As the world undergoes tremendous changes in the wake of COVID-19, the importance of online and contactless payments has skyrocketed. Ever since blockchain made its mark on technology in 2008, it has been long been predicted that it would revolutionize business in the years to come, from banking and finance to gaming and healthcare. This has proven true, as blockchain and cryptocurrency-focused sessions have made a splash across corporate events and conference agendas of all sectors, highlighting the ways in which it can change so many of today’s embedded systems.

With discussions continuing to emerge on how this tech will propel the global payments industry forward, who are the leaders of this innovative technology? We’re highlighting Bay Area-based individuals impacting blockchain innovation. 

Brad Garlinghouse
CEO | Ripple
Ripple’s technology allows financial institutions to make real-time, cross-border transactions at a fraction of the standard time and cost. During his time at Yahoo!, Garlinghouse famously wrote The Peanut Butter Manifesto—a memo to the company outlining that they were spreading themselves too thin, rather than focusing on one area. This mentality of focus landed him at Ripple, where he continues to advocate for blockchain’s positive effect on society.
Where you’ve seen him speak: Davos, Montgomery Summit, Fintech Ideas Festival

Charlie Lee 
Creator | Litecoin
Lee is the creator of Litecoin, which has remained one of the top-rated cryptocurrencies in regard to price and market volatility. With knowledge in computer technology and an interest in economics, he became interested in the blockchain space. With a resume that includes Google and Coinbase, Lee continues to promote the idea that cryptocurrencies should compliment each other, rather than compete.
Where you’ve seen him speak: Token 2049, Blockchain Connect, Rackspace Developers

Brian Armstrong 
Founder and CEO | Coinbase
Armstrong has worked as an engineer and consultant for companies such as Deloitte and Touch, AirBNB and IBM. In 2012, he founded Coinbase, one of the largest crypto exchange platforms, which attained unicorn status in 2017. Armstrong has also been vocal about philanthropy, as he is co-founder of GiveCrypto, a charity that provides cryptocurrency donations for people living in poverty.
Where you’ve seen him speak: TechCrunch Disrupt, Vanity Fair’s The New Establishment Summit, Consensus NYC 

Catherine Coley
CEO | Binance.US
Coley began her career as a Foreign Exchange Analyst in Hong Kong, and later in London. She eventually made her way into the blockchain space, serving as Ripple’s Head of XRP Institutional Liquidity. In 2019, Coley became the CEO of Binance.US, the US branch of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.
Where you’ve seen her speak: Multicoin Summit, LA Blockchain Summit, Women in Fintech

Jed McCaleb
Co-Founder and CTO | Stellar Development Foundation
McCaleb is a programmer and entrepreneur, who in 2014 co-founded the Stellar Development Foundation to develop the Stellar open source protocol to allow cross-border and monetary transactions with fiat and digital currencies. The New York Times named McCaleb one of the top 10 people leading the blockchain revolution in 2018.
Where you’ve seen him speak: Distributed, IBM Blockchain, SF Blockchain Week