The year 2019 was a transformative chapter in the evolution of blockchain and cryptocurrency. From Facebook’s bold announcement of Libra and Calibra to global regulatory responses, and China’s strategic push into digital currency innovation, the landscape shifted dramatically. At the center of this transformation were visionaries, technologists, investors, and regulators who shaped the direction of decentralized technology.
As we stepped into 2020, the momentum only intensified. Blockchain moved beyond speculation, entering mainstream discourse with real-world applications across finance, governance, and digital identity. This list highlights the 20 most influential people in blockchain—individuals whose contributions in technology, business, and advocacy helped define the industry's trajectory.
The Visionaries Behind the Revolution
These pioneers laid the foundation for modern blockchain ecosystems through technical innovation and relentless advocacy.
Vitalik Buterin – The Architect of Smart Contracts
As the co-founder of Ethereum, Vitalik Buterin redefined what blockchains could do by introducing smart contracts—self-executing agreements that power decentralized applications (dApps). His work enabled a new wave of innovation in DeFi, NFTs, and Web3.
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Nick Szabo – The Theorist Who Predicted It All
Long before Bitcoin existed, Nick Szabo conceptualized smart contracts and created Bit Gold, a direct precursor to cryptocurrency. Though his identity remains debated (some suspect he might be Satoshi Nakamoto), his influence on blockchain philosophy is undeniable.
Adam Back – The Inventor of Proof-of-Work
Adam Back’s invention of Hashcash, the proof-of-work system used in Bitcoin mining, became the backbone of Bitcoin’s security model. As CEO of Blockstream, he continues to drive advancements in sidechains and Layer-2 scaling solutions like Liquid Network.
Joseph Lubin – Champion of the Ethereum Ecosystem
Another Ethereum co-founder, Joseph Lubin leads ConsenSys, a software development studio focused on building infrastructure for decentralized systems. His work supports wallet platforms, developer tools, and enterprise blockchain solutions.
Exchange Leaders Shaping Market Access
Cryptocurrency exchanges serve as gateways for millions entering the digital asset space. These leaders built platforms that brought liquidity, security, and innovation to global markets.
Changpeng Zhao (CZ) – CEO of Binance
Under CZ’s leadership, Binance became the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume. In 2020, Binance expanded aggressively with Binance DEX, localized exchanges, and strategic acquisitions. CZ also advocated for government adoption of blockchain technology.
Brian Armstrong – Co-founder & CEO of Coinbase
Coinbase has played a pivotal role in bringing crypto to mainstream users in regulated markets. Armstrong’s focus on compliance and user experience helped position Coinbase as a trusted gateway for retail and institutional investors alike.
Arthur Hayes – Co-founder & CEO of BitMEX
BitMEX revolutionized crypto derivatives trading with its high-leverage futures contracts. Despite regulatory scrutiny, Hayes remained a vocal advocate for financial freedom through decentralized markets.
Li Lin – Founder of Huobi Global
From 2013 to 2017, Li Lin led Huobi Global to become one of the world’s largest exchanges. Even after stepping down, his influence persisted in shaping Asia’s crypto ecosystem.
Innovators Driving Technological Advancement
Beyond exchanges, these individuals pushed the boundaries of what blockchain can achieve.
Charles Hoskinson – Founder of Cardano
Hoskinson, an early Ethereum contributor, founded Cardano, a blockchain platform emphasizing peer-reviewed research and sustainability. Cardano aims to provide secure infrastructure for financial inclusion in developing economies.
Jihan Wu – Co-founder of Bitmain
As CEO of Bitmain, Wu dominated the Bitcoin mining hardware market with ASIC chips. In 2019, Bitmain announced plans to build the world’s largest Bitcoin mining facility—highlighting the industrial scale of modern mining operations.
Roger Ver – Early Bitcoin Investor & Advocate
Known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” Roger Ver was one of the first major investors in Bitcoin startups like Blockchain.com and Bitcoin.com. His early evangelism helped spread awareness during Bitcoin’s formative years.
Andreas Antonopoulos – The Voice of Decentralization
A prolific author and speaker, Antonopoulos demystified complex blockchain concepts for global audiences. His passionate defense of decentralization made him a trusted educator in the space.
Institutional Gatekeepers & Regulators
As blockchain gained traction, traditional institutions began integrating digital assets—driven by leaders at the intersection of policy and finance.
David Marcus – Former Head of Facebook’s Libra Project
David Marcus led Facebook’s ambitious Libra initiative (later renamed Diem), aiming to bring digital currency to billions via WhatsApp and Messenger. Though ultimately shelved due to regulatory pressure, the project sparked global debate on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
Kelly Loeffler – Former CEO of Bakkt
Loeffler led Bakkt, ICE’s digital asset platform, which launched physically settled Bitcoin futures. Her leadership helped bridge institutional finance with crypto markets—achieving $37 million in monthly volume within its first month.
Cultural Icons & Community Builders
Some influencers shaped not just technology but also culture and community around blockchain.
Winklevoss Twins – Founders of Gemini
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss built Gemini, a regulated U.S.-based exchange emphasizing security and compliance. Through their venture arm Winklevoss Capital, they invested heavily in early-stage blockchain startups.
Jack Dorsey – CEO of Twitter & Square
A long-time Bitcoin supporter, Dorsey integrated Bitcoin into Square’s payment ecosystem via Cash App. He also funded Bitcoin development through Square Crypto, reinforcing his belief in a decentralized financial future.
Sun Yuchen – Founder of TRON
Sun gained global attention after winning Warren Buffett’s charity lunch auction in 2019. As founder of TRON, a high-throughput blockchain for decentralized entertainment, he pushed for mass adoption through aggressive marketing and ecosystem growth.
Li Xiaolai – Creator of Litecoin
Often called the “silver to Bitcoin’s gold,” Litecoin offered faster transactions and broader accessibility. Li Xiaolai’s role as its creator cemented his status as a foundational figure in altcoin development.
Fred Ehrsam – Co-founder of Paradigm
After co-founding Coinbase, Ehrsam launched Paradigm, a research-driven crypto investment firm. With deep expertise in market structure and protocol design, he influences both capital allocation and technological direction.
Herbert Sim – “Bitcoin Man” & Angel Investor
Also known as “Bitcoin Man,” Sim founded Crypto Chain University in 2010—the world’s first repository for blockchain research papers. An active angel investor, he supported early projects like FortuneZ and Future1Exchange while contributing to Forbes and Huffington Post.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is considered the most influential person in blockchain?
A: While opinions vary, Vitalik Buterin and Satoshi Nakamoto (if identified) are often cited. In practical impact, Changpeng Zhao and Brian Armstrong have significantly shaped market access.
Q: Why is Ethereum so important in blockchain history?
A: Ethereum introduced smart contracts, enabling decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and dApps—transforming blockchain from a payment system into a programmable platform.
Q: Are any governments involved in blockchain leadership?
A: Yes—China has actively promoted blockchain development as part of its national strategy, while countries like Switzerland and Singapore foster innovation through clear regulatory frameworks.
Q: What role do exchanges play in blockchain adoption?
A: Exchanges act as entry points for users, providing liquidity, custody solutions, and trading tools. Platforms like Binance and Coinbase have onboarded millions globally.
Q: Is mining still relevant in 2020?
A: Absolutely. Proof-of-work mining secures networks like Bitcoin. However, energy efficiency concerns are driving interest in alternatives like proof-of-stake (e.g., Cardano).
Q: How did Facebook’s Libra affect the blockchain industry?
A: Though never launched, Libra accelerated discussions about digital currencies among regulators, central banks, and tech giants—paving the way for CBDCs and stablecoin innovation.
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Final Thoughts
The most influential people in blockchain aren’t just technologists—they’re educators, entrepreneurs, regulators, and visionaries who collectively push the boundaries of trustless systems. Their work in 2020 laid the groundwork for wider adoption across industries.
As we look ahead, their legacies continue to inspire a new generation building decentralized solutions for finance, identity, supply chains, and more.
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