ADAM Selects Ex-CIA Officer to Lead Blockchain Security Efforts

The Association for Digital Asset Markets (ADAM), a private non-profit membership-based association of firms operating in the digital asset markets, has appointed a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, Mike Castiglione, as Chairman of its new National Security Working Group.

Additionally, Castiglione is the Director of Regulatory Affairs, Digital Assets, at Eventus, which is a provider of multi-asset class trade surveillance and market risk solutions.

The association said it created the working group to serve as a bridge between the public and private sectors.

Moreover, the group is seeking to be the “go-to resource for the executive and legislative branches to interface with industry experts on blockchain national security issues.”

ADAM, which appointed its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) two years ago, said its Board of Directors (B of D) approved Castiglione’s selection based on his broad national security experience.

In addition, the B of D is said to have considered Eventus’ "industry-leading technology in trade surveillance, risk monitoring and transaction monitoring for digital assets."

Michelle Bond, the CEO of ADAM, believes that Castiglione’s experience will enable the association to continue public-private information sharing to the utmost degree.

“ADAM has a very deep bench, and we know Mike will add to this, leveraging his experience to guide the working group,” Bond said.

Digital Asset Security

In his reaction to his appointment, Castiglione described public-private partnerships as a cornerstone of sound regulation, adding that the practice encourages rapid adoption of emerging technologies.

“ADAM members are positioned to learn from each other and to build the next suite of products that advances digital assets,” he added.

On his part, Joseph Schifano, the Global Head of Regulatory Affairs at Eventus, praised Castiglione’s appointment.

He said: “Mike has delivered clear, objective insights on national security challenges during a 15-year career in the U.S. federal government.

“Eventus is proud to play a role in this working group, which will be a key resource to government and the industry alike, and to collaborate with other experts throughout ADAM’s membership to ensure digital asset markets are safe and trusted.”

Meanwhile, Trading Technologies, a provider of professional trading software, last month chose Nick Garrow, the former Global Head of IT and Operations at Societe Generale (SG) Prime Services in London, to lead its expansion into new asset classes.

The CEO, Keith Todd had said that Garrow was bringing “vision, leadership and tremendous talent and knowledge to this important management role.”