Crypto finally dropped its ‘bros’ era and made way for a new, inclusive chapter

This concept of openness and universal access is one of the core promises of digital currencies, allowing anyone with access to the internet to participate, regardless of their financial history or background. While the ethos of cryptocurrency promotes inclusivity, this is not always reflected in reality.

The early days of cryptocurrency were defined by the “crypto bro” archetype, which referred to a specific demographic of young, tech-savvy men who influenced the direction of the industry. Their influence spanned project design, the development of major protocols, and shaping the culture around digital assets.

However, as the industry has matured and evolved, efforts have been made to include and reflect more female voices. This shift has helped address the imbalance in gender representation, and introduced new perspectives to the industry.

A 2024 study found that there are more than 560 million cryptocurrency owners worldwide, of which 61 percent are men and 39 percent are women. This represents an increase from the previous year, when the total number of cryptocurrency owners was 420 million, of which 37 percent were women, indicating a positive change.

In response to this trend, organizations have emerged to address the gender imbalance in cryptocurrencies. Conferences and events that were once primarily held for men have now changed and women have also found the opportunity to enter the field and take on leadership.

For example, the Association of Women in Cryptocurrency, or AWC, was founded in 2022 as a platform for women seeking to expand their knowledge and education in cryptocurrencies. Led by Amanda Vick, AWC organizes a variety of events, such as webinars and in-person meetups, where women can learn from industry experts and connect with mentors who can guide them and help them find new career opportunities.

Binance recently announced that it would offer global programs specifically for women through its Binance Academy platform in honor of International Women’s Day. The events will be held across five continents and 11 locations to help women gain easier access to the industry. While women have made significant strides in the DeFi sector, currently making up 40 percent of Binance’s workforce, leadership positions are largely held by men. Despite this, several women have made their mark as pioneers in the sector.

For example, Periana Boring is the founder and CEO of blockchain advocacy group The Digital Chamber, which works with Congress and the government to promote and regulate blockchain technology. Her leadership role has made her an advocate for the adoption of blockchain technologies, as she has become a prominent voice in the sector discussing the future of finance. Boring was even considered by President Trump as a potential CFTC chair in December.

Another recognized female leader in the sector is Joanna Liang, founding partner of Jsquare, a technology-focused investment firm specializing in blockchain and Web3. With previous experience as CIO at Digital Finance Group (DFG), a global venture capital firm focused on crypto projects, Liang recently launched Jsquare’s latest fund, the Pioneer Fund. The fund successfully raised $50 million in capital, and made its first investment in startup MinionLabs. The fund will focus on emerging technologies in the crypto space, including PayFi, real-world assets (RWAs), and consumer applications.

Laura Shin is also a well-known name in the crypto space and is considered one of the first mainstream media reporters to cover crypto on a full-time basis. She is the author of Cryptohealers: Idealism, Greed, Lies, and the Making of the First Great Cryptocurrency Rush and the host of the Unchained podcast. Laura has shared her expertise at events such as TEDx San Francisco and the International Monetary Fund.

Over the past 16 years, women have played a key role in legitimizing crypto assets in the financial landscape. His contributions span multiple areas of the ecosystem, helping to change the perception of cryptocurrencies from an exclusive, speculative asset to a more widely recognized and accepted financial instrument.