New York, NY – January 15, 2025 – NatGold Digital Ltd. (“NatGold” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrés Fernández as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Fernández, who has been serving as a director of the company and will continue in that role, brings a wealth of experience in business leadership, investment management, and public policy development. In his new role, he will oversee global administrative operations and lead the implementation of pro-digital mining legislation, with an initial focus on Latin America, where he has extensive experience in navigating and passing complex legislative initiatives.

Andrés Fernández is a highly accomplished executive who most recently served as CEO of CEBAR, Colombia’s largest agricultural loan structuring company. Under his leadership, CEBAR successfully transformed into a fintech and insurtech powerhouse, leveraging technology to modernize financial and insurance services in the agricultural sector. He led a team of 110 employees and 200 subcontractors, driving significant operational efficiencies and growth.

Prior to CEBAR, Mr. Fernández was Investment Manager at Front Street Capital S.A.S., where he managed the firm’s Colombian private equity portfolio. He also held leadership positions at Group Capiro, one of Colombia’s largest flower exporters, serving as Director of Logistics and Head of the U.S. group.

Mr. Fernández has also played a prominent role in government, serving as Colombia’s Minister of Agriculture, a member of the Colombian National Security Council, and Delegated Minister of Commerce. In these roles, he was instrumental in leading free trade agreement negotiations with Canada and the European Union, chairing key national economic funds, and representing Colombia in major international trade organizations.

Anthony Wile, CEO and President of NatGold Digital, welcomed Mr. Fernández to his expanded leadership role, “Andrés brings an unparalleled combination of private sector leadership and public policy expertise to NatGold Digital. His deep understanding of financial markets, international trade, and legislative strategy will be instrumental as we push forward with pro-digital mining policies that will shape the future of the NatGold ecosystem. His proven ability to lead and execute complex initiatives makes him a perfect fit for this role, and we are thrilled to have him driving our operational growth.”

Andrés Fernández added, “NatGold Digital represents a groundbreaking transformation in the way we think about gold investment and sustainability. I am excited to take on this expanded role and work toward ensuring that digital mining is embraced by policymakers and industry leaders alike. Latin America presents a tremendous opportunity for NatGold Digital, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to help create a supportive regulatory environment that allows this revolutionary model to thrive.”

Mr. Fernández holds a degree in Agricultural and Livestock Business Administration from La Salle University in Medellín. He speaks fluent English in addition to his native Spanish.