Key Takeaways:
Former Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Christopher Giancarlo, has been appointed as a senior policy adviser at Sygnum, a Swiss-based digital asset bank. His role will focus on guiding the firm’s global regulatory strategy as Sygnum expands its operations in markets such as Singapore and the UAE. This development follows a significant funding round of $58 million led by Fulgur Ventures, which placed Sygnum at unicorn status.
Sygnum made the announcement on May 27, highlighting Giancarlo’s strategic appointment amid increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrency markets. Giancarlo, widely recognized as the “crypto dad” for his commitment to regulatory advocacy during his tenure at the CFTC from 2017 to 2019, will join Sygnum’s Advisory Council, which consists of 12 members.
Guiding Global Crypto Policy and Partnerships
In his new role, Giancarlo will provide insights on international regulatory developments and assist Sygnum in establishing strategic partnerships in both public and private sectors. “Sygnum stands at the intersection of regulation and innovation,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of this transitional moment as institutional adoption of digital assets grows.
The firm’s expansion strategy also aligns with developments in rapidly evolving digital asset frameworks in regions like Singapore and the UAE. Nonetheless, Sygnum’s CEO Matthias Imbach expressed concern that Switzerland, traditionally viewed as a crypto-friendly environment, may risk losing its regulatory advantage if it does not keep pace with global trends.
Giancarlo’s appointment arrives at a time when interest in crypto policy in the United States is coming to the forefront. Following the November election of Donald Trump, there has been a noticeable change in the dialogue surrounding crypto legislation.
While there was speculation about Giancarlo potentially filling high-profile positions within the new administration, including roles at the SEC or Treasury, he has publicly indicated that he is not pursuing such opportunities.
News: J. Christopher Giancarlo (@giancarloMKTS), Former US CFTC Chairman, joins Sygnum as Senior Policy Advisor
Sygnum today announces that J. Christopher (“Chris”) Giancarlo, former Chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (@CFTC), has joined Sygnum Bank as… pic.twitter.com/wY5tLx4X5E
— Sygnum Bank (@sygnumofficial) May 27, 2025
Earlier this year, Sygnum successfully raised $58 million in an oversubscribed strategic funding round, elevating its valuation to over $1 billion and securing its status as a unicorn. The round was notably supported by cornerstone investor Fulgur Ventures, along with a combination of new and existing stakeholders.
Furthermore, Sygnum’s team members also invested in this round, ensuring that the founding members and board retained majority ownership.
Institutional Demand for Bitcoin and Regulatory Developments
As institutional interest continues to grow, U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs have seen inflows exceeding $1.5 billion in just two days, indicating a rising appetite for regulated access to digital assets. The recent passage of the GENIUS Act in the Senate, which aims to establish national stablecoin regulations, could further enhance adoption if enacted into law.
With supportive macroeconomic conditions, maturing products, and clearer legal frameworks, the crypto environment is becoming increasingly attractive for traditional financial institutions. According to Sygnum Bank’s reports, there is potential for significant Bitcoin price increases in 2025, fueled by heightened institutional investment.
Traditional institutional investors, including pension and sovereign wealth funds, are beginning to allocate more capital toward crypto assets, which is expected to create substantial demand. This escalating institutional interest is being met with limited Bitcoin supply, particularly as a large portion of the Bitcoin in circulation is held by long-term investors who are unlikely to trade their assets frequently.
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