GECA Brings Crowdfunding Regulatory Powerhouse Karsten Wenzlaff On Board

Global Equity Crowdfunding Alliance (GECA) steps into a new phase of policy influence and cross-border expansion with the strategic appointment of Karsten Wenzlaff, one of Europe’s leading alternative finance architects.

In a significant move that signals its transition from advocacy to implementation, the Global Equity Crowdfunding Alliance (GECA) has appointed Karsten Wenzlaff, one of the foremost architects of Europe’s crowdfunding regulations, as strategic adviser to its steering committee.

For those familiar with the evolution of alternative finance across Europe, Wenzlaff’s name carries weight. A policy visionary, researcher, and institution builder, he was instrumental in developing the European Crowdfunding Service Provider (ECSP) regulation—a framework that allows crowdfunding platforms to raise up to €5 million across EU member states with a single license. His work laid the foundation for a more integrated European funding landscape. Now, GECA intends to take that playbook global.

“The future of crowdfunding is inherently global,” Wenzlaff said. “But globalization without proper regulatory frameworks creates risks for both investors and entrepreneurs. GECA’s focus on harmonization and consensus reflects the lessons we learned through Europe’s regulatory transformation.”

Indeed, Wenzlaff brings more than a decade of experience building the infrastructure for safe, transparent, and accessible crowdfunding markets. In 2011, he authored Europe’s first crowdfunding study, and in 2012, he published Germany’s inaugural crowdfunding survey. These reports were more than academic efforts—they were catalysts for credibility, enabling institutions and regulators to take the space seriously.

Currently serving as Secretary-General of Digital Invest Germany and Alternative Finance Expert at the University of Hamburg, Wenzlaff is one of the rare figures who bridges academia, policy, and financial innovation. He holds an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Cambridge, where he focused on international financial regulation—training that has informed every step of his career.

His impact extends beyond Europe. As a consultant for the OECD, advisor to the UNDP Alt Fin Lab, and strategic consultant on civic crowdfunding in Tunisia and Uganda, he has worked at the intersection of finance and development, helping shape systems that promote economic inclusion while maintaining regulatory integrity.

GECA’s appointment of Wenzlaff is not merely symbolic. It reflects a strategic imperative. The global equity crowdfunding ecosystem is still fragmented, governed by inconsistent laws, varied disclosure standards, and differing investor protections. As more entrepreneurs seek capital across borders—and more investors look beyond national boundaries—GECA aims to become the coordinating force behind a more aligned global market.

“Karsten didn’t just document the rise of crowdfunding—he engineered the legal and intellectual scaffolding that made it viable,” said Andy Field, GECA Steering Committee lead. “With him onboard, GECA is better positioned to influence global policy and build a framework that supports responsible, borderless investment.”

Wenzlaff’s reputation for forward thinking is well-earned. He has advised on AI compliance frameworks, blockchain-based financing models, and sustainable finance policy across Europe. His speaking engagements have taken him to Brussels, Tunis, Kuala Lumpur, and beyond, always emphasizing the delicate balance between innovation and oversight.

One of his most impactful contributions has been his work with the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, co-authoring its annual benchmarking reports since 2013 and serving as the European editor since 2017. These reports are used by central banks, regulators, and industry leaders to assess the growth and health of the sector.

For GECA, having Wenzlaff on the steering committee marks a defining moment. It’s no longer just envisioning a globally connected investment ecosystem—it’s building one, with the guidance of someone who’s already achieved it in one of the world’s most complex markets.

As GECA expands its global network of supporters, including platforms, regulators, service providers, and fintech associations, Wenzlaff’s appointment adds both gravitas and a roadmap. The alliance is not just aligning around shared ideals—it’s anchoring itself in proven, policy-driven pathways toward a more unified crowdfunding future.