CoinDesk's Top 2024 Influencers in Crypto

This year's Most Influential list showcases a year of substantial growth and transformation in the crypto space. The initial gloom of 2024 gave way to a surge in investor interest and funding, driven in part by the approval of bitcoin ETFs in January and the re-election of Donald Trump in November. As a result, the overall mood in crypto underwent a significant shift. Bitcoin experienced a remarkable year, surpassing $100,000 in December and solidifying its dominance with a 70%-plus market share. The concept of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve also gained traction, potentially paving the way for the U.S. to acquire up to 5% of the total bitcoin supply. The launch of bitcoin ETFs was highly successful, with investments totaling $145 billion, and bitcoin's role as 'digital gold' became increasingly recognized. Ethereum, despite facing criticism for its development roadmaps and performance, saw a 58% increase in value and the emergence of over 500 Layer-2 projects, including Base, Optimism, and Arbitrum. Solana experienced a notable surge, with its native token SOL increasing by 111% and the platform supporting a wide range of projects, including memecoins and tap-to-earn gaming. The rise of DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure) promised to integrate crypto with real-world infrastructure, such as telecommunications and electricity. Prediction markets, like Polymarket, demonstrated their potential, while AI became an integral part of the crypto landscape. Stablecoins continued to dominate transaction volumes, with USDT leading the way, and Tether invested in various non-USDT projects in pursuit of legal trading in the U.S. Crypto also exhibited significant political influence, contributing to the election of Trump and over 50 Congressional candidates. The European region implemented MICA, establishing a comprehensive policy framework, while Hong Kong and Singapore led the way in APAC. The selection process for the Most Influential list highlights personal achievements and projects that defined the year in crypto. The top 10 individuals and additional 40 profiles showcase a diverse range of leaders, innovators, and influencers who have made a significant impact on the industry.