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Michael Greenwald

Director

Tiedemann Advisors

Palm Beach, FL, USA

Michael Greenwald

Nick Greenstock

Gatehouse Advisory Partners

Michael Greenwald’s Biography

Michael Greenwald is uniquely positioned at the intersection of geopolitics and finance. He is Director at Tiedemann Advisors, a multi-family office managing over $20B in assets, Director for Digital Asset Education at Tiedemann and Managing Director at Tiedemann-Constantia, a partner firm based in Zurich.

Michael was the first US Treasury attaché to Qatar and Kuwait, acting as the principal liaison to the banking sector in those nations, while serving in two presidential administrations and under three treasury secretaries. He held counterterrorism and intelligence roles requiring travel to over 20 countries.

He served on the US Treasury team that crafted sanctions against Russia, ISIS and Al-Qaeda. He is a trusted advisor for Tiedemann, managing senior relationships with families and family offices globally. Given his experience with sovereign wealth funds and the private sector in the region, he leads business development in the Middle East.

Michael is a speaker, author and commentator on the global economy, digital currencies and contemporary art market. He is Deputy Director at the Trilateral Commission and a Fellow at the Atlantic Council and Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center for Science & International Affairs, where he has published over 50 articles. In 2020 he published an Atlantic Council report, The Future of the US Dollar: Weaponizing the US Financial System. He has been featured in Barron's, Financial Times and on CNBC, and has lectured at Harvard, Stanford and the Council on Foreign Relations.

His philanthropic work has included: Chair of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, Next Generation Board and various board work in the public and private sectors. He holds a JD from Boston University School of Law, MA from Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies and BA, History from George Washington. Raised in Brookline, MA, he resides in Palm Beach, FL with his wife and is on the Board of The Town of Palm Beach Investment Committee.

Michael Greenwald’s Newsfeed

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

The New Era of Digital Asset Foreign Policy

In this piece for the Belfer Center, Michael Greenwald discusses China's recent “technical testing” of their digital yuan and the potential implications for the US dollar's role as the preferred global currency. Greenwald further outlines the myriad issues regarding the US and other nations' digital asset foreign policy and the decisions that need to be made by each country that speak directly to their values in a quest for modernization.

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

Why a Digital Dollar is Good for the World

Michael Greenwald, Director at Tiedemann Advisors & Fellow at The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and co-author Michael A. Margolis build upon earlier articles on the changing landscape of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to explain the global benefits of a digital dollar. Greenwald and Margolis outline the history of the dollar as 'de facto' global currency, while also discussing key points supporting the launch of a 'U.S. CBDC [as] an opportunity to reassert the standards and values of America and its allies.'

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Michael Greenwald’s Background

Tiedemann Advisors

Director

2020 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Founded in 1999, Tiedemann Advisors is one of the largest independent investment and wealth advisors for high-net-worth individuals, trusts, families, foundations and endowments. Michael provides geopolitical and macroeconomic guidance to the firm and clients. He serves as a trusted advisor and manages senior relationships with family offices in the United States, Middle East and Europe.

Tiedemann Advisors

Director for Digital Asset Education

May 2021 - Present

New York, NY, USA

In this role, Michael provides education across the firm on issues related to digital assets and blockchain technology, supports the BD and Marketing Teams and content surrounding those topics, and assists the Investment Group with their messaging of related strategy and portfolio positioning.

Tiedemann Constantia

Managing Director

2019 - Present

Zürich, CH

Tiedemann Constantia offers a comprehensive set of wealth management services with the security and sophistication that can only come with decades of experience. Based in Switzerland and working internationally, the firm devotes its talent and integrity to helping clients achieve their goals.

Tiedemann Advisors

Senior Vice President

2017 - 2020

New York, NY, USA

Founded in 1999, Tiedemann Advisors is one of the largest independent investment and wealth advisors for high-net-worth individuals, trusts, families foundations & endowments.

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Attaché to Qatar & Kuwait

Jul 2015 - Jul 2017

Doha, QA

Michael held senior roles within the United States Treasury in national security positions working with Africa and Europe and serving as a financial diplomat in the Middle East spanning the tenures of U.S. Treasury Secretaries Geithner, Lew and Mnuchin. He served as the first United States Treasury Attaché appointed to Qatar and Kuwait and opened the Treasury Department’s office in Doha in 2015.

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Policy Advisor for Europe

Feb 2013 - Aug 2015

Washington, DC, USA

Michael was Head of the U.S. Delegation to the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism before the Council of Europe. He traveled to over 20 countries on behalf of the Treasury and was part of the team that crafted sanctions against Russia, marking the first time Western debt and equity markets were employed against a sovereign power.

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence

Aug 2010 - Feb 2013

Washington, DC, USA

Michael has also served in a variety of roles in the U.S. Intelligence Community and in the Office of General Council at the U.S Treasury, working closely with the National Security Council at the White House working on issues related to countering ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran, Ukraine/Russia, Syria and North Korea.

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Michael Greenwald’s Gallery

Michael Greenwald at a Barrons event

Michael Greenwald giving a lecture

Michael Greenwald at a Barrons event

Michael Greenwald serving as a moderator at a Barrons event

Michael Greenwald part of a panel discussion

Michael Greenwald at the Asia Society

Current Board Positions

Town of Palm Beach

Board Member, Investment Advisory Committee

Nov 2020 - Present

Palm Beach, FL, USA

The Investment Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Town Council in matters relating to the Town’s investment policy and the investment of the Town’s surplus funds.

Atlantic Council

Co-Chairman | Councilors Program

2019 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

The Atlantic Council Councilors Program is an initiative focused on convening a results-oriented group of private sector leaders dedicated to more actively exploring and acting on issues at the intersection of business, foreign policy, and politics that will shape the global future.

The Trilateral Commission

Deputy Executive Director of North America

Oct 2018 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

The Trilateral Commission was formed in 1973 by private citizens of Japan, Europe and North America to foster closer cooperation among these core industrialized areas, with shared leadership responsibilities in the wider international system.

Boston University School of Law

Dean Advisory Board

Jan 2019 - Present

Boston, MA, USA

Founded in 1872, Boston University School of Law is a first-class law school with a faculty recognized nationally for exceptional teaching and preeminent scholarship.

The Aspen Institute

Board Member, Vanguard Society of Fellows

May 2015 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization, which aims to foster leadership, based on enduring values and to provide a non-partisan venue for dealing with critical issues.

Halo Maritime Defense Systems

Board of Directors

Sep 2018 - Present

Newton, MA, USA

HALO Maritime Defense Systems is a marine engineering technology company and provider of advanced engineered solutions for the security needs of strategic maritime assets. It provides floating barriers and gates, essential security to critical assets that are vulnerable to water-borne access for Government, commercial and private assets on the water.

Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation

Advisory Board

Apr 2019 - Present

Boston, MA, USA

Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation's aim is to provide institutional quality, client-mandated real estate investment management strategies, structured to protect and grow capital with risk adjusted returns.

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Current Advisory Roles

Atlantic Council

Senior Advisor to President & CEO Fred Kempe

Jan 2018 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

The Atlantic Council promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the Atlantic Community's central role in meeting global challenges.

Philanthropy

Promise Fund of Florida

Board of Directors

Jul 2020 - Present

Palm Beach, FL, USA

The Promise Fund of Florida aims to prevent the unnecessary progression of breast and cervical cancer in order to eliminate preventable loss of life in Palm Beach County, Florida.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation

Board of Directors & Chairman of the Finance Committee

May 2018 - Jun 2020

Dallas, TX, USA

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was set up by Susan's sister Nancy in honour of her death from breast cancer. They lead the way in groundbreaking research, community health intitiatives and advocacy programs.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Special Advisor on International Affairs to President & CEO Dr Laurie Glimcher

2017 - 2020

Boston, MA, USA

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is committed to providing expert, compassionate care to children and adults with cancer, whilst advancing the understanding, treatment, cure and prevention of cancer & related diseases. Michael is special advisor to Dr. Laurie Glimcher.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Member and Chairman Emeritus, Next Generation Board

Jan 2009 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide and promote human dignity.

US Department of State | Public-Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan

Delegation Leader & Executive Board Member

2010 - 2015

Washington, DC, USA

The Friends of the Public-Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan (FPJRA) is a non-profit formed in 2009 to promote legal reform in Afghanistan.

Concordia

Member

Sep 2018 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

Concordia is a registered non-profit, non-partisan organization, dedicated to actively fostering, elevating and sustaining cross-sector partnerships for social impact.

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Media

Is Now the Time to Invest in NFTs?

Quoted

Jun 2021

New York, NY, USA

Michael Greenwald, who was recently appointed Director for Digital Asset Education at Tiedemann Advisors, where he also serves as Director, was quoted in this article about the emerging NFT and digital art market. “I view the big three auction houses as the central banks of the art world...They are legitimizing this space.”

Palm Beach Society: Promise Fund launches its Young Professionals support group

Mentioned

Jun 2021

Palm Beach, FL, USA

Michael Greenwald was recognized for his work spearheading the Promise Fund of Florida Young Professionals initiative. Greenwald, who also serves on the Board of the philanthropic organization, said: "We wanted to get involved locally and do something to help the Promise Fund attack the problem and provide critically needed healthcare services here in Palm Beach County."

Michael Greenwald: Dollar Hegemony

Interview | SALT Talks

Jun 2021

Michael Greenwald, Director of Tiedemann Advisors, joins SALT Talks to share his expertise on the U.S. dollar, its future as the world's reserve currency, and the emergence and significance of digital currencies.

The Impact of NFTS, Blockchain, and The Future of Digital Currency

Interview

May 2021

Michael Greenwald joins the Non-Beta Alpha podcast to share his expertise on digital currencies and the new emerging trend of NFTs. Notably, he and host Ryan Morfin discuss how the U.S. can expand its efforts to develop a digital currency to keep up with China's central bank digital currency.

Non-Fungible Tokens and the Art Market: Another Opportunity for Financial Criminals?

Interview

Apr 2021

Michael Greenwald joined Liz Fraccaro of the Antiquities Coalition for a conversation on the rise of NFTs and digital currencies in the art market. Notably, Michael answers the questions: Will NFTs make the art market more accessible to the general public? And will they change how we handle digital rights?

Speculation and cabin fever are driving the NFT craze

Quoted

Mar 2021

New York, NY, USA

Michael Greenwald was quoted in this article discussing the rise of NFT investing and the difficulty in tracing payments: "If you are the one buying the Damien Hirst piece, you may be using crypto or one of the forms to pay for it. That may go to the artist, but the auction house is still paid in dollars. As we evolve, the payment trail is going to be really important to watch."

Oh My World with Hagar Chemali

Interview

Apr 2021

Michael Greenwald joins Hagar Chemali to discuss China's rollout of a digital yuan, which could have implications for US national security. Greenwald discusses this topic, while also explaining what this means for the dollar as a global currency and why the US needs to establish a digital dollar.

The Fed’s new dance

Cited

Mar 2021

London, UK

Michael Greenwald's recent analysis piece for the Belfer Center, 'Does a Digital Dollar Move The Geoeconomic Needle with China?', was cited in this Financial Times article that discusses how the Federal Reserve should respond to China's aspirations to undermine the US dollar as the world's reserve currency.

The Next 'Gamestop': How China or Russia Could Attack Our Financial System

Quoted

Mar 2021

Washington, DC, USA

Michael Greenwald, Director at Tiedemann Advisors and Belfer Center Fellow, is quoted in this article that discusses how social media manipulation by foreign governments can have a significantly negative impact on Wall Street and the larger financial economy.

The Dollar as a Policy Tool

Interview

Mar 2021

Michael Greenwald joins the On the Brink podcast to talk about many of the ideas he discussed in his paper titled 'The Future of the United States Dollar'. The discussion covers what the weaponization of the dollar really means and how sanctions work, as well as an analysis of how sanctions against Russia represented a sea change in policy and the objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative.

China’s traditional and digital currency

Interview

Feb 2021

Washington, DC, USA

In this Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center discussion, Michael Greenwald, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and Josh Lipsky, Director of the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center, unpack a busy week for China’s traditional and digital currency.

Financial Crimes Task Force Report Cited in Harvard Fellow’s Art Market Analysis

Mentioned

Feb 2021

Washington, DC, USA

Michael Greenwald's article titled “The Art Market’s Next Inflection Point,” published on the Belfer Center’s website on February 8, was quoted in this study by the Antiquities Coalition.

Will the dollar maintain its international role in the global financial system, or fall to other alternatives?

Interview

Dec 2020

In this interview with Josh Lipsky, Director of the Atlantic Council Geoeconomics Center, Michael Greenwald discusses some of the key ideas in his recent report titled 'The Future of the United States Dollar: Weaponizing the US Financial System.'

How will the Biden administration use the dollar to strengthen US global economic leadership?

Interview

Dec 2020

Building upon his findings and analysis in his recent report titled 'The Future of the United States Dollar: Weaponizing the US Financial System', Michael Greenwald discusses the myriad ways that the Biden administration can utilize the US dollar to strengthen the US's influence in the global economy and restore global financial order.

A Conversation with Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs Brent McIntosh

Moderator

Nov 2020

Michael Greenwald, Deputy Director, Trilateral Commission North America, and former US Treasury Attaché to Qatar and Kuwait, served as moderator for The Trilateral Commission's David Rockefeller Fellows Virtual Conversation with Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs Brent McIntosh. The discussion focused on International Collaboration in the Time of Covid-19.

The digital dollar: Do we need it and how do we build it?

Moderator

May 2020

Washington, DC, USA

Michael Greenwald, Director at Tiedemann Advisors and Senior Nonresident Fellow at the Atlantic Council moderates a virtual discussion exploring the digital dollar as a potential tool in the economic battle against the coronavirus, hosted by both the Global Business & Economics Program and the GeoTech Center at the Atlantic Council.

CNBC: What leverage Iran has over the US

Interview

New York, NY, USA

Michael Greenwald, former U.S. Treasury Attaché, and CNBC’s Michelle Caruso-Cabrera join ‘The Exchange’ to discuss the U.S.-Iran relationship and what’s next for the conflict.

Dollar & Sense: The Brookings Trade Podcast

Guest Speaker

Washington, DC, USA

MIchael Greenwald discusses the future of sanctions and financial warfare. He explains how to measure the effectiveness of these tools and why they need to be updated for an era of great power competition.

Michael Greenwald on U.S.-Saudi Arabia tensions

Interview

Washington, DC, USA

Michael Greenwald discussing U.S.-Saudi Arabia tensions on CNBC.

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Publications

China and Digital Payments

Author

Jul 2021

In this piece for the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD), Michael Greenwald discusses the 'digitalization of the world economy' and the steps the US needs to take to counter China's rising influence in this sector. He also outlines six geoeconomic areas to watch that will determine China's success in internationalizing its digital yuan.

The Art World Has Legitimized Digital Currencies

Author

May 2021

Cambridge, MA, USA

In this article for the Belfer Center, Michael Greenwald discusses the gradual acceptance and incorporation of cryptocurrencies across a variety of respected institutions following the Non-Fungible Token (NFT) craze in the beginning of 2021.

Digitization is Transforming the Art Market

Author

Mar 2021

Cambridge, MA, USA

The surprising sale of artist Beeple’s digital collage for $69M ignited a debate over the legitimacy of digital art NFTs, along with the world of blockchain, “tokenization,” and digital currencies. In this article, Michael Greenwald discusses how this new trend can shake up the art world, its connection to digital currencies, and the role of digital currencies in the economy of the future.

Does a Digital Dollar Move The Geoeconomic Needle with China?

Author

Mar 2021

Cambridge, MA, USA

In this paper for the Belfer Center, Michael Greenwald analyzes the role that China's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) will play on the global stage. He sees this initiative as one that can challenge the traditional role of the dollar in catalyzing cross-border exchanges, thereby elevating China's role as a currency leader.

The Future of the United States Dollar: Weaponizing the US Financial System

Author

Dec 2020

In a report for the GeoEconomics Center at the Atlantic Council, Michael discusses the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the US and global economies. His analysis traces the historical role of the dollar as a global reserve currency, from Bretton Woods to sanctions on authoritarian regimes, while offering policy proposals that weaponize the strength of the US economy to achieve financial order.

Atlantic Council: The New Atlanticist Blog

Contributing Writer

Washington, DC, USA

Michael Greenwald writes on issues relating to international economics, foreign policy, and the Middle East.

Publications

Author

New York, NY, USA

Michael Greenwald has published and contributed to many articles on international security and economic affairs for the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

"Investing During Volatile Times in Geopolitics and Markets"

Author

New York, NY, USA

Michael Greenwald and his colleague Kent Insley discuss and analyze the effects that geopolitical events have on market stability and investments, both at home and abroad.

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Academic Appointments

Boston University, Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies

Adjunct Professor

2017 - 2019

Boston, MA, USA

The Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies was established by bringing together a number of long-established programs in international and regional studies. Michael Greenwald is an Adjunct Professor teaching Global Policy: Financial Warfare. He also teaches The New Normal of Economic Statecraft in the Middle East.

Speaking Engagements

The Future of Digital Currencies

Moderator

Apr 2021

Washington, D.C., DC, USA

Michael Greenwald, Director at Tiedemann Advisors and Sr. Nonresident Fellow at the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center, moderated a panel on the future of digital currencies with Atlantic Council Geoeconomics Center Director Josh Lipsky and Atlantic Council Senior Geoeconomics Center Fellow JP Schnapper-Casteras.

Global Perspectives Series: COVID-19 Vaccines, Remedies, and Distribution

Panel Member

Jan 2021

Michael Greenwald, Director at Tiedemann Advisors, joins a panel hosted by Chief Executives Organization (CEO) to discuss the latest information on the Covid-19 vaccine and its distribution efforts.

Tackling the After Effects of COVID-19

Co-host

Nov 2020

New York, NY, USA

Michael Greenwald co-hosted an event titled 'Tackling the After Effects of COVID-19'. The event, presented by the American Technion Society, featured a discussion with Professor Josué Sznitman on his work creating a technology that could counter some of the most serious symptoms of Covid-19.

Navigating Risk in Crisis

Panel Member

Apr 2020

In this Virtual Roundtable presented by Sigma Ratings, Michael Greenwald, Director at Tiedemann Advisors and Harvard Belfer Center Fellow, joins panel members to discuss Covid-19’s impact on financial crime compliance and broader counterparty risk management considerations.

U.S.-China 2020: A Year of Living Dangerously

Event: Asia Society Policy Institute

Jan 2020

New York, NY, USA

Michael Greenwald, Director at Tiedemann Advisors & Managing Director at Tiedemann-Constantia, and former financial diplomat spanning the tenures of 3 US Treasury Secretaries, joins the Hon. Kevin Rudd for a discussion on the developments of the US-China relationship in 2019, and what we can expect from this relationship in 2020.

The Future of Everything

Panel Member

Oct 2019

Miami, FL, USA

Michael Greenwald took part in a panel titled 'The Future of Security and Privacy' at the Future of Everything Summit. More than 60 heads of America’s leading family businesses and family offices for the inaugural summit.

The Role of Sovereign Wealth Funds In Oil Economies

Panel

Jan 2019

Abu Dhabi, AE

Mark Cutis, Chief Financial Officer, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, and Michael Greenwald, Director, Tiedemann Advisors; Senior Advisor to the President and CEO, Atlantic Council, speak as part of a panel at The Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi.

Economic Sanctions and the Private Sector

Panel

Mar 2018

Washington, DC, USA

In this discussion panel presented by the Atlantic Council, representatives from the private sector analyzed the impact of the Trump administration’s use of economic sanctions on their industries.

Speaking Engagements

Public Speaking

A frequent speaker on international security, the Middle East and illicit finance issues, Greenwald's past speaking engagements include appearances on CNBC, lectures at the Council on Foreign Relations, the Aspen Institute, the Atlantic Council, Harvard University, Yale Law School, Stanford, Columbia University, and Northwestern Business School in Doha. Click on the CNBC logo for more information.

Upcoming Events

Speaker

New York, NY, USA

Click on the Belfer Center logo to view Michael Greenwald's upcoming speaking events at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

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Fellowships

The Antiquities Coalition

Fellow | Financial Crimes Task Force

2021 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

The Financial Crimes Task Force, the first of its kind, brings together experts from the cultural heritage, financial and legal communities, as well as former law enforcement and government officials. Its goal is to develop recommendations for protecting the American art market from money laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions violations, tax evasion, fraud and related crimes.

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs | Harvard Kennedy School

Fellow

May 2018 - Present

Cambridge, MA, USA

Greenwald leads seminars exploring the financial and political implications of the dollar’s role in global capital markets. He also explores the intersection between contemporary art and geopolitics. His expertise is in illicit finance, sanctions, and the Gulf/Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa. Click on the Belfer Center logo for a link to articles and events.

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Michael Greenwald’s Education

Boston University

Juris Doctor, Law

2007 - 2010

Boston University, Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies

MA International Relations/National Security

2006 - 2007

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