Sigal Mandelker (Former Under Secretary of Treasury): RegTech, Crypto, and Sanctions

Tech Innovations

The potential of blockchain and other transformative technologies to revolutionize financial systems is immense. Sigal Mandelker highlights how the current financial architecture, developed in a pre-Internet era, struggles with inefficiencies that blockchain could address 1. She notes the talent driving these innovations, from young coders to seasoned experts, aiming to overcome existing system latencies 1. Mandelker also emphasizes the importance of sophisticated data analysis tools in harnessing the power of these technologies, which she worked on during her tenure at the Treasury 2.

   

Currency Debates

The debate between central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and private sector innovations like stablecoins is pivotal. Sigal Mandelker argues against CBDCs, citing privacy concerns and the potential for government overreach 3. She believes the private sector should lead in developing digital currency architectures, with the government setting regulatory frameworks 3. Mandelker also points out the challenges in crypto policy, where government restrictions hinder officials' understanding of the technology, complicating effective regulation 4.