Arthur Hayes

Arthur Hayes, born in 1985, is an American entrepreneur known for his involvement in the cryptocurrency industry. He co-founded and served as the CEO of BitMEX, a popular cryptocurrency exchange. Hayes completed his education at the prestigious Wharton School of Business in 2008.

Under Hayes' leadership, BitMEX became one of the largest virtual currency derivatives exchanges globally, handling substantial trading volumes exceeding $2 billion on average each day in 2021. His entrepreneurial endeavours in the cryptocurrency industry earned him recognition as a prominent figure and contributed to his reputation as a trailblazer in the field.

Hayes' success in the crypto world also made him known as the youngest African American crypto billionaire in history. His innovative approach to digital asset trading and his contributions to the growth of the crypto ecosystem have left a lasting impact on the industry.

While Hayes has made significant strides in the cryptocurrency space, his career and contributions continue to inspire and shape the future of the digital asset landscape. Through his leadership at BitMEX, he has played a vital role in the development and advancement of virtual currency derivatives trading, fostering greater accessibility and opportunities for cryptocurrency enthusiasts worldwide.

Hayes began his professional journey in the financial sector, working as an Associate and Synthetic Equity Trader at Deutsche Bank from 2008 to 2011. During his time at Deutsche Bank, he served as a Market Maker for the bank's Asian ETFs, gaining valuable experience in the trading of financial derivatives.

In 2011, Hayes joined Citigroup as a Delta One Trader (Associate), where he assumed the role of Head Trader for Citi's Asian ETF offerings. In addition to ETF trading, he also specialized in Index Forwards, Index Swaps, and Custom Baskets. His time at Citigroup further honed his expertise in the financial markets and solidified his reputation as a skilled trader.

In 2014, Hayes co-founded BitMEX, the Bitcoin Mercantile Exchange, in Singapore. As the CEO of BitMEX, Hayes led the company to become one of the world's largest cryptocurrency derivatives exchanges. BitMEX offered professional investors the opportunity to trade Bitcoin futures contracts and played a significant role in shaping the crypto trading landscape.

In 2020, Hayes became a Co-Founder of 100x Group, a company dedicated to supporting the development and growth of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Alongside his role as a Co-Founder, he served as the CEO of 100x Group until October 2020. 100x Group aimed to foster the decentralization of various sectors by investing in products, infrastructure, and services that promote decentralization.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Hayes pursued his education at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance. He also attended the HKUST Business School for a brief period in 2006.

Throughout his career, Hayes has made significant contributions to the cryptocurrency industry, helping to drive innovation and create new opportunities for investors. While his journey has had its challenges and legal implications, his entrepreneurial spirit and expertise continue to influence the development of the digital asset landscape.

Arthur Hayes, as an influential figure in the cryptocurrency industry, has demonstrated a clear vision for the future of digital assets and decentralized finance. His vision revolves around the idea of promoting financial inclusivity, providing access to innovative investment opportunities, and challenging the traditional financial system.

One aspect of Hayes' vision is to create a more inclusive financial ecosystem. He believes in leveraging technology to break down barriers and provide financial services to individuals who have historically been excluded from traditional banking systems. By embracing cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance, Hayes envisions a world where anyone with an internet connection can participate in global financial markets and access financial services regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic background.

Furthermore, Hayes emphasizes the importance of providing access to innovative investment opportunities. He sees cryptocurrencies as a groundbreaking asset class that can democratize investing and provide individuals with new avenues for wealth creation. Through platforms like BitMEX, Hayes has sought to enable professional investors to trade cryptocurrency derivatives and leverage their positions, allowing them to potentially profit from market movements.

In addition to financial inclusivity and innovative investments, Hayes envisions a disruption of the traditional financial system. He believes that cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology have the potential to challenge the existing financial infrastructure, which is often centralized and controlled by intermediaries. By embracing decentralized finance (DeFi), Hayes aims to create a more transparent, efficient, and accessible financial system that empowers individuals and reduces reliance on traditional institutions.

Hayes' vision extends beyond his involvement in specific companies or platforms. He advocates for the widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies, the exploration of blockchain technology in various industries, and the development of decentralized applications that can revolutionize different aspects of our daily lives. His vision encompasses a future where individuals have greater control over their financial affairs, where decentralized platforms enable peer-to-peer interactions, and where traditional financial barriers are dismantled.