Juan Leon is a senior investment strategist at Bitwise Asset Management, where he focuses on research and analysis of cryptocurrency markets and digital assets. He also provides advisory services to firms operating in the financial and blockchain sectors. ^[1]

Education

Leon attended Trinity University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science, graduating in 2012. ^[6]

Career

Leon began his career in 2009 as a political and economic analyst at Ecuador’s national planning agency, where he contributed to the country’s development strategy and sector profiles. In 2010, he held research and financial analyst roles with organizations in Spain and the UK, focusing on trade, investment, and tourism policy in emerging markets, as well as conducting macroeconomic analysis between the EU and MENA countries.

In 2012, he joined Financial Life Advisors as an investment analyst before moving to Rackspace Technology, where he spent over two years in financial planning and analysis, corporate risk modeling, and M&A due diligence. From 2014 to 2021, he held several investment analyst and portfolio management roles at U.S. Global Investors, where he worked on the development of ETFs, quantitative strategies, and private equity research.

Since 2019, Leon has served as an advisor to FreeCap Financial. He joined Bitwise Asset Management in 2021, first as a crypto research analyst and later as a senior crypto research analyst and senior investment strategist. He also became an advisor to Rayo Capital Group in 2025. ^[7]

Interviews

About Bitcoin

In April 2025, the Wolf Web3 podcast featured an interview with Leon, during which he discussed the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and investment strategies related to Bitcoin and other digital assets. Leon shared insights about his professional journey, including his roles in various financial firms before joining Bitwise, where he contributed to managing over $10 billion in assets. He emphasized the growing institutional interest in Bitcoin, noting that many investors view recent price declines as opportunities rather than setbacks. He also highlighted the challenges of retail investor sentiment, which contrasts with institutional optimism driven by regulatory clarity and emerging investment products, such as Bitcoin ETFs. Leon addressed misconceptions about cryptocurrencies, including their technological foundations and long-term value as a store of wealth, while advocating for greater financial literacy and education in the space. His reflections underscore a potential structural shift in the market dynamics, driven by demand from corporations and institutional investors amid evolving regulatory frameworks. ^[2]

Blockchain Innovation

In a July 2024 interview with Max at Synopsis Talks, Leon discussed the current state and future of cryptocurrency, particularly around the development of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for Bitcoin and Ethereum. Leon highlighted the significant delay in the U.S. adopting cryptocurrency ETFs compared to other regions, despite a growing market. He noted that the approval of Bitcoin ETFs represented a pivotal moment, akin to an IPO for Bitcoin, as it opened institutional investment opportunities.

Leon emphasized the necessity for clear regulatory frameworks to foster innovation while protecting consumers, advocating for a differentiated approach in categorizing various crypto tokens as commodities or securities. He expressed optimism about the future, particularly regarding the anticipated Ethereum ETFs and the advancement of bipartisan support for cryptocurrency regulation in Congress, foreseeing a more diversified crypto ETF landscape featuring various strategies over the next five to ten years. Leon concluded by advising investors to continue learning and adopting a long-term investment mindset, particularly given the volatility of the crypto market. ^[3]

Bitcoin ETF

On The Rundown podcast in February 2024, Leon shared insights about the approval of Bitcoin ETFs and their impact on registered investment advisors (RIAs). Previously, RIAs faced challenges in recommending Bitcoin due to compliance restrictions and the lack of custodial options, with only 19% reporting they could purchase crypto for clients. However, after the ETF approval, Leon noted a surge in advisor interest, with many now eager to engage in crypto investments, although the initial price growth of Bitcoin was not as high as expected.

The conversation also revealed that many advisors remained unaware of key concepts, such as the Bitcoin halving. Leon emphasized Bitwise's commitment to educational initiatives and transparency, including the public release of its Bitcoin address and a pledge to donate 10% of ETF profits to Bitcoin Core developers, reflecting a desire to support the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. He discussed the potential for increased allocations to crypto from institutions and highlighted the role of educational outreach in bridging the knowledge gap among advisors. ^[4]

Coinbase & Bitcoin Miners

In a July 2024 episode of CoinDesk’s "Markets Daily," Leon discussed the volatility in the cryptocurrency markets, noting a significant decline in Bitcoin prices linked to concerns over asset distributions from the failed Mount Gox exchange. He highlighted the potential growth in Bitcoin and Ethereum, alongside confidence in Coinbase, which was diversifying its revenue streams and expanding internationally. Leon also observed that Bitcoin miners were adapting their business models to incorporate artificial intelligence, highlighting its importance in the infrastructure required for future developments. He addressed the ongoing ripple effects of political dynamics on the crypto market, particularly in light of the upcoming elections and the potential impact of a pro-crypto candidate on regulatory outlooks. Furthermore, he speculated on the anticipated approval of Ethereum ETFs and their potential to attract significant investments. Overall, the discussion pointed to a market in transition, navigating challenges and opportunities within the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and technology. ^[5]