The former chairman of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission has become a prominent name in the digital asset world and is now reportedly the leading contender for a potential «crypto czar» position in the Trump administration.
A lawyer by training, Chris Giancarlo, a prominent advocate for blockchain and cryptocurrency known as «Crypto Dad,» has been identified as a leading contender for the role of «crypto czar» in the Trump administration, according to a recent report by «Fox Business».
Appointed by former President Barack Obama to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in 2014, Giancarlo was elevated to Chairman by President Donald Trump in 2017. During his tenure, he led key initiatives to modernize financial regulation, including overseeing the rollout of bitcoin futures contracts—the first of their kind in the U.S.—and promoting the use of blockchain technology to improve market transparency.
Pragmatic Regulatory Approach
His pragmatic approach to regulation earned him widespread respect within the crypto community and beyond.
After leaving the CFTC in 2019, Giancarlo remained a leading voice in digital finance. He authored a memoir, «Crypto Dad: The Fight for the Future of Money, chronicling his journey and vision for the digital transformation of financial systems.»
The CBDC Question
Currently, he is a senior counsel at the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher and serves on the advisory boards of blockchain advocacy group the Chamber of Digital Commerce and fintech company Paxos. He is also the founder of the Digital Dollar Project, which explores the potential of a US central bank digital currency (CBDC), an idea President-elect Donald Trump spoke out against during his campaign.
Giancarlo is also closely tied to the CfC St. Moritz, an exclusive annual gathering of crypto and blockchain leaders in the Swiss Alps.
Recent CfC Ties
He attended the CfC St. Moritz conference in January and became an official Ambassador for the event in June 2024. Announcing this role on X/Twitter, he said, «It's an honor to be a part of the great @CFCstmoritz team!»
The CfC, founded by Swiss entrepreneur Tobias Reichmuth, has evolved into one of the most prestigious conferences in the crypto space, attracting high-profile figures from finance, technology, and regulation.
Exclusive Gathering in the Swiss Alps
Originally an open forum for crypto enthusiasts, the CfC has since adopted a. more selective approach toward its participants amid the surging hype around digital assets. This shift mirrors the growing sophistication and institutionalization of the blockchain industry.
As reported by Fox Business, the Trump administration is considering creating the position of crypto czar as part of its broader strategy to foster a more supportive regulatory environment for the 3 trillion dollar digital asset market.
Regulatory Competition
Giancarlo’s track record at the CFTC, where he oversaw the launch of bitcoin futures and advocated for blockchain innovation, positions him as a strong candidate for the role.
If appointed, Giancarlo would likely focus on creating a regulatory framework for stablecoins, establishing safe harbors for American crypto businesses, and ensuring that US innovation does not lag behind global competitors such as Switzerland.
