Sygnum Crypto Bank Nabs Ex-CFTC Chief Giancarlo as Big Gun Advisor

Swiss-based digital asset bank Sygnum just pulled a power move—hiring former CFTC chair J. Christopher Giancarlo as senior advisor. The ’Crypto Dad’ of US regulation now backs one of crypto’s most institutional-friendly players.

Wall Street meets blockchain: Giancarlo’s hire signals Sygnum’s push for legitimacy in TradFi circles. Because nothing says ’serious finance’ like recycling regulators into cushy advisory roles.

With Giancarlo’s clout, Sygnum aims to bridge the gap between DeFi purists and suit-and-tie investors. The play? Turning crypto’s wild west into a compliant gold rush—minus the actual gold, of course.

Sygnum Finds New Senior Policy Advisor

The announcement was made on May 27, positioning Giancarlo within Sygnum’s Advisory Council, where he will work alongside 11 other members to support the firm’s regulatory and strategic initiatives.

Widely recognized within the industry as “Crypto Dad” for his supportive stance on digital assets, Giancarlo’s appointment arrives at a time of heightened institutional interest and shifting global regulatory frameworks. In his new role, he will focus on navigating regulatory environments and fostering strategic partnerships across both public and private sectors.

He commented,

“I am excited to join Sygnum as Senior Policy Advisor as the global digital asset industry approaches an inflection point in institutional adoption.” 

An Industry Veteran with Regulatory Insight

Giancarlo, who led the CFTC between 2017 and 2019, has been a prominent advocate for the responsible development of cryptocurrency markets. His tenure was marked by efforts to modernize U.S. derivatives regulations and improve oversight of emerging digital asset products. In 2023, he publicly stated that meaningful progress for the crypto industry would require a significant political shift in Washington, DC, a shift that began to take shape following Donald Trump’s presidential victory last November.

Despite speculation about Giancarlo potentially succeeding SEC Chair Gary Gensler or assuming a crypto-focused role at the U.S. Treasury, he distanced himself from those prospects. He was also briefly considered for a proposed WHITE House "crypto czar" position, though no such role was formally established.

Sygnum Eyes Expansion Amid Global Market Momentum

Giancarlo’s addition comes as Sygnum, which operates in Switzerland, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, looks to strengthen its international footprint. The crypto bank has been actively seeking partnerships and strategic growth opportunities, with an emphasis on regions where regulatory clarity is advancing.

Sygnum noted that evolving U.S. market reforms could significantly impact global crypto markets. The firm plans to leverage Giancarlo’s regulatory expertise as it evaluates collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and broader strategic initiatives with international industry participants.

According to Sygnum’s co-founder and Group CEO Mathias Imbach, Giancarlo’s experience and network, particularly within the U.S. regulatory landscape, will be “invaluable as we continue our growth journey.” Imbach also cautioned that while jurisdictions like Singapore and the UAE remain attractive, Switzerland risks losing its edge if it does not sustain regulatory innovation.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.