Sygnum, the Swiss digital asset banking group, has brought on former U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Christopher Giancarlo as a senior policy adviser, a strategic move as the firm positions itself at the forefront of regulatory developments and institutional crypto adoption.
Giancarlo, widely known as the “crypto dad” for his pro-digital asset stance during his CFTC tenure from 2017 to 2019, joins Sygnum’s 12-member Advisory Council. His appointment comes at a time of mounting global interest in regulated crypto investment vehicles and public-private partnerships in the digital asset space.
In his new advisory role, Giancarlo will provide guidance on international regulation and help shape strategic alliances across both governmental and private sectors. Speaking on his appointment, Giancarlo noted that the industry is approaching a major inflection point in institutional adoption—an environment he believes Sygnum is uniquely positioned to navigate.
Sygnum, often dubbed the world’s first digital asset bank, recently achieved unicorn status after closing a $58 million funding round. The firm operates across key markets, including Switzerland, Singapore, and the UAE, which are regions experiencing a surge in crypto-related growth. Despite this, CEO Matthias Imbach has cautioned that Switzerland risks falling behind in the competitive race for crypto leadership unless it accelerates innovation.
Giancarlo’s return to the spotlight coincides with a significant shift in U.S. crypto policy. After last year’s presidential election win by Donald Trump, who has voiced support for digital assets, Washington has seen a noticeable tilt toward pro-crypto sentiment. However, Giancarlo has denied speculation that he might be tapped to replace outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler or join the U.S. Treasury in a crypto-focused role.

A Fidelity Digital Assets report underscores the trend, stating that Bitcoin’s rally to new all-time highs reinforces its image as a credible store of value among institutional investors. Giancarlo’s expertise in regulatory frameworks and advocacy for tokenization and blockchain innovation is expected to support Sygnum’s mission to capitalize on these tailwinds.
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