Ex-Chevron Chief Corporate Counsel Matt Friedrich Joins Galaxy Digital as Chief Legal Officer
In a significant move for the rapidly evolving digital assets and AI sectors, Galaxy Digital Inc. has announced the appointment of Matt Friedrich as its new Chief Legal Officer (CLO), effective September 8, 2025.
Friedrich, who previously served as Chevron’s chief corporate counsel, brings a wealth of experience in global legal and compliance matters to his new role. He will oversee Galaxy Digital’s legal and compliance functions, including regulatory engagement, corporate governance, and public policy. Reporting directly to Galaxy’s founder and CEO, Mike Novogratz, Friedrich becomes a key member of the company’s senior leadership team.
Novogratz highlighted the importance of Friedrich’s appointment, calling him a “critical addition” as Galaxy Digital scales its operations and innovates globally. With laws and regulations surrounding digital assets and AI rapidly evolving worldwide, Novogratz emphasized Friedrich’s deep experience in both the public and private sectors as a vital asset for the company’s growth and strategic vision.
Friedrich’s distinguished career spans over two decades, with notable roles that underscore his expertise in navigating complex legal landscapes. At Chevron, he served as chief corporate counsel, leading legal strategies for the global energy giant. Prior to that, he was executive vice president and general counsel at Cognizant Technology Solutions, where he managed global legal, compliance, and government affairs functions.
His legal career also includes tenure as a partner at prestigious law firms such as Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Boies, Schiller & Flexner, where he advised multinational companies on cross-border investigations, litigation, and compliance matters. Earlier, Friedrich served as a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice, culminating in his role as Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division.
Friedrich succeeds Andrew Siegel, who has served as Galaxy’s general counsel since 2017. Siegel played a pivotal role in building the company’s legal and compliance framework and was instrumental in guiding Galaxy through its recent listing on Nasdaq. Novogratz praised Siegel’s contributions, acknowledging his significance in the company’s recent milestones.
Headquartered in New York City, Galaxy Digital operates at the intersection of digital assets and data center infrastructure, with a global presence spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The company offers institutional clients a range of services, including trading, advisory, asset management, staking, self-custody, and tokenization technology.
As digital assets and AI continue to reshape the financial services sector, Friedrich expressed confidence that his experience in coordinating with multinational organizations will be instrumental in supporting Galaxy Digital’s strategic objectives. His appointment signals the company’s commitment to navigating the complex regulatory and legal challenges in this dynamic industry.
Industry Expertise and Strategic Vision
As Galaxy Digital continues to expand its footprint in the digital assets and AI-driven financial ecosystem, Friedrich’s appointment underscores the company’s commitment to navigating the intricate legal and regulatory landscape. His extensive experience in managing global compliance and legal strategies will be pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by the rapid evolution of digital asset regulations worldwide.
Friedrich’s background in both the public and private sectors is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Galaxy’s approach to regulatory engagement and public policy. His tenure as a federal prosecutor and his work at the U.S. Department of Justice have equipped him with a unique understanding of enforcement trends and cross-border legal complexities. This expertise will be invaluable as Galaxy Digital seeks to maintain compliance across its global operations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Under Friedrich’s leadership, Galaxy Digital aims to strengthen its corporate governance framework, ensuring alignment with the highest standards of integrity and transparency. His experience in managing litigation and cross-border investigations will also bolster the company’s ability to mitigate risks and respond to legal challenges effectively.
Reflecting on his new role, Friedrich expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to Galaxy Digital’s mission of advancing the digital assets and AI sectors. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers to create a framework that fosters innovation while protecting stakeholders’ interests. Friedrich’s strategic vision aligns with Galaxy’s goals of driving institutional adoption of digital assets and leveraging AI to enhance financial services.
With Friedrich at the helm of its legal and compliance functions, Galaxy Digital is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the evolving digital economy. His leadership is expected to reinforce the company’s reputation as a trusted partner for institutional clients seeking to capitalize on the transformative potential of digital assets and AI.
Conclusion
Friedrich’s appointment as the head of legal and compliance at Galaxy Digital represents a strategic move to strengthen the company’s position in the rapidly evolving digital assets and AI-driven financial ecosystem. His extensive experience in global compliance, regulatory engagement, and legal strategy will be instrumental in navigating the complex legal landscape. With Friedrich at the helm, Galaxy Digital is poised to maintain its reputation as a leader in institutional adoption of digital assets and innovative financial services.
As the digital economy continues to grow, Friedrich’s leadership will ensure that Galaxy Digital remains at the forefront of regulatory compliance and corporate governance. His vision for collaboration between regulators and industry leaders underscores the company’s commitment to fostering innovation while protecting stakeholders’ interests. With a strong foundation of expertise and a clear strategic vision, Galaxy Digital is well-equipped to capitalize on the transformative potential of digital assets and AI.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Friedrich’s background in legal and compliance?
Friedrich has extensive experience in managing global compliance and legal strategies, having served as a federal prosecutor and worked at the U.S. Department of Justice. His tenure in both public and private sectors has equipped him with a deep understanding of enforcement trends and cross-border legal complexities.
2. Why was Friedrich chosen to lead Galaxy Digital’s legal and compliance functions?
Friedrich was chosen for his unique expertise in navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes. His experience in managing litigation, cross-border investigations, and regulatory engagement aligns with Galaxy Digital’s goals of maintaining compliance across its global operations.
3. What are Friedrich’s priorities in his new role?
Friedrich’s priorities include strengthening Galaxy Digital’s corporate governance framework, ensuring alignment with the highest standards of integrity and transparency. He also aims to mitigate risks and respond effectively to legal challenges, while fostering collaboration between regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers.
4. How does Friedrich’s appointment impact Galaxy Digital’s future?
Friedrich’s leadership is expected to reinforce Galaxy Digital’s reputation as a trusted partner for institutional clients. His expertise will enable the company to navigate the evolving digital economy with confidence, driving institutional adoption of digital assets and leveraging AI to enhance financial services.
5. What does the future hold for Galaxy Digital under Friedrich’s leadership?
Under Friedrich’s leadership, Galaxy Digital is poised to strengthen its position in the digital assets and AI sectors. The company will continue to prioritize compliance, governance, and innovation, ensuring it remains a leader in the transformative potential of digital assets and AI-driven financial services.
