Former CFTC Chief "Crypto Dad" Joins Swiss Bank Sygnum as Senior Advisor

TLDR

Table of Contents

Former CFTC Chairman Christopher Giancarlo, known as “crypto dad,” joins Swiss crypto bank Sygnum as Senior Policy Advisor
Giancarlo will help Sygnum navigate global regulations and strategic partnerships in public and private sectors
The appointment signals Sygnum’s cautious first step toward entering the American market
Sygnum recently achieved unicorn status following a $58 million funding round
Giancarlo was previously considered for a U.S. Crypto Czar role under Trump before David Sacks was chosen

Swiss crypto bank Sygnum has appointed Christopher Giancarlo, former chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as Senior Policy Advisor. The appointment was announced on May 27, 2025.

Giancarlo joins Sygnum’s Advisory Council alongside 11 other members, including BlackRock Vice Chair Philipp Hildebrand and MIT researcher Alexander Lipton. His role focuses on providing regulatory guidance and strategic partnership advice for both public and private sectors.

The former CFTC chairman served from 2017 to 2019 and earned the nickname “crypto dad” for his advocacy of digital assets. He has been vocal about the need for pro-industry legislation in the United States.

Sygnum operates as a digital asset bank across Switzerland, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Liechtenstein. The company recently achieved unicorn status following a $58 million funding round.

The appointment represents a cautious first step for Sygnum toward the American market. The bank has previously maintained distance from the U.S. due to regulatory complexities in the jurisdiction.

Giancarlo expressed enthusiasm about contributing his regulatory knowledge and networks to Sygnum’s growth strategy. He specifically mentioned advancing the company’s mission to build regulated bridges between traditional and crypto economies globally.

Strategic Timing

The timing aligns with increased institutional interest in digital assets following recent policy shifts. Bitcoin ETFs have drawn $1.5 billion in inflows over two days, setting records for monthly performance.

The U.S. Senate recently passed the GENIUS Act for stablecoin regulation. DWF Labs managing partner Andrei Grachev believes the legislation could accelerate institutional adoption if enacted.

Regulatory Landscape Changes

Giancarlo was previously considered for a newly created U.S. Crypto Czar position under President Trump. The role ultimately went to former PayPal COO David Sacks instead.

Following Trump’s election victory, Giancarlo dismissed rumors about succeeding SEC Chair Gary Gensler. He also denied interest in crypto-related Treasury positions.

As for reports that I’m in mix to run @SECGov, I’ve made clear that I’ve already cleaned up earlier Gary Gensler mess @CFTC and don’t want to have do it again. DC rumors that I’m interested in some #crypto role @USTreasury are also wrong.
— Chris Giancarlo (@giancarloMKTS) November 14, 2024

Sygnum CEO Matthias Imbach highlighted Giancarlo’s deep understanding of regulation and market infrastructure. The appointment brings extensive U.S. networks and policy perspectives to the Swiss bank.

Bitcoin’s rally to all-time highs has created positive momentum for institutional adoption. Fidelity Digital Assets reports that more institutions now view Bitcoin as a mature portfolio asset.

The crypto industry shows positive growth in regions where Sygnum operates, including Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. However, Imbach recently warned that Switzerland might lose its competitive advantage without continued innovation.

Giancarlo’s addition to Sygnum’s advisory team comes as the U.S. enters a potential phase of large-scale crypto deregulation under the current administration.

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