Christopher Giancarlo, the former chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has officially joined Swiss-based crypto bank Sygnum as a senior policy adviser. Nicknamed “crypto dad” for his regulatory leadership and digital asset advocacy, Giancarlo’s move marks a major development as institutional interest in cryptocurrencies continues to grow.
Giancarlo to Guide Sygnum on Global Regulation and Strategy
Sygnum disclosed the appointment on May 27, placing Giancarlo on its Advisory Council alongside 11 other seasoned experts. In his role, Giancarlo will provide strategic counsel on regulatory developments and public-private partnerships, helping the bank navigate a complex and rapidly evolving global crypto landscape.
“I’m excited to join Sygnum at a pivotal moment when institutional adoption of digital assets is accelerating,” said Giancarlo, who led the CFTC from 2017 to 2019 during the early stages of crypto derivatives regulation.
Sygnum Expands as Crypto Regulation Matures
Sygnum, often referred to as the first digital asset bank, achieved unicorn status following a $58 million Series B funding round. Based in Switzerland, with active operations in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, Sygnum is known for offering institutional-grade services such as crypto custody, tokenization, and regulated trading.
The addition of Giancarlo, a respected global regulatory figure, signals the firm’s ambition to further expand into markets shaped by clearer policy frameworks.
Pro-Crypto Legislation and Institutional Momentum
The announcement coincides with major strides in institutional crypto adoption. In the U.S., Bitcoin ETFs saw $1.5 billion in inflows over just two days this month, and legislative advances such as the GENIUS Act are pushing digital assets into mainstream financial conversations.
Giancarlo has previously said that a political shift in Washington would be necessary for the U.S. to adopt pro-crypto policies. That shift appears to be underway following Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory, though Giancarlo has denied interest in taking roles at the SEC or U.S. Treasury.
Crypto Dad’s Return Marks Industry Confidence
Giancarlo’s return to the spotlight with Sygnum signals renewed confidence in crypto’s institutional path. While Switzerland faces increasing competition from fast-moving jurisdictions like Singapore and the UAE, Sygnum’s leadership remains optimistic.
CEO Matthias Imbach recently warned that Switzerland must continue innovating or risk falling behind in the global race for digital asset dominance.