Chris Giancarlo, widely known as “Crypto Dad” for his pro-innovation stance on digital assets, has joined crypto banking group Sygnum as a Senior Policy Advisor, the company announced Tuesday.
Giancarlo, who served as Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from 2017 to 2019, has been a vocal advocate for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. His appointment comes as Sygnum, a regulated digital asset bank with operations in Switzerland and Singapore, aims to further navigate the evolving global regulatory landscape.
Sygnum indicated that recent market reforms and regulatory developments in the U.S. are poised to bring significant shifts to crypto asset markets worldwide. The bank plans to leverage Giancarlo’s extensive experience and network to “explore collaboration, M&A, and other strategic growth opportunities with global industry players.”
“I am excited to join Sygnum as Senior Policy Advisor as the global digital asset industry approaches an inflection point in institutional adoption,” Giancarlo stated.
Mathias Imbach, co-founder and Group CEO of Sygnum, emphasized the value Giancarlo brings to the firm. “His deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, financial market infrastructure, and public policy, as well as his extensive network — particularly in the U.S. — will be invaluable as we continue our growth journey,” Imbach said.
This strategic hire follows Sygnum’s successful strategic funding round in January, which secured $58 million and propelled its post-money valuation past $1 billion, granting it unicorn status.