I spent the last few years building a bank.
From the license application through technology and team to the compliance framework, from the first idea to the banking license and MiCAR authorization. Today I bring this experience to projects of banks, fintechs and digital asset firms.
The most demanding part of a regulated venture begins with the license application. On the way to live operations, an organization has to emerge that delivers what was promised to the supervisor. That takes the right people, decisions at the right time and technology that carries the controls. This is the stage I work in.
Four typical starting points
Regulated market entry
You are preparing a license or building operations after authorization. I guide architecture, organization and delivery, drawing on a build that has gone the full distance.
Digital assets for banks
You are planning custody, trading or stablecoin payments. I support you on the target picture, vendor selection and integration into your existing systems.
Investment assessment
You are evaluating an investment in a fintech or digital asset firm. Within a few days you receive an independent assessment of technology, regulation and team.
Technology leadership
You need technology leadership at executive level, scaled to your current phase. I take on this role as fractional CTO.
If you recognize your situation here, let’s talk.
Get in touchAreas of focus
Digital assets and settlement
Trading, custody and settlement in one end-to-end process across crypto and fiat.
Payments and on-/off-ramp
Connectivity to payment systems and the link between fiat, crypto and stablecoins.
Licensing and build
Technical preparation of the banking license and MiCAR authorization, and building the institution through to operational readiness.
DORA and resilience
Governance, third-party risk management and controls that hold up under audit.
AI in onboarding
Faster client checks and anti-money-laundering processes with AI, traceable and with a human final decision.
Celsion Bank
With Celsion Bank I built a fully regulated bank from the ground up: FMA Liechtenstein banking license, MiCAR authorization for the entire EEA, Digital Asset Backbone, connectivity to SIC, SEPA and SWIFT, and a high-security custody solution for digital assets. From the first decision to live operations.
Further engagements
Built a DORA-compliant governance framework and supported it through to demonstrable effectiveness.
Designed the API layer for fiat and crypto on- and off-ramp.
DLT-based payment infrastructure for e-mobility.
I am an entrepreneur, technologist and advisor focused on regulated financial markets and digital assets.
I co-built Celsion Bank and continue to support it as fractional CTO. Before that, I founded evan, a company for supply chain transparency and collaboration based on DLT and digital identity solutions, and led it as CEO through to its sale. Both builds taught me one thing above all: in regulated environments, what matters is bringing the right people to clear decisions at the right time.
If you have a specific situation, let’s talk.
Thank you for your message. I will get back to you within two business days.