Frank Chaparro (also known as Fintech Frank) is a journalist and media professional who focuses on financial markets and the cryptocurrency industry. He serves as the editor-at-large at The Block, where he covers industry developments and conducts interviews with market participants. ^[1][2]

Education

Frank Chaparro attended Fordham University, where he studied for a Bachelor's degree in International Political Economy and Theology. ^[1]

Career

Chaparro began his career as an evening news anchor at WFUV Public Radio from December 2014 to May 2016. In summer 2016, he worked in marketing and corporate communications at Nasdaq. In early 2017, he was a finance and markets editorial intern at Business Insider, where he covered topics such as banking, stock exchanges, and investment trends. From June 2017 to September 2018, he served as a finance reporter at Business Insider, covering cryptocurrency, equity market structure, and digital wealth management.

Chaparro joined The Block in September 2018 as a senior correspondent, reporting on cryptocurrency markets, exchanges, and institutional involvement. In May 2019, he became Director of News, later holding roles as editor-at-large and Director of Special Projects until January 2024. In January 2025, he returned to The Block part-time as host of the interview series The Scoop, a position he held until July 2025. That same month, he joined GSR as Head of Content and Special Projects. ^[6]

Interviews

Stablecoins and Tokenization

In a February 2025 episode of the Tearsheet podcast, Chaparro discussed the evolving landscape of stablecoins and tokenization in the financial industry. He highlighted the challenges traditional financial institutions face in adopting innovative technologies, particularly in the wake of significant market disruptions, such as the FTX collapse, which resulted in a credit crunch and subsequent liquidity issues. Chaparro noted that while stablecoins have gained traction, evidenced by their substantial market capitalizations, their adoption within banks remains cautious due to regulatory uncertainties and internal policy constraints. He emphasized the importance of stablecoins as a pivotal product that could facilitate deeper engagement with decentralized finance. As the financial sector gradually becomes more comfortable with these technologies, the potential for broader adoption and integration increases, pointing to cautious optimism for the future of digital assets in traditional finance. ^[7]

Crypto & Wall Street

In January 2025, Chaparro appeared on "The Aubservation," where he discussed his friendship with the host and shared insights about the current state of the crypto industry. They reminisced about their past interactions, particularly on Twitter, and discussed recent developments in cryptocurrency regulation and the government's stance under the new administration. Chaparro highlighted the contrasting attitudes towards crypto between political parties and the mainstream media's often simplistic understanding of the industry. He expressed both optimism and skepticism regarding the future potential of crypto, particularly in stablecoins and decentralized finance, while also addressing broader macroeconomic influences on the market. They concluded on a lighter note, exploring Chaparro's Italian heritage and his involvement in a community for crypto-Catholics. ^[8]

Crypto Media Landscape

On the Decential Media podcast in July 2024, Matt Lysing conversed with Chaparro about Chaparro's experiences during significant events in the cryptocurrency sector, particularly the FTX scandal, where he witnessed firsthand the fallout and emotional turmoil faced by industry executives. They delved into Chaparro’s academic background in international politics and theology, exploring how different faith perspectives could shape views on money. The conversation also reflected on the evolving landscape of crypto journalism, the challenges of reporting on smaller firms, and the significant influence of institutional players in the market. Ultimately, Chaparro emphasized the need for responsible reporting amidst the fast-paced and often chaotic crypto environment. ^[9]

FTX Fallout

In December 2022, Anthony Pompliano interviewed Chaparro about the fallout from the FTX collapse. Chaparro highlighted the interconnectedness of various companies involved, particularly pointing out how Sam Bankman-Fried borrowed money through a convoluted series of transactions tied to Alameda and BlockFi, ultimately financing a stake in Robinhood. They reflected on the surprising aspects of FTX’s operations, including the lack of financial controls and the extravagant lifestyle of its executives that contradicted their supposed altruism. Chaparro noted that the FTX collapse revealed significant mismanagement and potentially fraudulent behaviors, contrasting past optimistic narratives about the crypto industry. The conversation addressed regulatory challenges and the potential for future self-regulation in the crypto markets. It emphasized the need for clearer risk management and collateral standards to prevent similar issues in the future. ^[10]

Panels

Ripple & XRPL

At XRP Ledger Apex in July 2024, Chaparro discussed Ripple with Brad Garlinghouse and David Schwartz. They reflected on their long collaboration at Ripple and the evolution of the XRP Ledger (XRPL). They acknowledged that while they had occasionally disagreed on project scope and priorities, their innovative culture focused on tackling payment solutions over consumer outreach. Despite facing regulatory challenges from the SEC, Garlinghouse noted a vibrant community surrounding XRP and emphasized the importance of user-friendly products for mass adoption. They discussed the significance of stablecoins in enhancing liquidity within the XRPL ecosystem and outlined prospective advancements, such as an upcoming stablecoin launch and plans for new financial protocols. Both emphasized the importance of simplicity and usability in promoting the widespread adoption of blockchain technologies, while also expressing optimism about the evolving relationship between cryptocurrency and political discourse in the U.S. ^[11]