2023 in Review: Celebrating the Crypto 'Santas' and Noting the Industry 'Grinches'
Summary:
In a retrospective look at 2023, this article delineates key figures in the crypto industry who championed the cause or acted foils. Crypto 'Santas' include Larry Fink, ZachXBT, Vivek Ramaswamy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Casey Rodarmor, Samson Mow, and Michael Saylor who all fostered growth in the sector. Conversely, the 'Grinches' of crypto, who resisted its advancements include Gary Gensler, Elizabeth Warren, Jamie Dimon, the mainstream media, Ben McKenzie, Greenpeace, and Nouriel Roubini.
As the year 2023 nears its end, we're taking time to inspect the inner circle of the crypto world, spotlighting individuals who have embodied the spirit of the festive season, as well as those who have dampened the holiday spirit. This year saw the crypto community savor their traditional Christmas goodies and endure some sour experiences. Hence, we present you the seven Christmas heroes and seven figurative 'Grinches', with some unexpected names on both lists.
Emblematic heroes of Crypto
Several persons have selflessly devoted their efforts towards advancing the cryptocurrency environment this year. From displaying a commitment to societal betterment and empowerment to advocating for financial inclusivity, these crypto protagonists demonstrate how cryptocurrency can potentially be a beneficial force in the larger worldwide scenario.
Larry Fink
Larry Fink's BlackRock has battled it out with the Securities and Exchange Commission all through this year in its bid to get approval for a spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded fund (ETF). This struggle has earned Fink and BlackRock considerable admiration from the crypto sphere in a way rarely achieved by mainstream finance. While BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF hasn’t been greenlit yet, the prevailing sentiment is that this fund is imminent, promising to provide the much-needed impetus for the next crypto surge.
ZachXBT
He's compiling a list and then checking it twice. ZachXBT, who himself overcame a 'rug-pull' scenario, has proven his worth to the crypto community by unmasking multiple swindlers and fraudsters. This year, he has also been vocal in alerting the community to the growing prevalence of SIM swap attacks, especially in the United States, stressing on the fact that using an authenticator app is safer than depending on SMS-based two-factor authentication. Are your crypto funds secure this festive season? That's the best gift you can present to yourself.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Vivek Ramaswamy, the 2024 Republican presidential candidate, promises a friendlier approach to crypto regulation. If elected, Ramaswamy pledges to reduce the SEC's force by half, and instruct the remaining to deal lightly with the crypto sector. He has also introduced a crypto-positive policy outline named "The Three Freedoms of Crypto," making him a formidable proponent of the industry in American politics.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
While Ramaswamy is the crypto-friendly Santa from the right, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. represents the left. The erstwhile Democratic presidential candidate, now standing as an Independent, promises to back the U.S. dollar with Bitcoin, were he ever to become president. Like Ramaswamy, his chances are slim. But as the old Christmassy adage goes, it's the thought that matters.
Casey Rodarmor
Artist and programmer Casey Rodarmor gifted the Bitcoin community with Ordinals this year – nonfungible tokens (NFTs) on the Bitcoin blockchain. Though not everyone is a fan of these, the NFTs have nonetheless increased transaction costs on Bitcoin, therefore allowing miners to rake in substantial profits. A Merry Christmas indeed for Bitcoin miners!
Samson Mow
Samson Mow, through his association with Jan3, is keenly focused on rapid Bitcoin adoption and national Bitcoin acceptance. Mow persuaded Suriname to accept Bitcoin as legal tender this year, inciting Bitcoin followers to explore this little-known South American nation.
Michael Saylor
Michael Saylor consistently promoted Bitcoin over the years, and 2023 was no exception. Saylor's steadfast advice? Buy and keep buying Bitcoin, no matter its current value. We sure hope you never change, Michael.
Crypto's figurative Grinches
Conversely, certain individuals, including regulators and traditional financial bodies, continue to oppose crypto. This group cites potential risks like market volatility and security vulnerabilities as their primary beef against cryptocurrencies.
Gary Gensler
SEC Chair Gary Gensler seems to relish the role of the crypto community's resident 'Grinch.' Gensler's SEC has repeatedly pursued lawsuits against crypto initiatives, running an obscure and decidedly litigious regulatory body. Gensler steadfastly refuses to clarify his stance but never hesitates to take legal action for perceived rule violations.
Elizabeth Warren
US Senator Elizabeth Warren attributes numerous ills, from terrorism and nuclear proliferation to global warming, to Bitcoin usage. Her primary disagreements with Bitcoin notwithstanding, her consistent criticism suspects disregard for factual accuracies. Her latest assault on crypto is the "Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act," a bill she hopes to successfully pilot through Congress.
Jamie Dimon
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon holds the distinction of being one of the fiercest critics of crypto, often referring to Bitcoin disparagingly. However, Onyx, JPMorgan's crypto arm, notwithstanding Dimon's public disregard for cryptocurrency, continues to make robust progress.
Mainstream Media
The mainstream media, which often neglects investigation and recycles worn-out ideological lines, features prominently on this list of 'crypto-Grinches.'
Ben McKenzie
Actor Ben McKenzie is known for his role in the TV show The O.C and his advocacy against Bitcoin.
Greenpeace
Greenpeace created a widely circulated meme when they attempted to sow panic among the public about Bitcoin's "outdated code." They suggested Bitcoin should follow Ethereum's example, highlighting their apparent misunderstanding of the parameters that appeal to Bitcoin users.
Nouriel Roubini
Economist Nouriel Roubini, nicknamed "Dr. Doom" due to his vehement criticism of Bitcoin, ironically revealed that he'd launch his own stablecoin, the Atlas Climate Token, through his asset management firm, Atlas Capital. Yet, he maintains that all other things crypto are worthless. Dr. Doom, indeed.
Published At
12/25/2023 1:50:00 AM
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