Most Influential: Pavel Durov

Pavel Durov, CEO of the billion-user messaging app Telegram, is viewed by many observers as the most pivotal figure in achieving genuine mass adoption of cryptocurrency. His strategy involves embedding the TON blockchain wallet directly into Telegram, aiming to simplify crypto interaction by removing cumbersome steps like managing seed phrases or registering on exchanges, thereby positioning Telegram as the largest mass-market crypto on-ramp. In 2025, Telegram attracted significant investment, raising $1.7 billion via convertible bonds from major investors including BlackRock, Mubadala, and Citadel. Durov, a known advocate for privacy and free speech, has faced legal scrutiny, including a temporary passport confiscation and travel ban by French authorities in 2024 over preliminary charges. Despite these controversies, Telegram demonstrated a commitment in 2025 to curb illicit activity by shutting down major crypto-centric marketplaces Xinbi and Haowang, which had processed over $40 billion in transactions since 2021, in partnership with blockchain analysis firms.

(Source：CoinDesk)