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Former ECB official Wiebe Ruttenberg takes board position at Kansspelautoriteit, focusing on digital transformation and combating illegal gambling sites.
Mar 16, 2026 · 3 min read
The Kansspelautoriteit has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Wiebe Ruttenberg as a new board member, taking office on 1 March with responsibility for the digital transformation portfolio.
The Dutch State Secretary for Justice and Security announced Ruttenberg's appointment in the Staatscourant, highlighting the regulator's strategic focus on modernising its approach to gambling supervision in an increasingly digital landscape.
Ruttenberg brings extensive financial services experience to the role, having previously served as Programme Director Cyber Resilience Strategy at the European Central Bank. His career includes various positions at Dutch National Bank and the Ministry of Finance.
More recently, he worked as a management advisor at Bunq and SecAlliance, while also serving as guest lecturer in Operational & Cyber Resilience at the European University Institute.
Career Background
Ruttenberg's appointment leverages his extensive experience in financial regulation and cybersecurity, including his role as Programme Director Cyber Resilience Strategy at the European Central Bank and various positions at Dutch National Bank and the Ministry of Finance.
Michel Groothuizen, chairman of the Kansspelautoriteit's board, emphasised the strategic importance of the appointment:
"Ik ben blij met de komst van Wiebe als lid van de Raad van Bestuur met als portefeuille Digitale transformatie. De opkomst van illegale goksites, cryptovaluta en AI-toepassingen zijn maar een paar voorbeelden die maken dat de Ksa zich moet doorontwikkelen naar een datagedreven en risicogestuurde organisatie, met een innovatief instrumentarium waarmee illegale aanbieders op andere manieren kunnen worden aangepakt. Een belangrijke opgave daarbij is het aangaan van samenwerkingsrelaties met publieke en private partijen, ook binnen de financiële sector. Ik ben blij dat Wiebe met zijn uitgebreide kennis van – en ervaring met - de financiële sector, technologische innovatie en Europese besluitvorming die externe blik meebrengt die de Ksa op dit terrein nodig heeft."
— Michel Groothuizen, Chairman, Kansspelautoriteit Board
— Michel Groothuizen, chairman of the Kansspelautoriteit's board
The appointment comes as the KSA intensifies its crackdown on illegal gambling operations, with Ruttenberg's cybersecurity expertise expected to enhance the regulator's technological capabilities in combating unauthorised operators.
Digital Transformation Priority
The KSA is transitioning to become a data-driven and risk-based organization with innovative tools to combat illegal gambling operators, particularly focusing on illegal gambling sites, cryptocurrency, and AI applications.
Ruttenberg takes office on 1 March as a new board member with responsibility for the digital transformation portfolio.
He will focus on combating illegal gambling sites, cryptocurrency-related gambling, and AI applications. The role also involves developing partnerships with public and private sector organizations, particularly within the financial sector.
His background includes serving as Programme Director Cyber Resilience Strategy at the European Central Bank, positions at Dutch National Bank, and experience as a guest lecturer in Operational & Cyber Resilience at the European University Institute.
According to Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA).
Legal Disclaimer
This content reflects a general overview of regulatory frameworks based on publicly available information. It does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. iGamingWriter.blog disclaims any liability arising from reliance on this material.
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