Share this article
Jon Matonis named Bitcoin Foundation's new executive director
Jon Matonis has been named as the new executive director of the Bitcoin Foundation, taking over from Peter Vessenes.
By Emily Spaven
Updated Sep 10, 2021, 11:25 a.m. Published Jul 9, 2013, 8:07 p.m.
Make us preferred on Google
Jon Matonis has been named as the new executive director of the Bitcoin Foundation, taking over from Peter Vessenes.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
In an announcement on the foundation's blog, Vessenes said he believes Matonis' "work experience and passion for Bitcoin will combine into something awesome" at the Bitcoin Foundation.
"I will be able to rely on Jon managing and growing the organization; this will allow me to do more of what I think I should be doing – strategizing, building relationships, fundraising and speaking," he added.
Matonis said in a post explaining his decision to take on the role that he is proud to have been associated with the Bitcoin Foundation since it launched nine months ago.
"A non-profit organization for Bitcoin can add greatly to the political and economic discourse for cryptographic money and monetary freedom," he said.
The foundation will continue to offer a helping hand to those involved in the space while educating those who aren't. It will offer assistance in bitcoin-related legal cases, including pro bono legal defence, where appropriate.
Matonis, who is also a board director at Tradehill, explained he wants to focus on expanding the foundation to become "more inclusive of the various constituencies within the global bitcoin community".
In addition to his statement on the Bitcoin Foundation's blog, Matonis told CoinDesk the foundation is "actively looking at having a strong NGO presence and focal point in the EU region by the end of the year".
Matonis rounded off his post on the Bitcoin Foundation's blog by suggesting the road ahead for digital currency is by no means a smooth one.
"Just as those against file sharing and BitTorrent technology were on the wrong side of history, so too are the institutional forces opposed to unfettered bitcoin growth. The great challenge and mandate for our time is in encouraging them to see it that way. Please join us."
We're in for a rocky ride, bitcoiners, but CoinDesk says "bring it on".
More For You
KuCoin captured a record share of centralised exchange volume in 2025, with more than $1.25tn traded as its volumes grew faster than the wider crypto market.
What to know:
- KuCoin recorded over $1.25 trillion in total trading volume in 2025, equivalent to an average of roughly $114 billion per month, marking its strongest year on record.
- This performance translated into an all-time high share of centralised exchange volume, as KuCoin’s activity expanded faster than aggregate CEX volumes, which slowed during periods of lower market volatility.
- Spot and derivatives volumes were evenly split, each exceeding $500 billion for the year, signalling broad-based usage rather than reliance on a single product line.
- Altcoins accounted for the majority of trading activity, reinforcing KuCoin’s role as a primary liquidity venue beyond BTC and ETH at a time when majors saw more muted turnover.
- Even as overall crypto volumes softened mid-year, KuCoin maintained elevated baseline activity, indicating structurally higher user engagement rather than short-lived volume spikes.
More For You
Key bitcoin price levels to watch as downward pressure builds
As bitcoin remains in a downtrend, several technical and onchain levels stand out as critical areas of support.
What to know:
- The 100-week moving average at $87,145 remains the main line of defense.
- Below this, the cost basis of U.S. spot bitcoin ETF buyers at $84,099 has provided support during recent consolidation.
- A sustained break below $80,000 would likely open the door to a revisit of the April 2025 low near $76,000.
Top Stories
