and fostering long-term relationships. His deep understanding of data security, automation, and emerging technologies positions him as a key driver in Codel’s mission to redefine data integrity for businesses worldwide.

Christian Ruetimann – Product Development Manager

Responsible for Codel's product creation and improvement process. Previous roles include Product Manager at HiHydra and Business Support Analyst at Hardy London Advisory. Studied Electronic Engineering at the University of York and obtained a Masters in Electronic Engineering from the University of Surrey.

Alwin Stephen - Chief Technology Officer

Alwin Stephen is an executive technology leader, entrepreneur, and founder of tech companies with expertise in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation. With a strong background in regulatory compliance, and enterprise technology, Alwin has successfully led global initiatives across the financial, life sciences, and technology sectors. He specialises in consulting CxOs and senior executives in shaping technology strategies that align with business objectives

Markus H. Ruetimann - Director

Markus has worked in the financial services industry in Zurich, Geneva, New York and London (current) for over three decades. He was Global Chief Operating Officer at CS Asset Management, Schroders plc and UBS Asset Management. He holds a number of non-executive positions in asset management, technology, digital solutions and advisory. He is also the Chair of the Board of Trustees at Young Epilepsy (a UK charity).

Andrew Nicolls - Marketing Director

Andrew Nicolls lead’s codel’s marketing and communications. Andrew Has 30 years experience advising some of the worlds’s leading financial institutions such as JP Morgan, Reuters, KKR, Standard & Poor’s and many more.He founded 2 PR agencies, Penrose and Copperfield in London and New York and started the first financial technology focussed division 20 years ago.

Mark Kerns - Director

Mark is a seasoned senior executive with a distinguished career across leading global and regional banks. In his most recentrole, he was Head of Investor Services at Standard Bank and a member of the Transactional Products and Services Executive Team. Earlier in his career, Mark was a Director of The WM Company and launched the Bankers Trust Global and Master Custody services in Europe. He also led the Global Master Custody business for JP Morgan based initially in London and then New York. Immediately prior to joining Standard Bank, Mark filled a variety of executive roles at BNY Mellon including Executive Vice President & Head of Fund Manager Services.

Mark Broughton - Commercial Director

Mark has extensive general management experience at board level in intellectual property-based businesses. He has developed several business brands for global markets, and completed a wide range of multinational Intellectual Property Rights deals. After extensive private equity investment experience with 3i, he managed change in international programme businesses for HTV Group and United News & Media.