Top Blockchain Finance Experts 2025

Marcel is the founder and CEO at CRYLO®, a crypto wealth management platform fully powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms, providing personalized crypto investment portfolios. Before that, he also founded iMi Blockchain, a global blockchain consulting and Web3 development firm. Marcel served as a board member and managing director in various companies. He was marketing manager at 3M, leading their industrial business in Switzerland. Furthermore, Marcel is a member of the Crypto Valley Association in Zug, Switzerland. Marcel studied Economics, Banking and Finance, in Zurich, Switzerland, as well as Blockchain Strategy at the University of Oxford (Saïd Business School).

Robin Hillary — President & Co-Founder, Black Seed Ink | CEO, LitCentral Robin Hillary is a U.S. design-patent holder and certified in Blockchain & Cryptocurrency (UC Berkeley) and AI for Leaders (Babson College). As President and Co-Founder of Black Seed Ink, she leads the only cold-storage company in the world offering a full stack of backup solutions for self-custody investors, not just US patented (D1,097,558) seed-phrase plates, but passphrase, exchange-login, and master-password plates, plus index notebooks, cases, and protective capsules. Trusted by crypto whales and everyday holders in 85+ countries and territories, Black Seed Ink’s fire-rated steel wallets have earned top marks in independent stress tests (e.g., Jameson Lopp’s), and serve thousands of customers who want their keys - and anything worth remembering - kept offline. Previously, as Chief Innovation Officer at Credit.org, Robin built tech-anchored programs in credit, debt, and housing counseling, launched the nonprofit Reverse Mortgage Academy, and created LenderView - the first platform that gives lenders a real-time window into outcomes from pre-purchase and mortgage-readiness counseling, closing the data gap between advisors and underwriters. Now as CEO of LitCentral, Robin is developing AI-driven tools that connect physical and financial health for employers. Fueled by espresso and an innovation mindset, she marries hands-on hardware design with practical fintech that protects people and powers confidence. Quotes "We design crypto cold storage for the day everything goes wrong." - Robin Hillary “I build tools that protect what you can’t afford to forget.” - Robin Hillary “On-chain finance is a web of rails moving art, deeds, money, and RWAs like gold and real estate. If you’re climbing aboard, start with security - lock down your keys in steel and hold on for dear life!" - Robin Hillary

I'm a blockchain expert and DeFi analyst with over 7 years in finance and 5 years in crypto. Over the past few years, I’ve helped launch 500+ crypto and fintech projects: from custom blockchains and DeFi protocols to tokenomics and NFTs. Right now, I’m the Blockchain Expert at Innowise and CTO of Haust Network - a fast, modular Layer-2 built with Polygon tech. My background is in finance and mathematical modeling, so I focus on making crypto products not just innovative, but financially sound and scalable. I’ve also taught 3,500+ students, spoken at global conferences, and worked on projects that raised millions. I hold certifications in DeFi and business analysis, including participation in ETHGlobal’s LFGHO hackathon and Unite DeFi, as well as formal training in software development business analysis from Stormnet.

Technical product manager with 6+ years of experience driving growth across Web2 and Web3 startups. He led product and growth at Tiggy, boosting GMV by 20% before its acquisition by Buggy, and later managed zkBob, helping the app reach $1.5M TVL and co-authoring research on private on-chain operations Now at Blockscout, an open-source blockchain explorer, Mike has launched multiple products from scratch, increased traffic by ~30%, attracted new enterprise clients, and onboarded 1M+ retail users through a loyalty program he designed. He regularly represents Blockscout at major industry conferences including ETHcc, Devcon, and DappCon

Founder of BqETH Inc, a blockchain safe deposit box that will safeguard your crypto secrets until you die. The technology is a decentralized digital dead man switch. I'm an anarchist or anarcho-capitalist. I created BqETH because I wanted to help journalists like you who work in war zones, or have information that must survive them. I designed it to be able to resist the wrath of any state. I have been a software engineer for 25 years and found blockchain systems fascinating. I am typically interested in the decentralization technologies, cryptography, security systems (I used to work for Navy contractors at the NRL), economics, whistle blower stories and crypto assets such as bitcoin and ethereum. I typically have something original to say that people have never heard before.

Yos is a founder and software engineer in the crypto space. He has a background in software engineering and was most recently at Chainlink Labs working on onchain building blocks for the DeFi ecosystem. At Chainlink, Yos was a staff software engineer and the technical load for Chainlink Staking (a >$1B TBL DeFi protocol on Ethereum.) Before that, Yos worked in global-scale engineering teams at Grab and PayPal. He studied Computer Science at the National University of Singapore.

Victor Zhou is the founder and CEO of Namefi, an ICANN-accredited domain registrar pioneering the convergence of traditional domain infrastructure and blockchain technology. With a mission to modernize the $1T domain industry, Namefi introduces innovations such as instant, cost-efficient NFT-based domain transfers and AI-powered “domain showrooms” that unlock the financial potential of domain assets. Victor is a contributing editor and author to several Ethereum standards (EIPs) and leads ERCRef, an open-source initiative to make smart contract standards more composable and developer-friendly. He is also the founder of AlephCrypto, an angel fund supporting early-stage Web3 projects. With previous experience at Google, and academic training from Tsinghua University and Johns Hopkins, Victor brings together deep technical rigor and product intuition. He is a frequent convener of builders through community efforts like BUIDL Coffee in Silicon Valley and “载歌在谷,”(https://zgzg.io) a cultural nonprofit he co-founded that fosters modern, open, and growth-minded communities. As a solo founder of Namefi, balancing startup execution, community service, and fatherhood, Victor is passionate about human-centered innovation and infrastructure that connects real-world utility with the future of the Internet.

I’m the CEO and Founder of LBM Solutions, a technology company delivering blockchain, app, metaverse, software, and web development solutions. Over the years, I’ve built and led a team of more than 100 developers and designers who focus on creating business-first solutions that scale. In the last decade, our team has completed more than 1,000 projects across 30+ countries, gaining recognition through multiple industry awards for innovation, client success, and technology leadership. Beyond LBM Solutions, I also serve as the Chairman of FICCI CMSME (Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh), where I actively advocate for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), influence policy decisions, and strengthen the ecosystem for sustainable growth. I founded MSAI India to bridge education and industry needs, introducing AI into career-focused programs such as Full-Stack Development, HR, and Digital Marketing preparing professionals for tomorrow’s evolving landscape. Another initiative close to my heart is CoRise, a hub designed to connect entrepreneurs with investors and industry leaders. It supports founders in validating ideas, accelerating product development, and taking businesses to market. What I Focus On: - Delivering scalable blockchain, metaverse, and app solutions worldwide - Driving digital adoption with measurable ROI and long-term impact - Building high-performance tech teams and efficient delivery pipelines - Strengthening SME voices through representation and advocacy - Guiding founders toward building investment-ready businesses I bring the vision of a strategist, the discipline of an operator, and the mindset of a builder. With over 10 years in leadership, I believe true innovation lies in execution that delivers sustainable results. Let’s Connect If You’re: - A business leader looking for scalable technology solutions - An SME seeking the right support to grow - A founder, partner, or investor exploring meaningful collaborations Let’s connect and build something transformative.

𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭, 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫, 𝐞𝐱-𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫. I specialise in placing senior technology professionals into the Fintech market. I act as an advisor for clients looking to build out technology functions, scale existing teams, and partner with firms for strategic hires. I’ve also been featured in several articles sharing my technical expertise across recruitment and FinTech. 𝐋𝐄𝐓'𝐒 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊 𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇!

Innovative crypto entrepreneur with a proven track record of building and scaling blockchain ventures. Passionate about decentralized finance, tokenized ecosystems, and bridging the gap between traditional markets and Web3. Known for driving growth through strategic partnerships, community-first initiatives, and cutting-edge blockchain solutions. Dedicated to shaping a more open, inclusive, and transparent digital economy while empowering individuals to take control of their financial future.

As the founder and CEO of EDATApp, I lead the development of an innovative mobility and earnings platform that rewards drivers and cyclists for recording their journeys — transforming everyday travel data into digital value. Supported by Microsoft for Startups, I leverage Azure Cloud and AI-driven architecture to build scalable, privacy-focused mobility solutions. My journey in the blockchain and crypto industry began in 2013, when I started exploring cryptocurrency mining and early blockchain technologies. Over the years, I have continuously refined my expertise — from mining and smart contract development to creating my own tokens and managing ICO launches. This decade-long experience has given me deep insight into the evolution of decentralized technologies and the regulatory challenges shaping the industry today. I combine this technical foundation with entrepreneurial strategy — designing tokenized business models, leading real-world asset (RWA) projects, and building bridges between blockchain innovation and practical, real-world applications. Through EDATApp and other ventures, my focus remains on creating sustainable ecosystems that empower users while anticipating the next wave of blockchain adoption and regulation. In short: I have been continuously evolving in the crypto space since 2013, turning my early passion for mining and blockchain into professional expertise in token design, DeFi architecture, and real-world applications. My goal is to transform emerging technologies into lasting value for both users and investors.

I’m Paul Owen, FCA, an Economics graduate from Exeter, and a FinTech alumnus from Oxford. With 20+ years in senior finance roles at PwC, T-Mobile, and FTSE 100 iGaming firms, I’ve seen first-hand the cost of hiring mistakes. So, what led a numbers guy into the world of people? The realisation that success is about more than just numbers, it’s about the right talent. In 2017, I launched RecruitBlock to help web3 and blockchain startups build world-class teams that drive innovation. With a unique mix of financial insight and recruitment expertise, I’ve helped businesses grow by placing the right people in business-critical roles. I know that hiring isn’t just about filling seats, it’s about finding those who will make an impact, fast. I’ve built teams that thrive, and I bring this same focus to every search. I’m also an international speaker, regularly sharing my insights on the power of people in web3 at global events, including Zebu Live in London, and crypto meetups around the world. My mission is simple: connect groundbreaking companies with the right talent quickly, effectively, and affordably. Because getting recruitment right is the key to unlocking business potential. The right talent drives performance, fuels innovation, and sets the stage for lasting success.

Alex Chen is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of City Telegraph, a premier global digital media platform. Since its inception in 2020, Alex has built City Telegraph into a reliable destination for timely news and analysis, covering the fast-moving worlds of blockchain, fintech, and financial markets, while extending reach into business, technology, and global trends. A recognized voice in the US crypto-media landscape, Alex is known for his ability to translate dense technical architecture into actionable market insights. He champions an editorial philosophy of "clarity over hype," ensuring that City Telegraph provides straightforward reporting that empowers investors and industry professionals. Unlike generalist observers, Alex’s background allows him to dissect decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanisms and infrastructure shifts, validating the technology before analyzing the economics. As Editor-in-Chief, Alex oversees a global team dedicated to tracking the people, companies, and technologies driving the modern economy. He serves as a bridge between the technical edge of Web3 and the practical realities of traditional business, frequently speaking on these topics at major industry summits like San Francisco Blockchain Week.

Times of Blockchain is a leading platform for blockchain and crypto news, trends, and analysis. We offer expert insights, real-time updates, and thought leadership to help professionals, enthusiasts, and investors stay ahead in the fast-evolving blockchain space. Discover stories that inform, educate, and inspire your journey in Web3 and beyond.

Matthew Schneider is the Founder and CEO of Building, a real estate data infrastructure company focused on valuation, compliance, digital twins, and tokenization readiness. He leads product development and research at the intersection of the built environment, financial markets, and emerging digital systems, with a practical emphasis on making real estate auditable, finance-ready, and interoperable. Matthew’s background spans real estate digitalization, blockchain-based asset structures, and institutional reporting standards, where he has worked as a researcher and educator since the early 2020s. He is a frequent speaker at international technology, fintech, and real-asset conferences, contributing to industry dialogue on how buildings evolve into programmable financial assets. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of FIBREE, supporting global standards and collaboration in blockchain-enabled real estate.

Sid Kalla is the editor in chief at Gale Finance. Gale Finance is a research and analytics platform built for investors who want numbers, not just narratives. We publish clear, repeatable comparisons across crypto and traditional assets, such as Bitcoin vs. gold, Bitcoin vs. the S&P 500, and many more. Sid previously founded Roll, building the first social token infrastructure protocol on Ethereum. Prior to that, Sid was the CTO at Acupay, building post-trade tax and compliance systems for cross-border securities. Sid was a researcher and journalist at CoinDesk and Coinsetter (acquired by Kraken), and has been writing about the crypto industry since 2013. Sid is a CFA Charterholder since 2016.

Elise Hamdon is a leadership and communications executive specializing in blockchain, financial technology, and innovative education strategies. Her expertise spans partnership development, community engagement, stakeholder management, and high-impact program design across the nonprofit and technology sectors. Current Roles Chief Communications Officer, Zcash Foundation Since August 2024, Elise leads communications strategy and public affairs for Zcash Foundation, after previously serving as Communications Coordinator from October 2022 to August 2024. Executive Director, Mass Adoption Alliance At this 501(c)(3) public charity since October 2022, Elise advances the mission to empower youth worldwide with practical, accessible education about cryptocurrency, financial privacy, and self-sovereignty. Working Group Member, Blockchain Association Joining in April 2025, Elise participates in the DeFi, Privacy Technology, Self-Custody, Stablecoin, and Marketing & Communications working groups, helping shape industry policy and advocacy efforts. Skills and Industry Focus Financial Technology, Blockchain & DeFi Privacy and self-sovereign identity advocacy Team management and cross-sector partnerships Program development for mass adoption and youth empowerment Crisis communications and leading MarCom initiatives Certifications Product Management Accelerated Program, Stanford Online (2024) Crisis Communications Certificate, Chartered Institute of Public Relations (2024) Elise Hamdon is recognized as a connector and leader in cryptocrurrency and education, championing privacy, financial freedom, and practical resource access for global youth and technology communities.

With over 20 years in international recruitment, I specialise in Crypto, Blockchain, and Web3 technologies. I've established and led businesses, building tech and non-tech teams from the ground up. My multilingual skills have connected top talent with companies across the UK, Europe, Israel, China, and the US. As Director at RecruitBlock, I've built high-performing teams for startups and scale-ups in emerging tech. Under my leadership, RecruitBlock was recognised as a Top Leading Company to Watch in 2024 by Biz Tech Outlook. In 2024, we received the FinTech Award for Crypto & Blockchain Recruitment Service of the Year in the UK, highlighting our commitment to tailored recruitment solutions. Our collaborations include partnerships with Gate.io, a global cryptocurrency exchange, and Pudgy Penguins, a prominent NFT collection. I'm passionate about inclusive talent acquisition and the benefits of AI and technology. I actively foster inclusive environments and have spoken at international events on talent acquisition strategies. My certifications, including MCIPD and PPA-certified psychometric assessor, reflect my commitment to high recruitment standards. I also organise Crypto Meetups in Gibraltar, promoting networking within the blockchain community. Additionally, I write a blog on recruitment within the Crypto, Blockchain, and Web3 sectors, covering talent acquisition strategies, organisational culture, salary trends, and data analytics.

Anton Titov is a FinTech entrepreneur and strategist building RemiDe, the “SWIFT for Stablecoins.” With 12+ years in FinTech, crypto, and innovation, he’s led ventures through Tenity, Ripple Xcelerator, and Google for Startups. Formerly CEO of Archway.Finance, he built fiat-to-stablecoin rails processing millions across 30+ countries with partners like Ripple, Circle, and Visa. At RemiDe, Anton is unifying banks, PSPs, and wallets through a non-custodial, compliance-first network enabling FI-to-FI stablecoin payments with instant settlement and embedded Travel-Rule identity. He’s on a mission to make financial inclusion real for emerging markets.

My career started with a decade in strategy and global brand management, then another decade building services businesses in Asia (sold 2), and now in growth and leadership roles in tech startup, Web3 and AI.