Christopher Giancarlo, the former chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and a widely recognized voice in the crypto space, has stepped into a new role as a senior policy adviser at Sygnum, a Swiss-based digital asset bank.
Affectionately dubbed “Crypto Dad” by industry supporters for his forward-thinking approach to digital assets during his time at the CFTC (2017–2019), Giancarlo is once again entering the spotlight—this time, on the international stage. His appointment was officially announced on May 27 by Sygnum, placing him among a dozen elite members of the company’s Advisory Council.
In this new capacity, Giancarlo will assist Sygnum in navigating the increasingly complex global regulatory terrain. With institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies gaining real momentum, his guidance is expected to be pivotal in helping the bank forge meaningful connections with both private and public stakeholders worldwide.
Sygnum, headquartered in Switzerland and recognized as one of the world’s first regulated digital asset banks, has recently cemented its status as a key player in the crypto banking sector after securing $58 million in a funding round that pushed its valuation into unicorn territory. The institution is known for bridging traditional finance with blockchain innovation, offering a full suite of crypto asset services to institutions and individuals alike.
Reflecting on his decision to join Sygnum, Giancarlo pointed to a major turning point for the digital asset industry. “We’re at the cusp of significant institutional transformation,” he said, noting that more traditional financial players are beginning to embrace crypto as a serious asset class.
While Giancarlo’s pro-crypto stance is well established, he hasn’t shied away from critiquing U.S. policy when necessary. Last year, he commented that only a major political shift in Washington could unlock a regulatory environment conducive to innovation in digital assets. That shift, many believe, may be underway following the surprise victory of Donald Trump in the most recent presidential election.
Still, despite speculation about Giancarlo being a top candidate to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or take on a major crypto role in the U.S. Treasury, he has firmly denied such ambitions. Instead, his focus now lies in helping shape the global framework that will govern the next wave of financial technology.
His new role at Sygnum comes at a time of surging institutional enthusiasm for digital assets. Recent months have seen record-breaking inflows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with $1.5 billion pouring in over just two days. Legislative progress is also being made in the United States with the Senate’s approval of the GENIUS Act, aimed at providing regulatory clarity around stablecoins—a development experts say could further accelerate institutional involvement.
Globally, Sygnum continues to deepen its presence in promising crypto markets such as Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. Yet, not everything is rosy at home. The bank’s CEO, Matthias Imbach, recently sounded the alarm about Switzerland’s waning edge in the crypto space. According to Imbach, unless Swiss regulators and policymakers continue to support innovation, the country risks falling behind more agile regions.
Giancarlo’s addition to Sygnum’s advisory team suggests the firm is committed not just to staying ahead of the curve, but to helping shape it. With his blend of regulatory insight and blockchain advocacy, “Crypto Dad” may well be the bridge between the old financial guard and the decentralized future.
