Key Takeaways
- Daniel Haudenschild is the CEO of Synternet, building tools to help decentralized apps share and manage data across blockchains.
- He studied Communications, earned a BA in English in 1994, and completed an MA in Financial Accounting by 1997.
- Since 2022, he has advised on digital assets, startup funding, AI, and early-stage innovation strategy.
Daniel Haudenschild is the CEO of Synternet, a company that builds tools to help decentralized apps share and manage data across different blockchains. He first studied Communications at Boston University and then completed a BA in English at the University of Iowa in 1994. In 1997, he earned a Master’s degree in Financial Accounting from Webster University Vienna.
Early Career and Community Service
Daniel Haudenschild started his career in 1995 with a two-year volunteer role in Côte d’Ivoire. During this time, he worked on projects aimed at improving how cities manage their environment. This gave him direct experience in working with international development and long-term environmental planning. His time there helped him see things from a global perspective and provided a strong foundation for leading group efforts focused on making a positive difference.
Corporate Foundations at Ernst & Young
In 1997, Haudenschild started working in the business world as a Principal at Ernst & Young in Vienna. For six years, he worked on growing the business, developing financial strategies, and providing clients with guidance on how to enhance their organizations. He worked closely with companies from various industries, helping them build their financial plans and establish long-term goals.
Independent Consulting in London
In 2004, Haudenschild relocated to London and worked independently as a consultant for Barclays Bank. For four years, he assisted in updating banking processes and guided the enhancement of financial services. His time at Barclays provided him with a strong understanding of how banks operate and helped him develop a more profound knowledge of the industry’s economic systems and regulations.
Global Leadership at HCL-Axon
In 2008, he joined HCL-Axon as the Global Director for SAP Financial Services. He led efforts to grow the business and carry out projects, managing teams in both London and Bangalore. Haudenschild played a crucial role in helping banks and other financial institutions adopt SAP technology, enabling them to transition to digital operations and streamline their work processes through automation.
Partner at EY Switzerland
Haudenschild returned to Ernst & Young in 2010, this time working in Switzerland, where he became a Partner in the Financial Services Advisory group. For the next seven years, he led large projects to help banks enhance their financial management. His work helped companies navigate changes in financial regulations, enhance their technology, and manage challenges in a rapidly evolving business environment.
In 2017, Haudenschild made a decisive move into the blockchain field by becoming CEO of Swisscom Blockchain AG. In this role, he led the company in creating blockchain-based tools for businesses. He worked on building safe and flexible systems, teaching business leaders about the technology, and helping traditional companies feel more confident in using distributed ledger systems.
2018 Crypto Valley Conference
At the 2018 Crypto Valley Conference, Daniel Haudenschild discussed how Swisscom Blockchain was helping Switzerland’s financial industry leverage blockchain technology. He explained that they built tools, such as a platform for launching token sales, which included checks for identity and rules against money laundering, making it easier for startups to raise money and open bank accounts.
He also shared that they worked with universities to improve blockchain education. Haudenschild noted that more banks are seeking safe ways to store digital coins and stated that for token projects to succeed, they require good timing and strong support from their communities.
Becoming CEO at SIBEX
From 2019 to 2021, he served as the CEO of SIBEX, where he led the development of decentralized finance (DeFi) tools with a focus on privacy. At the same time, he also served as President of the Board at the Crypto Valley Association (2019–2022). In that role, he supported the blockchain industry in Switzerland by helping new companies, working with regulators, and promoting the area as a worldwide hub for crypto growth.
Digital Identity and Blockchain Certification
In 2021, Haudenschild became CEO of the ORIGYN Foundation. The foundation utilizes blockchain technology to create digital certificates and verify the identity of items, particularly in high-end product, artwork, and personal identity verification applications. Under his leadership, more people began using blockchain to prove the value and ownership of real-world items, and he helped grow interest in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for uses beyond just digital art.
Advisory, Consulting, and Innovation Strategy
After leaving ORIGYN, Haudenschild continued to work independently as a consultant, advisor, and board member. He has participated in numerous projects involving digital assets, startup funding, artificial intelligence, and the development of new businesses. He often supports early-stage projects by helping them align their technology plans with market needs.
In January 2024, Daniel Haudenschild became the CEO of Synternet. The company focuses on developing decentralized and flexible systems for managing data in Web3 applications. With him leading the team, Synternet is working to make it easier for decentralized apps to share and use data across different blockchain networks, helping shape the future of connected and user-focused digital platforms.
Vision and Outlook
Daniel Haudenschild believes in a future where people have greater control over their data, assets, and digital identity. He supports building open, secure systems that allow information to move freely without relying on central authorities. His focus has been on connecting traditional finance with decentralized tools. At Synternet, he leads efforts to develop simple, reliable data infrastructure that helps Web3 applications connect and scale for real-world use.
Final Thoughts
Daniel Haudenschild’s career shows his intense focus on connecting old and new systems. From his early work in community service to his leadership roles in finance and blockchain, he has consistently sought to develop practical, forward-thinking solutions. Now, as CEO of Synternet, he leverages this experience in Web3, helping to create better tools for sharing data across blockchains. His work continues to support a more open, secure, and connected digital world.
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