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Btrust, the non-profit organization committed to decentralizing Bitcoin open-source development, has revealed the appointment of a new Board of Directors, signifying the conclusion of a significant governance transition and the commencement of the organization’s subsequent strategic phase.
Following a worldwide, open invitation and a thorough, multi-phase selection procedure, Janet Maingi, Bruno Garcia, and Laurence Aderemi have taken on complete governance duties, the organization informed Bitcoin Magazine.
The selection process was guided by Btrust’s Genesis Principles, which place a premium on openness, equity, and alignment with the mission — values that have underpinned the organization since its inception.
This transition fulfills the initial directive established in 2021 when Btrust was founded with a 500 BTC endowment from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey and artist Jay-Z — a contribution valued at approximately $24.5 million at the time of its announcement. The donation was earmarked to support Bitcoin development throughout Africa and India, with Dorsey and Jay-Z intentionally withdrawing from governance to grant an independent board full decision-making authority.
The founding board — comprising Obi Nwosu, Ojoma Ochai, Carla Kirk-Cohen, and Abubakar Nur Khalil — was tasked with establishing the organization’s operational and financial framework before facilitating a structured handover to a successor board.
Btrust’s enduring objective for bitcoin development
Throughout a transition period spanning several weeks, which concluded on April 30, 2026, the incoming and outgoing boards collaborated closely to ensure continuity in governance, financial stewardship, and operations. The handover encompassed budget evaluations, documentation consolidation, and the initiation of an independent audit aimed at bolstering accountability.
“Today represents a crucial juncture for Btrust,” stated CEO Abubakar Nur Khalil, who was officially appointed to the chief executive position in late 2025 after acting in an interim capacity. “We are assured that the new board will amplify our impact and preserve our long-term mission.”
The new board brings extensive and complementary proficiencies in Bitcoin infrastructure, energy systems, and open-source software development. Their appointment occurs at a critical moment for the organization, which has systematically broadened its reach across the Global South.
In 2023, Btrust integrated Qala, a training firm for Bitcoin and Lightning Network developers, rebranding it as the Btrust Builders Programme to expedite the development of open-source contributors from Africa. More recently, Btrust has indicated plans to expand into Latin America as part of its wider global strategy.
With the governance transition now finalized, Btrust proceeds with enhanced institutional clarity. The organization’s fundamental objective — ensuring the Bitcoin ecosystem remains open, inclusive, and robust by diversifying its builders — remains unaltered. The new board is anticipated to direct grantmaking strategies, reinforce oversight of the Builders Programme, and deepen Btrust’s presence within underrepresented developer communities globally.
Original article : bitcoinmagazine.com