Global Digital Finance (GDF), the global cryptoassets and digital finance industry membership body which promotes best practices for cryptoassets and digital finance technologies, today announced the appointment of Carl Schonander as its Regulatory Affairs Director for the US and the Americas.

Mr Schonander has extensive experience in technology policy and advocacy, recently working for the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), where he led a team on privacy, intellectual property, emerging technology, and education technology. His previous roles include director, Office of Intellectual Property Rights at the US Department of State, as well as diplomatic experience within the US Embassy in Spain,

He will join US-based GDF board members Jeff Bandman and Sandra Ro, as well as US Policy Director John Collins, to continue to strengthen GDF’s US presence.

Lawrence Wintermeyer, Executive Co-Chair of Global Digital Finance said “The GDF membership asked us to prioritise policy maker and regulator outreach this year. We deliver advocacy through regular engagement with regulators and responding to industry and public consultations, and Carl will bring a wealth of experience and insight to support and strengthen the team”.

Jeff Bandman, Board Member of Global Digital Finance added “We are delighted that Carl has joined the international regulatory affairs team at GDF to spearhead our US policy work and lead our outreach in Washington and around the country. He will also lead our efforts throughout the Americas where we see enormous potential opportunities for the benefits of digital innovation.”

GDF’s annual members survey reported in the organisation’s 2020 annual report, identified a lack of regulatory clarity as the biggest challenge facing the sector this year. To help to achieve this clarity, the number one priority in 2021 for the GDF community is policy maker and regulatory outreach in the US, Europe, and Asia.