The past year has been a whirlwind for the crypto world. Big changes in politics, the growth of prediction markets, and rising concerns about personal safety have all played a role. Meanwhile, people are paying closer attention to how crypto fits into the larger financial system.

In 2024, Bitcoin hit a record-breaking price of $126,000. Ethereum rolled out two major upgrades that improved its network. Solana made waves by gaining traction on Wall Street. And both everyday investors and big institutions found easier ways to invest in crypto through new tools like exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Heading into 2025, the optimism in crypto hasn’t faded. The U.S. has once again become a major player in the crypto space, attracting both regular investors and large financial firms. Cryptocurrencies are now seen as a real investment option for the average person. Plus, artificial intelligence is starting to play a bigger role in how crypto works and evolves.

However, it hasn’t all been good news. Crypto prices have dropped in recent months, and signs of economic trouble are showing up in both the U.S. and around the world. On top of that, personal security is becoming a serious issue again. There have been disturbing incidents like physical attacks and kidnappings tied to crypto, and hackers are stealing more digital assets than ever before.

In short, 2025 has been intense for crypto.

This year, CoinDesk is spotlighting 50 people and groups who have shaped the crypto industry — for better or worse. These influencers are divided into 10 key themes. One of the biggest names on the list, U.S. President Donald Trump, is being recognized first for his major impact on the crypto conversation since returning to office.

Other themes include the role of money in politics, how investments are shifting, the unseen work that keeps decentralized systems running, and the rise in crime and scams within crypto.

It’s important to note: this isn’t a ranking or a celebration. CoinDesk’s Most Influential list highlights those who had a real impact on crypto — even if that influence was negative. Some helped push innovation forward; others caused setbacks that affected the whole space.

Every year, CoinDesk gathers input from its journalists and readers to build a long list of nominees. Over several months, they narrow it down to the 50 most impactful figures. Some names return each year due to their continued influence — like Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong or SEC Commissioner Hester Pierce — but others are left off to keep the list fresh and relevant.

Still, certain people make such an impact that they must be included again. This year, Trump is one of those names, thanks to the changes he’s driven in U.S. crypto policy since winning the 2024 election.

As always, CoinDesk encourages feedback on this year’s selections — because influence in crypto isn’t just about popularity. It’s about who made waves, sparked change, or challenged the system — for better or worse.