A cryptocurrency firm with connections to Lord Philip Hammond is under fire for a sushi event deemed ’embarrassing’, prompting a reevaluation of its corporate ethics.
Copper, a cryptocurrency company with ties to former UK chancellor Lord Philip Hammond, has issued an apology following a controversial event where sushi was served from the bodies of scantily clad models. The incident, which the company described as “embarrassing,” took place at a luxury hotel in London and has prompted an internal review.
The event, associated with a crypto conference sponsored by Copper, drew criticism for its choice of entertainment, which conflicted with the company’s corporate values. Copper, known for providing secure storage and trading solutions for digital assets, attracted significant investment from notable entities including Barclays, hedge fund manager Alan Howard, and venture capital firms Target Global and Dawn Capital. Lord Hammond joined the company’s board last year after a successful fundraising campaign.
This incident has sparked discussions about the culture within the cryptocurrency industry, which is currently experiencing renewed optimism and a surge in bitcoin prices despite recent scandals. Founded in 2018 in East London, Copper is actively seeking regulatory approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority. The company has committed to reviewing its event approval and sponsorship processes in light of the backlash.
