- Mike Bird – Award Winning Financial Journalist and Finance Editor
- Dominic Frisby – Financial Author and Broadcaster
- Leda Glyptis – FinTech Executive and Author of “Bankers Like Us”
- Natasha Bansgopaul – Co-Founder and COO of VegaX Holdings, AI Expert
- Danny Quah – Expert on Global Economies and Economic Growth
- Dembisa Moyo – Global Economist and Bestselling Author, House of Lords Member
- Chris Skinner – FinTech Guru and Expert on Banking
- Michael O’ Sullivan – Globalisation Expert and Bestselling Author
- Tim Harford – Financial Times Consultant and BBC Broadcaster
- Alec Ross – Tech Policy Analyst, Futurist, and Expert on Global Economies
- Juliana Liu – Asia Editor at CNN Business
- Alex de Vries – Founder of the Bitcoin Energy Consumption Index
As cryptocurrency continues to reshape global finance, the UK is emerging as a key hub for blockchain innovation and FinTech advancements.
Whether you’re planning a business conference, tech summit, or educational event, having the right cryptocurrency speaker can make all the difference in delivering cutting-edge insights.
These experts can not only break down complex concepts but also provide invaluable perspectives on market trends, regulatory updates, and the future of digital currencies.
In this article, we’ll explore the best cryptocurrency speakers for UK events, offering recommendations that cater to a range of audiences, from seasoned investors to tech enthusiasts.
Why Hire a Cryptocurrency Speaker?
Hiring a cryptocurrency keynote speaker for UK events can provide several benefits, especially as the UK continues to evolve as a significant player in the global financial and tech industries:
- Expert Insights on Regulation and Policy: The UK has positioned itself as a leader in regulating cryptocurrency, with initiatives from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and policy updates aiming to bring more transparency and security to the crypto market.
- Educating Audiences on Emerging Technologies: Cryptocurrency and blockchain are still emerging technologies that many people and businesses may not fully understand. A speaker with expertise in crypto can demystify complex concepts, such as blockchain, decentralised finance (DeFi), and central bank digital currencies.
- Market Opportunities and Innovation: The UK is home to one of the world’s most dynamic financial hubs, and cryptocurrency is increasingly playing a significant role. A keynote speaker can highlight opportunities for UK businesses to innovate.
- Addressing Global Trends: Cryptocurrency is a global phenomenon, and having a speaker who can address its impact on international markets provides attendees with a broader understanding of how these technologies might affect trade, investment, and even geopolitical stability in a post-Brexit context.
A cryptocurrency keynote speaker brings not only education but also foresight into how businesses can leverage digital currencies and blockchain technology for growth, making them a valuable addition to UK events.
Top Cryptocurrency Speakers for UK Events
The list that follows covers some of the best minds in the world of finance, technology, and cryptocurrency.
Mike Bird
Mike Bird is an award-winning financial journalist and currently serves as the Asia Business and Finance Editor at The Economist. He is based in Singapore, where he covers key topics such as corporate developments, economic trends, and financial markets, particularly in Asia. Bird is also a co-host of The Economist’s popular podcast Money Talks, which discusses major financial stories globally.
Before joining The Economist, Bird worked as a reporter and columnist for The Wall Street Journal in both London and Hong Kong. He has earned a reputation for providing deep insights into topics such as supply chain disruptions and the economic shifts in Asia, especially with the rise of manufacturing alternatives to China.
Mike Bird could serve as a cryptocurrency keynote speaker by leveraging his extensive experience in financial journalism, particularly his knowledge of global economic trends, financial markets, and the regulatory landscape.
Given his background in covering supply chain disruptions, the decoupling of economies, and emerging technologies in Asia, Bird is well-equipped to discuss how cryptocurrency fits into the broader global financial system.
His ability to draw connections between cryptocurrency, geopolitics, and traditional financial systems would allow him to provide an insightful commentary on topics like decentralised finance (DeFi), blockchain, and digital currencies’ influence on cross-border transactions and economic policies.
Bird’s experience with podcasts like Money Talks suggests he has a talent for breaking down complex financial topics for a broad audience, making him a compelling speaker for both experts and newcomers in the cryptocurrency space.
Notable Achievements
- Asia Business and Finance Editor at The Economist, based in Singapore, covering key financial and corporate trends across Asia
Award-winning journalist, recognised with the 2016 Harold Wincott Award for young financial journalist of the year - Author of the upcoming book The Land Trap, which explores the role of land in shaping the global economy
Co-host of The Economist’s podcast Money Talks, where he discusses major global financial stories - Former reporter and columnist at The Wall Street Journal, where he covered financial and geopolitical developments in London and Hong Kong
Recipient of a Human Rights Press Award, shared with colleagues for coverage of the 2020 Hong Kong protests
Dominic Frisby
Dominic Frisby is a British financial writer, comedian, and expert in cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin. He has established himself as a key figure in the cryptocurrency space through his early and insightful analyses of decentralised currencies.
His work often bridges the worlds of finance and entertainment, combining in-depth financial expertise with a talent for engaging public speaking. Frisby is also known for his involvement in political and economic commentary, having authored several books that cover themes ranging from the future of money to the role of taxation in society.
In the role of a cryptocurrency keynote speaker, Frisby’s blend of expertise in finance and communication makes him highly effective. His book Bitcoin: The Future of Money? positioned him as one of the first thought leaders on the subject, making him an ideal speaker for audiences seeking to understand the complexities of digital currencies.
His experience as a financial writer allows him to explain technical subjects like blockchain and decentralised finance (DeFi) in accessible ways, while his background in comedy helps him to deliver these topics with charisma and ease, keeping audiences both informed and entertained.
Frisby’s involvement in cryptocurrency investments through Cypherpunk Holdings further strengthens his authority as he brings real-world experience in digital asset management to his talks.
Notable Achievements:
- Author of Bitcoin: The Future of Money?, one of the first comprehensive books on Bitcoin
- Director at Cypherpunk Holdings, a company specialising in privacy-focused cryptocurrency investments
- Frequent contributor to MoneyWeek, where he writes about finance, economics, and cryptocurrencies.
- Author of Life After the State and Daylight Robbery, which discusses economic policies and the impact of taxation throughout history.
- Stand-up comedian and engaging public speaker, making him a dynamic presence at financial conferences and cryptocurrency events.
Leda Glyptis
Leda Glyptis is a renowned fintech executive, speaker, and author with over two decades of experience in financial services and technology transformation. She has worked in a variety of high-profile roles, including Chief Client Officer at 10x Banking and Chief Innovation Officer at Qatar National Bank.
Glyptis is known for her expertise in digital transformation and the challenges that banks face in adapting to new technologies. She is also the author of the book Bankers Like Us: Dispatches from an Industry in Transition, which explores the structural and cultural hurdles within the banking sector that hinder innovation.
As a cryptocurrency keynote speaker, Leda Glyptis can draw on her deep understanding of banking infrastructure, digital transformation, and technology ecosystems. Her extensive experience with fintech innovations allows her to speak authoritatively on how blockchain and cryptocurrency can reshape traditional financial services.
Glyptis’s ability to address both the opportunities and challenges of integrating cryptocurrency into the existing financial ecosystem makes her an engaging and informative speaker for fintech and blockchain conferences. Her insights into how organisations can navigate the complex regulatory environment around digital currencies further solidify her expertise in the field.
Notable Achievements:
- Author of Bankers Like Us: Dispatches from an Industry in Transition, offering critical insights into the digital transformation of banking.
- Chief Client Officer at 10x Banking, focusing on cloud-native core banking technology.
- Former CEO of 11
Foundry, leading the company’s growth in the fintech space. - Board member and advisor for various fintech companies, supporting strategic transformation and innovation.
- Frequent keynote speaker at global industry events, including Finovate, Sibos, and Money 20/20, where she discusses fintech, digital disruption, and the future of banking.
Natasha Bansgopaul
Natasha Bansgopaul is a trailblazing FinTech entrepreneur and technologist, best known for her roles as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of multiple fintech companies, including DarcMatter and VegaX Holdings.
She has built a significant reputation by focusing on the intersection of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain with traditional financial infrastructures. Natasha, with over a decade of leadership experience at Fortune 100 companies, focuses on enhancing transparency and access within the FinTech sector, particularly in digital asset management and cryptocurrency investments.
As a cryptocurrency keynote speaker, Bansgopaul’s expertise stems from her hands-on experience in developing groundbreaking solutions for cryptocurrency index technologies and automated portfolio management.
Her leadership at VegaX Holdings, an award-winning FinTech platform, positions her to provide unique insights into how institutions and individual investors can benefit from secure, efficient digital asset management.
Her focus on reducing costs and increasing access for investors through technology makes her a compelling speaker for cryptocurrency and FinTech audiences, particularly those interested in how blockchain can revolutionise traditional finance.
Notable Achievements:
- Co-Founder and COO of VegaX Holdings and DarcMatter, FinTech platforms that offer innovative solutions in cryptocurrency and alternative investments
- Awarded “Female Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2018, and recognised in publications such as Forbes and Fortune for her leadership in FinTech
- Named to Cosmopolitan’s 2022 “The New C-Suite”, honouring women entrepreneurs transforming business leadership.
- Entrepreneur in Residence at NIST, leading AI transparency initiatives as part of the U.S. National AI Initiative.
- Frequent speaker and advocate for diversity in FinTech, with a focus on increasing access for underrepresented groups.
Danny Quah
Danny Quah is a prominent economist and the current Dean and Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. He is best known for his work on global economic power shifts, particularly the rise of Asia and the eastward shift in the world’s economic centre of gravity.
Quah’s research spans a wide range of topics, including income inequality, economic growth, and international economic relations. He has contributed extensively to understanding how global power dynamics are changing, particularly with the ascent of China and other Asian economies.
As a cryptocurrency keynote speaker, Quah could provide valuable insights into the macroeconomic implications of cryptocurrency and digital currencies in shifting global power dynamics.
His research on global governance and the international monetary system positions him well to discuss how decentralised financial systems might affect existing economic structures and global trade.
Additionally, Quah’s ability to analyse complex economic changes and communicate them clearly through his TED talks and lectures would make him an interesting speaker in the cryptocurrency and financial technology space.
Notable Achievements
- Dean and Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, focusing on global power shifts and economic growth.
- Council Member on Malaysia’s National Economic Advisory Council, and advisor to institutions like the Bank of England and World Bank.
- TEDx speaker on global power dynamics and economic change, including talks on the rise of the east and the shifting global order.
- Author of “The Global Economy’s Shifting Centre of Gravity”, which discusses the eastward movement of economic influence.
Dambisa Moyo
Dambisa Moyo is a Zambian-born economist, renowned for her insights on global macroeconomics, international development, and the intersections of geopolitics and financial markets. She has published five bestselling books, four of which are New York Times bestsellers.
Moyo is recognised as a thought leader who has shaped debates around economic growth, global power shifts, and development policy, especially regarding Africa. Besides her role as an author, she has held key positions on the boards of major corporations such as Chevron, 3M, and Barclays, and is a member of the UK’s House of Lords.
As a cryptocurrency keynote speaker, Moyo’s deep expertise in global economic trends and her background in finance make her well-suited to discuss the implications of cryptocurrency on the global financial system.
Her focus on the intersection of emerging economies, technological innovation, and resource allocation provides a unique perspective on how digital currencies can influence global trade, financial inclusion, and investment in developing countries.
Her ability to connect macroeconomic theory with real-world applications makes her an engaging and insightful speaker on cryptocurrency’s future in the global economy.
Notable Achievements
- Author of five bestselling books, including Dead Aid, which critiques the effectiveness of foreign aid in Africa
- Named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World,” in 2009
- Board member of Chevron, 3M, and Barclays, among other global corporations.
- Ph.D. in economics from Oxford University and master’s degrees from Harvard and American University.
- Advocate for economic growth and private-sector-led development, often offering provocative ideas about the role of the West and emerging powers like China.
Chris Skinner
Chris Skinner is a globally recognised FinTech expert, author, and commentator on financial markets and technology. He is best known for his influential role in the FinTech community, contributing through his blog, The Finanser, and his several bestselling books, such as Digital Bank, Digital Human, and Digital for Good.
With a career that spans decades, Skinner has been instrumental in advising global leaders, banks, and organisations on digital transformation and the future of banking and finance.
As a cryptocurrency keynote speaker, Skinner brings a wealth of experience in the developing FinTech landscape. His expertise in discussions about blockchain and cryptocurrencies comes from his focus on decentralisation, digital currencies, and the future of financial systems.
Skinner’s keynotes often explore the friction between centralised and decentralised financial models, offering valuable insights into how these technologies will shape the future of finance, from central bank digital currencies to decentralised finance (DeFi).
His ability to explain complex financial systems and their societal impact makes him an engaging speaker at global FinTech and blockchain conferences.
Notable Achievements
- Chair of the Financial Services Club and 11:FS, contributing to global FinTech discussions
- Author of 18 bestselling books, including Digital Bank and Digital for Good addressing the intersection of finance and technology.
- Advisor to organisations like the World Bank, United Nations, and World Economic Forum, highlighting his influence on global financial policy.
- Featured speaker at leading industry events, alongside figures like Bill Gates and Hillary Clinton.
Michael O’ Sullivan
Michael O’ Sullivan is a prominent economist, author, and former Chief Investment Officer for International Wealth Management at Credit Suisse.
With over 20 years of experience in global financial markets, O’ Sullivan is a thought leader who tracks the intersection of economics, politics, and markets. His expertise focuses on major global transitions, particularly in globalisation and the growing world order.
As a cryptocurrency keynote speaker, O’ Sullivan can offer insights into the broader economic implications of digital currencies and decentralised finance, drawing from his deep understanding of global power dynamics and financial systems.
His ability to analyse the shifting geopolitical landscape, such as in his book The Levelling, which discusses what comes after the decline of globalisation, makes him well-suited to discuss how cryptocurrencies fit into the future of finance. His talks often explore how institutions and economies must adapt to new technologies and financial models in the face of global power shifts.
Notable Achievements
- Author of The Levelling, which outlines the future of global economics post-globalisation.
- Former Chief Investment Officer at Credit Suisse, with a focus on international wealth management.
- Member of the World Economic Forum’s Council on the New Economy and contributor to global discussions on finance.
- Rhodes Scholar with MPhil and DPhil degrees from Oxford University, where he studied economics.
- Regular guest on BBC, CNN, and Bloomberg, where he discusses global economic trends.
Tim Harford
Tim Harford is a well-known behavioural economist, author, and journalist, best recognised for his work as the “Undercover Economist” at The Financial Times and as a BBC broadcaster.
His books, such as The Undercover Economist and How to Make the World Add Up, have sold millions of copies worldwide. Harford has a unique ability to make complex economic and statistical concepts accessible and engaging through storytelling, which has earned him accolades like being compared to Malcolm Gladwell for his insightful writing.
As a cryptocurrency keynote speaker, Harford would bring his deep understanding of economics, data analysis, and market dynamics to the table. His focus on the importance of understanding statistics and data manipulation would provide valuable insights into the volatile world of cryptocurrencies, helping audiences navigate both the opportunities and risks associated with this rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Harford’s experience in making economic principles relatable and relevant would make him an excellent speaker for both experts and those new to the crypto space.
Notable Achievements
- Author of 10 bestselling books, including The Undercover Economist and Messy.
- Host of the BBC show More or Less and the podcast Cautionary Tales, where he explores statistical anomalies and lessons from history.
- Two-time winner of the Bastiat Prize for economic journalism.
- Appointed OBE in 2019 for services to improving economic understanding.
Alec Ross
Alec Ross is a global expert on innovation, a bestselling author, and a distinguished academic. He is the author of The Industries of the Future, which explores how cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cryptocurrency will shape global industries.
His most recent book, The Raging 2020s: Companies, Countries, People, and the Fight for Our Future, addresses the power dynamics between corporations, governments, and individuals in the face of rising inequality and technological advancement.
As a cryptocurrency keynote speaker, Ross can draw from his extensive experience advising on technology policy, including his role as Senior Advisor for Innovation to the Secretary of State during the Obama administration.
His insights on emerging technologies and their geopolitical implications allow him to provide a comprehensive view of the future of digital currencies within the broader context of global economic shifts. His work focuses on how industries and governments must adapt to these rapid changes to foster innovation and social responsibility.
Notable Achievements
- Author of The Industries of the Future, a New York Times bestseller translated into 24 languages.
- Senior Advisor for Innovation to Hillary Clinton, helping modernise U.S. foreign policy through technology.
- Named one of Foreign Policy magazine’s Top 100 Global Thinkers.
- Board Partner at Amplo, a venture capital firm, and a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Bologna Business School.
Juliana Liu
Juliana Liu is the Asia Editor at CNN Business, where she leads digital coverage on global markets, technology, consumer brands, and media. With experience spanning three continents, she has built a reputation as a respected journalist and commentator on business and economic trends.
Liu began her career at Reuters covering the Sri Lankan civil war before transitioning to Beijing as a correspondent. She later joined BBC World News as a business anchor and reporter, working in Singapore, London, and New York. During her time in Hong Kong, she was a correspondent responsible for TV, radio, and digital coverage for the BBC’s international and domestic platforms.
Before joining CNN in 2022, Liu was Head of Editorial Product and Managing Editor at Forkast News, Asia’s leading cryptocurrency publication. She was also the founding editor of Inkstone, an award-winning multimedia magazine focused on China. Her expertise in China’s role in the global economy makes her a sought-after speaker on economic trends and cryptocurrency’s evolving landscape.
Currently based in Hong Kong, Liu serves on the board of directors of the Asia chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association and was the first and only woman of colour elected as President of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Hong Kong.
Notable Achievements:
- Asia Editor at CNN Business, leading coverage on global markets, technology, and media.
- Former Head of Editorial Product and Managing Editor at Forkast News, a top cryptocurrency news platform.
- Founding editor of Inkstone, an award-winning multimedia magazine focused on China.
- Served as a correspondent and business anchor for BBC World News in multiple global locations.
- First woman of colour elected as President of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Hong Kong.
- Board member of the Asia chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association.
Alex de Vries
Alex de Vries is a PhD candidate at VU Amsterdam’s Institute for Environmental Studies and the founder of Digiconomist, a research and consultancy platform dedicated to exposing the unintended consequences of digital trends. He is best known for creating the Bitcoin Energy Consumption Index, a widely referenced tool that estimates the energy usage of the Bitcoin network and plays a crucial role in global discussions on the sustainability of blockchain technology.
De Vries has been researching the environmental impact of proof-of-work mining and AI since 2016, authoring influential papers in high-impact journals such as Joule. His research is frequently cited by global media outlets like The New York Times, BBC, and CNN, and has been used by institutions including the International Energy Agency, the European Parliament, and the White House.
Previously, De Vries worked at PwC’s Experience Center (EC), where he focused on digital transformation and emerging technologies such as AI. He has a strong background in data science and financial economics, positioning him as a key voice in discussions on sustainable innovation.
Notable Achievements:
- Founder of Digiconomist and creator of the Bitcoin Energy Consumption Index.
- PhD candidate at VU Amsterdam’s Institute for Environmental Studies.
- Former researcher on emerging technologies at PwC’s Experience Center.
- Published in leading academic journals such as Joule.
Booking a Cryptocurrency Speaker with CWG
At CWG Speakers, we make booking a keynote speaker a straightforward and seamless process. Our goal is to bring transparency and innovative ideas to the world of thought leadership.
As an experienced and trusted speaker agency, we work with a wide range of experts across multiple backgrounds, including FinTech and Cryptocurrency. You can make enquiries and book speakers through our website simply by filling out a form to contact your speaker of choice.
We’re also partnered with Ashbury Communications, and offer an integrated suite of advisory and content creation services, including:
- Conference concept and design
- Agenda development
- Speaker research and identification
- Topic research and session content development
- Executive speeches
- Event content
- Media engagement
Our team has extensive experience in supporting major investment conferences, offering event organisers a comprehensive, integrated service solution. In short, we make keynote speaker events and connecting with speakers easy.
Conclusion
In a rapidly developing field like cryptocurrency, having the right keynote speaker for your UK event can elevate the entire experience, offering attendees valuable knowledge and future-focused perspectives.
Whether your focus is on blockchain technology, regulatory changes, or digital assets, a knowledgeable speaker can inspire, educate, and empower your audience to take action.
By selecting from the best cryptocurrency speakers, your event stays ahead of the curve, delivering insights that resonate with both novices and industry professionals alike. Choose wisely, and your event could be the catalyst for innovation and growth in this exciting space.
At CWG Speakers, we make connecting with thought leaders around the world a seamless process. Reach out today for more information or make an inquiry on our website.
