Crypto's Biggest Movers and Shakers of 2025

The Ups

• Bitcoin hit a new high of $126,000
• Ethereum received two major upgrades
• Solana made its way to Wall Street
• More investors, both retail and institutional, entered the crypto space through exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
• The U.S. re-emerged as a major player in crypto
• Crypto became more mainstream
• AI started making waves in the crypto industry

The Downs

• The economy was shaky, impacting crypto markets
• Security concerns rose with attacks, kidnappings, and record-high hacking incidents

The Influencers of 2025

• 50 people and groups recognized for their impact
• Grouped into 10 themes: politics, money flow, and the darker side of the industry
• U.S. President Donald Trump had a huge influence on crypto discussions
• The list is not ranked and includes both positive and negative influences
• Notable figures like SEC's Hester Pierce and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong were considered but not necessarily included every year