Former CFTC Chair Giancarlo exits Willkie Farr to advise crypto firms

Ex-CFTC Chair Chris Giancarlo leaves Willkie Farr to focus full-time on advising fintech and crypto firms. He exits institutional law to work directly with industry players.

Giancarlo chaired the CFTC from 2017 to 2019. He oversaw approval of the first regulated bitcoin futures on CME in December 2017 and advanced a “Do No Harm” stance on blockchain policy. CFTC

He later co-founded the Digital Dollar Project in January 2020 to research a U.S. CBDC. He continued policy engagement through testimony and writing after leaving the agency. Coinspeaker

“Thank you for all the kind words on my retirement from law practice,” he wrote on April 13, 2026, noting Willkie’s Digital Works team will continue serving the sector. Giancarlo on X

Cointelegraph also reported his move on April 14, 2026. Cointelegraph on X

Key details for investors:
- CFTC defined bitcoin and ether as commodities under the Commodity Exchange Act during his tenure, a basis for current legislative debates. Coinspeaker
- Current non-executive roles: Nomura Holdings, Digital Asset Holdings, Paxos Trust Company. Coinspeaker
- Recognition: Named Chevalier of France’s National Order of Merit in March 2022 for financial markets and cryptofinance expertise. Coinspeaker

Headline
Giancarlo quits Willkie Farr, pivots to full-time crypto advisory