The cryptocurrency revolution continues to transform global finance, driven by visionary leaders across technology, finance, and media. Here are the trailblazers ranked 76-100 in our 2018 list of crypto's most impactful figures.
Key Trends Shaping the 2018 Crypto Landscape
- Institutional Adoption: Growing interest from hedge funds and traditional finance
- Regulatory Evolution: Emerging frameworks for blockchain governance
- Technical Innovation: Advancements in scaling solutions like Lightning Network
- Mainstream Awareness: Increased media coverage and public education
The Influencers (76-100)
76. Peter Smith
Role: Co-founder & CEO of Blockchain.com
Impact: Built one of the most widely-used crypto wallets with millions of global users
Expertise: Frequently cited in WSJ, NYT, and Bloomberg as a crypto thought leader
77. Oleg Andreev
Contributions:
- Protocol architect for blockchain startups
- Developer of CoreBitcoin and Mycelium iOS wallet
- Former designer of Russia's VK video sharing service
78. Elaine Ou
Current Position: Blockchain Engineer at Global Financial Access
Background:
- Former lecturer at University of Sydney
- Holds Stanford PhD in Electrical Engineering
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79. Ran Neu-Ner
Media Influence: Host of CNBC Africa's "Cryptotrader"
Entrepreneurship: Founder of OnChain Capital and The Creative Counsel
80. Susanne Chishti
Fintech Leadership:
- CEO of FINTECH Circle
- Author of "The FINTECH Book"
- Created Europe's first fintech-focused angel network
Technical Pioneers
81. Jonas Schnelli
- Bitcoin Core developer
- Creator of libbtc library
- DigitalBitbox hardware wallet co-founder
82. Pierre Rochard
Blockchain Expertise:
- Former BitPay accountant
- Co-host of Noded podcast
- Software engineer at Axial
83. Linda Xie
Current Ventures:
- Scalar Capital co-founder
- 0x protocol advisor
- Ex-Coinbase product manager
FAQs About Crypto Influencers
Q: How were these rankings determined?
A: We evaluated thousands of professionals based on technical contributions, thought leadership, and measurable impact on crypto adoption.
Q: What makes someone influential in crypto?
A: Beyond technical skills, we value those who advance education, regulatory clarity, and real-world blockchain applications.
Q: Are these rankings still relevant today?
A: While from 2018, many listed figures remain active leaders shaping 2024's Web3 landscape.
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Investment and Ecosystem Builders
84. Juan Benet
Innovations:
- Created IPFS protocol
- Filecoin founder
- Protocol Labs CEO
85. Chris Larsen
Ripple Legacy:
- Co-founded $XRP payment network
- Advocate for blockchain banking solutions
86. Stephen Pair
Payment Processing:
- BitPay CEO
- Holds cryptography patents
- Former IBM engineer
Media and Analysis Leaders
87. Joseph Young
Journalism:
- Contributor to Cointelegraph
- NewsCrypto managing director
88. Preston Byrne
Legal Expertise:
- Monax founder
- Hyperledger contributor
- Blockchain policy advisor
89. Ben Davenport
Security Focus:
- BitGo CTO
- SVBitcoin organizer
- Early Bitcoin investor
Emerging Voices to Watch
90. Arianna Simpson
Investment Portfolio:
- 40+ crypto investments
- BitGo alumna
- Crystal Towers Capital partner
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91. Tai Zen
Technical Analysis:
- Created TaiFu™ 30 Index
- Frequent media commentator
92. Alex Sunnarborg
Fund Management:
- Tetras Capital founder
- Lawnmower creator (acquired by CoinDesk)
93. Tony Gallippi
Payment Innovation:
- BitPay founder
- 2013 Senate testimony on Bitcoin
Thought Leaders Shaping the Conversation
94. Ansel Lindner
Content Creation:
- "Bitcoin & Markets" podcast host
- Blockchain I/O founder
95. Diego Gutierrez
Social Impact:
- RSK Labs CEO
- Latin American blockchain advocate
96. Ned Scott
Content Monetization:
- Steemit founder
- Smart Media Tokens creator
97. Wong Joon Ian
Tech Journalism:
- Quartz crypto reporter
- CoinDesk alum
98. Olaoluwa Osuntokun
Lightning Network:
- Lightning Labs CTO
- Former Google engineer
99. Oscar Williams-Grut
Financial Reporting:
- Business Insider UK journalist
- Fintech specialist
100. Chris DeRose
Community Building:
- Bitcoin evangelist
- South Florida Bitcoin Group organizer
These visionaries demonstrate the diverse skills powering crypto's evolution - from protocol developers to educators, investors to policymakers. Their collective work continues to drive blockchain adoption worldwide.