Standard Chartered has announced the appointment of Jennifer Lassiter as head of digital assets for Europe and Americas, based in New York City. Lassiter joined the bank on 5 May 2025, reporting to Rene Michau, global head of digital assets.

In her new role, Lassiter will lead the bank's strategic digital assets initiatives across Europe and the Americas, with a focus on expanding digital asset capabilities, deepening partnerships across the ecosystem, and advancing the development of secure infrastructure to support future growth in the digital asset space.

Rene Michau, global head of digital assets at Standard Chartered, said: "Jennifer brings exceptional expertise in driving innovation and shaping digital finance policy across both public and private sectors. Her leadership will be instrumental in driving our efforts to bridge the world of financial services and the fast-evolving digital asset ecosystem."

Lassiter brings over 20 years of industry experience to her new position. She joins from The Digital Dollar Project, where she worked closely with regulators, industry leaders, and multinational companies on fostering the ecosystem for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), with an emphasis on governance strategy, operational efficiency, and innovation.

Her background also includes being a founding member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's Innovation Lab, where she drove efforts to strengthen industry collaboration and champion responsible innovation in financial regulation. Additionally, she spearheaded technology initiatives at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, establishing herself as a recognised leader in financial innovation and regulatory strategy.

The appointment comes as major financial institutions worldwide are increasingly establishing dedicated digital asset units to capitalise on the growing integration of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies into mainstream finance. Leading global banks including Citi and HSBC have created specialised subdivisions focused specifically on digital assets, reflecting the industry's recognition that these technologies are becoming a permanent feature of the financial landscape.

Lassiter's appointment represents a significant addition to Standard Chartered's digital assets leadership team as the bank continues to expand its presence in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.

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