Former U.S. financial regulator Chris Giancarlo is transitioning from legal practice to become a full-time adviser for cryptocurrency and fintech companies. Giancarlo, known as “Crypto Dad” from his tenure as chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), announced his retirement from law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher. He stated he will now focus on advising industry founders and CEOs, as well as public policy research.
Former CFTC Chair Chris Giancarlo is leaving his legal career to advise cryptocurrency firms. He announced his retirement from law and departure from Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
Giancarlo said, “From here on, I’ll devote my time to advising founders & builders of FinTech & Digital Assets and their CEOs and boards, research & writing on public policy issues, and continuing work with non-profit programs.” He was CFTC chair from August 2017 to July 2018 after being nominated by President Donald Trump.
During his chairmanship, he oversaw the approval of the first U.S. Bitcoin futures markets. His early advocacy for the sector earned him the “Crypto Dad” nickname.
He has continued engaging on regulatory matters and has advised crypto bank Sygnum. On a recent podcast, he downplayed concerns about stalled congressional crypto bills like the CLARITY Act.
Giancarlo argued that agencies like the CFTC and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could still establish rules for industry clarity. He emphasized that America’s financial institutions must modernize and adopt the technology.
Giancarlo is not the first former CFTC chair to move into crypto. Former acting chair Caroline Pham left the agency in December to become chief legal officer at MoonPay.
