2024 has been wild for crypto, to say the least. From all-time highs to lawsuits and politics, it’s been a crazy ride. With halving price records and geopolitics, crypto is no longer an afterthought in the global economy. Here are the Top 10 Crypto Newsmakers of 2024—those who made their mark.
1. Satoshi Nakamoto
The Elusive Creator’s Legacy Lives On
Still unknown, Satoshi Nakamoto- who is otherwise known as the creator of Bitcoin- was the biggest headline of 2024. The all-time high Bitcoin prices stirred speculation about the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto again. Rumours have it that Nakamoto is facing trials and guilt cast by some documentaries. By now, reports say Nakamoto’s Bitcoin wallet has more than $100 billion in idle assets. The ultimate person’s search behind the biggest innovation of the digital age means Nakamoto’s narrative will always belong within the story of crypto.
2. Donald Trump
Crypto’s Political Game-Changer
Donald Trump’s return to the political scene in 2024 had a direct impact on the crypto market. After the July assassination attempt, Trump’s support from the crypto community went through the roof. He promised to make the U.S. a Bitcoin hub, proposed a Bitcoin strategic reserve and said he would fire SEC Chairman Gary Gensler if elected. Trump’s victory in November was celebrated by crypto investors as Bitcoin went past $100,000. His pro-crypto rhetoric has made him a crypto ally and a big player in shaping the future of U.S. crypto policy.
3. Nayib Bukele
Bitcoin’s Presidential Advocate
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele is still the Bitcoin evangelist in the year 2024. El Salvador has received both applause and criticism for making Bitcoin the first legal tender and experimenting with its radical use. Bukele’s ambitious proposal to harness the volcanoes of the country for green Bitcoin mining further established his status as a progressive in the field of cryptocurrency. His meeting with Elon Musk at Tesla’s Gigafactory in 2024 also added to the mounting global impact that Bukele, as an outstanding leader, has made in the future of cryptocurrencies.
4. Elon Musk
Dogecoin’s Champion and Political Powerbroker
Elon Musk’s influence on the crypto world in 2024 was immense. As a vocal Bitcoin advocate, he doubled down on his Dogecoin support, calling it the future of money. He was also a political powerbroker as he supported Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, organized fundraisers and used his position in tech and crypto to amplify Trump’s message. Musk’s involvement in crypto and his acquisition of X (formerly Twitter) shaped the conversation around free speech, digital assets, and political influence, making him a big player in the crypto-politics intersection.
5. Changpeng Zhao (CZ)
Binance in Hot Water
2024 was a rough year for Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance. After legal battles with the U.S. SEC and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), CZ was jailed for 4 months for non-compliance. He remained in the public eye despite the legal troubles, especially as Binance faced multiple regulatory challenges. Binance was under intense pressure, and CZ’s decision not to intervene in the WazirX controversy only added to public frustration. However, his resilience and continued involvement in the crypto space kept him in the news.
6. Michael Saylor
Bitcoin Bull Unstoppable
Michael Saylor, founder of MicroStrategy and an outspoken supporter of Bitcoin, has continued, even into 2024, to add Bitcoin into his company’s holdings to reach new heights.
His perspective on cryptocurrency as having “store of value” properties and being the “digital gold” only got stronger during the run when Bitcoin prices rose above $100k foreign. The predictions and steadfast support he offered even turned him into a bigger part of the Bitcoin story that even binds together the old guard of finance with new-age crypto innovations.
7. People of Bhutan
Bitcoin’s Green Paradise
Unexpectedly for many, Bhutan held an approximate treasure of $1 billion in Bitcoin reserves as one of the greatest holders in 2024 of the tiny Himalayan kingdom. The country is using renewable hydropower for mining operations and has received worldwide recognition for it.
Bhutan’s unique “green mining” model shows how crypto can coexist with environmental sustainability goals and sets the nation as a leader in eco-friendly crypto operations. This has put Bhutan among the largest Bitcoin holders of all time and is considered an important step in economic diversification in times of global volatility.
8. Sam Bankman-Fried
From Crypto Darling to Convicted Felon
Perhaps the most anticipated front-page news story of 2023 was that of Sam Bankman-Fried, and the unfolding aftermath haunted 2024. The former FTX chief executive was convicted of fraud and conspiracy, and he was sentenced to imprisonment for over 25 years. The downfall of FTX, once a vibrant exchange predicted at $32 billion, created a rife crisis of confidence in the crypto market. The trial was a good lesson in power’s ability to bring down after unchecked, making Bankman most infamous in
crypto history.
9. Hester Peirce
The “Crypto Mom” Champions Industry Regulation
One of the commission members of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Hester Peirce, is perhaps the most-storied voice for fair crypto regulations. Peirce, dubbed “Crypto Mom,” will always be remembered as one of the leading advocates for a much-needed balanced approach toward crypto regulations and a safe harbour for developers.
In 2024, Hester opposed specific SEC enforcement actions because, according to her, they could be considered an “overreach,” further solidifying her role as one of the leading actors in the ongoing battle between the SEC and the crypto industry. She’s made sure that the crypto community is included in every discussion in Washington.
10. Nischal Shetty
WazirX Controversy and Fall from Grace
Nischal Shetty, co-founder of India’s largest crypto exchange, WazirX, has been in the middle of one of the biggest controversies of 2024. After the Rs 2000 crore hack of WazirX in July, Shetty was under intense scrutiny. The halting of user withdrawals, mishandling of funds and the infamous 55/45 loss-sharing policy left WazirX users fuming.
Many were also upset that Shetty was living in Dubai while WazirX was under court proceedings in Singapore. Despite all this, Shetty claims to restart the exchange and launch India’s largest decentralized exchange in 2025, but many are sceptical.
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FAQs
1. What were the big events of 2024?
A milestone year for crypto – 2024 had big events for Bitcoins as it achieved the $100,000 mark; the key lawsuits like Sam Bankman-Fried’s, said political changes that swung crypto into the most global conversations. U.S. SEC-CFTC actions against some major exchanges, including Binance, were key.
2. Why did WazirX’s Nischal Shetty land trouble in 2024?
Nischal Shetty was under fire after the WazirX hack in 2024 that brought about the halting of withdrawals and manipulation of funds. Stuck in the tussle with Binance regarding WazirX’s ownership, this left many users disgruntled.
3. What was Elon Musk up to in the crypto space in 2024?
Elon Musk would continue to shape the cryptocurrency landscape by promoting Dogecoin, backing political campaigns, and increasing his love for Bitcoin. His X (formerly Twitter) leadership would also change how crypto discussions evolved.
4. How did Bhutan become a crypto player in 2024?
Bhutan became a big Bitcoin holder, using its abundant hydropower to do environmentally friendly mining. Bhutan’s Bitcoin reserve of $1 billion makes them a key player in the future of eco-friendly crypto.
