# Zhuling Chen > CEO of RockX and Bedrock, Zhuling Chen is renowned for linking institutional investors with crypto yields through innovative blockchain protocols. - Canonical URL: https://iq.wiki/wiki/zhuling-chen - Categories: People in crypto - Tags: Advisor, Developer, Founder - Created: 2026-08-19T16:57:38.668Z - Last updated: 2026-08-19T17:14:09.201Z - Source: IQ.wiki — the world's largest blockchain and crypto encyclopedia (https://iq.wiki) --- **Zhuling Chen** is the the co-founder of [aelf](https://iq.wiki/wiki/aelf-1) and CEO of [Bedrock](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bedrock-dao). Zhuling has been instrumental in establishing RockX, a company that bridges institutional investors with crypto yields, and has been actively involved in advancing decentralization through the [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) sector. [\[1\]](#cite-id-H4vMtNnad7l3RGKF) [\[2\]](#cite-id-HPkPnaKzihuazs5X)​ ## Early Life & Education Zhuling Chen was educated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology between 2011 and 2012. Prior to this, he completed other educational endeavors which have not been elaborated on in available sources. [\[3\]](#cite-id-S5pjfe994i4ISS5O) His strong academic background laid a foundation for a career that spans consulting and [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) technology. ## Career Zhuling began his professional journey with Roland Berger, a global management consultancy, where he developed strategies for financial institutions and telecommunications companies in Southeast Asia. His consulting work involved a project related to electronic money development, which influenced his transition into [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) technology. [\[1\]](#cite-id-H4vMtNnad7l3RGKF)​ ### Co-founder of aelf In 2018, Zhuling co-founded [aelf](https://iq.wiki/wiki/aelf-1), a multi-layer, multi-chain [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) ecosystem designed to meet commercial requirements. Aelf aims to provide scalable solutions for businesses to develop applications. [\[4\]](#cite-id-4oYHSnPuWyEk2yXz) The experience with aelf gave him the insight and confidence to delve deeper into blockchain, ultimately leading to the founding of RockX. ### Founding RockX RockX was founded in 2019 under Zhuling's leadership, focusing on providing institutional investors with opportunities to benefit from stable yields through [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) technology. Zhuling leveraged his engineering expertise and financial knowledge to establish RockX as a key player in the [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) industry, working closely with institutional investors. [\[1\]](#cite-id-H4vMtNnad7l3RGKF)​ ### CEO of Bedrock Zhuling is also the CEO of [Bedrock](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bedrock-dao), a modularized, multi-chain protocol that provides liquid restaking solutions. Bedrock allows users to maintain liquidity while earning staking rewards and additional yields from restaking layers. [\[5\]](#cite-id-2W7vCEGG68fuW81e) The protocol offers institutional-grade security and supports a wide range of assets beyond [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum), including [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) and [IoTeX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/iotex). [\[6\]](#cite-id-yG4uJ8cYzpnK0aJb)​ ## Contributions to the Staking Sector Zhuling Chen has been a vocal advocate for enhancing decentralization in the staking sector. His work with companies like RockX and [Bedrock](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bedrock-dao) has focused on developing solutions that reinforce the security and integrity of blockchain networks through [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking). [\[2\]](#cite-id-HPkPnaKzihuazs5X) RockX, under his leadership, has enabled institutional investors to stake [digital assets](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) while retaining tradable tokens, thereby increasing liquidity and reducing entry barriers. [\[1\]](#cite-id-H4vMtNnad7l3RGKF)​ ## Interviews #### Crypto Staking and Blockchain Evolution #01 On May 25, 2022, Darren Lee hosted Zhuling Chen, founder and CEO of RockX, on the Kickoff Sessions Podcast. The discussion covered [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) development, digital ownership, [consensus mechanisms](https://iq.wiki/wiki/list-of-consensus-mechanisms-in-blockchain), [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking), network governance, and career opportunities within the [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) industry. [YOUTUBE@VID](T2a-KFeCyRM) Chen described [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) as a system that can organize communities around shared values rather than geographic location or membership in a legal entity. He also differentiated [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) from earlier internet applications by emphasizing its use for recording and transferring ownership of [digital assets](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets). In this context, blockchain networks can maintain ownership records without relying exclusively on centralized registries. Bitcoin was discussed as a digital asset primarily associated with the storage of value. Chen explained that proof-of-work ([PoW](https://iq.wiki/wiki/proof-of-work-pow)) uses computational resources and energy as part of the mechanism for securing the network. In his view, the costs associated with acquiring hardware and electricity create economic constraints on attempts to alter the [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain). He also addressed concerns surrounding mining-pool concentration and energy consumption, noting that mining activity can use renewable or otherwise underutilized energy sources. The discussion contrasted [PoW](https://iq.wiki/wiki/proof-of-work-pow) with proof-of-stake ([PoS](https://iq.wiki/wiki/proof-of-stake)). Chen associated PoS with [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) networks designed to support programmable applications, where transaction processing and network efficiency are relevant to applications such as smart contracts and other decentralized services. He also noted that PoS involves different approaches to validator participation and governance, with networks varying in the distribution of influence among token holders and [validators](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator). Staking was described as a process through which token holders participate in the security of [PoS](https://iq.wiki/wiki/proof-of-stake) networks by operating [validators](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) or delegating tokens to validators. Participants can receive block rewards and a portion of transaction fees according to the rules of each [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain). Chen explained that operating an independent validator requires technical infrastructure, continuous availability, and, depending on the network, a minimum amount of tokens. Delegation provides an alternative for participants who do not operate validator infrastructure themselves. The interview also distinguished between non-custodial staking and other mechanisms that use [smart contracts](https://iq.wiki/wiki/smart-contract) to generate returns through activities such as lending or trading. In non-custodial [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking), delegated tokens remain associated with the participant rather than being transferred to a staking pool controlled by the [validator](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator). Chen identified smart-contract vulnerabilities as a risk for systems in which assets are deposited into contracts. Staking returns are generally denominated in the native token of the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain). As a result, the value of those returns in fiat currency can change with the market price of the underlying asset. Chen indicated that this characteristic makes [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) more applicable to participants with longer-term holding strategies, while participants requiring immediate liquidity may face different considerations. The conversation concluded with a discussion of employment within the cryptocurrency industry. Chen described roles across areas including technology, product development, sales, and marketing, while also noting that companies operating in the sector may use distributed teams across multiple time zones. He also identified market volatility and the working conditions associated with distributed organizations as factors relevant to careers in the industry. [\[11\]](#cite-id-15ftNkGOMR6XVtHC) #### Staking and Blockchain Infrastructure #02 On September 13, 2023, Chen Zhuling, CEO and co-founder of RockX, was interviewed by Dylan Grabowski on The Smart Economy Podcast, published by the Smart Economy Network. The discussion covered Zhuling’s professional background, his involvement with the [aelf](https://iq.wiki/wiki/aelf-1) [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) project, and developments in [proof-of-stake](https://iq.wiki/wiki/proof-of-stake) networks, [liquid staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/liquid-staking), and institutional [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) services. [YOUTUBE@VID](TFncBjO2Bb0) Zhuling described his entry into the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) sector in 2017 after working in engineering and strategy consulting. He discussed his earlier work in financial services and telecommunications consulting in Southeast Asia and explained how these experiences influenced her interest in blockchain technology. He also discussed his involvement in the development of [aelf](https://iq.wiki/wiki/aelf-1), a blockchain project that used delegated [proof-of-stake](https://iq.wiki/wiki/proof-of-stake) and a multi-chain architecture. According to Zhuling, the project was designed around the use of separate chains for different applications and parallel processing to address scalability limitations associated with single-chain architectures. During the interview, Zhuling characterized the development of the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) sector as having shifted from an emphasis on theoretical concepts and proof-of-concept projects toward applications operating in production. He associated this transition with the growth of [decentralized applications,](https://iq.wiki/wiki/decentralized-application) including [decentralized exchanges](https://iq.wiki/wiki/decentralized-exchange) and lending protocols, from around 2019 onward. She also discussed the role of [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) in [proof-of-stake](https://iq.wiki/wiki/proof-of-stake) networks, where token holders can delegate assets to [validators](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) responsible for processing transactions and participating in network consensus. Zhuling described [liquid staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/liquid-staking) as a model in which users receive a transferable token representing staked assets while the underlying assets remain delegated to [validators](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator). He stated that this structure allows staked assets to retain a degree of liquidity and enables [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking)-related rewards to be incorporated into decentralized finance applications. She also discussed concerns surrounding concentration among staking providers and described distributed validator technology as a model in which multiple entities can participate in operating or controlling validators. Regarding institutional [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking), Zhuling explained that RockX provides non-custodial services in which clients retain control of their [wallets](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency-wallet) and private keys while delegating assets to validators. He distinguished this model from custodial arrangements, in which a third party holds the assets or private keys. He also described RockX’s support for multiple [proof-of-stake](https://iq.wiki/wiki/proof-of-stake) networks and its provision of [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) access-node infrastructure for institutional clients. The interview also addressed regulation in Singapore following the failures of several centralized [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) companies. Zhuling attributed regulatory attention primarily to concerns surrounding the management and custody of user funds by centralized entities. He stated that non-custodial service providers operate under a different risk structure because client assets remain under the control of their owners. He also discussed the development of the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) sector in Singapore and other Asian markets in the context of evolving regulatory frameworks. [\[12\]](#cite-id-3J2PGD0KIuN1Ocxd) ​ ## Staking and Blockchain Infrastructure On September 13, 2023, Chen Zhuling, CEO and co-founder of RockX, was interviewed by Dylan Grabowski on *The Smart Economy Podcast*, published by the Smart Economy Network. The discussion covered Zhuling’s professional background, her involvement with the Elf blockchain project, and developments in proof-of-stake networks, liquid staking, and institutional staking services. Zhuling described her entry into the blockchain sector in 2017 after working in engineering and strategy consulting. She discussed her earlier work in financial services and telecommunications consulting in Southeast Asia and explained how these experiences influenced her interest in blockchain technology. She also discussed her involvement in the development of Elf, a blockchain project that used delegated proof-of-stake and a multi-chain architecture. According to Zhuling, the project was designed around the use of separate chains for different applications and parallel processing to address scalability limitations associated with single-chain architectures. During the interview, Zhuling characterized the development of the blockchain sector as having shifted from an emphasis on theoretical concepts and proof-of-concept projects toward applications operating in production. She associated this transition with the growth of decentralized applications, including decentralized exchanges and lending protocols, from around 2019 onward. She also discussed the role of staking in proof-of-stake networks, where token holders can delegate assets to validators responsible for processing transactions and participating in network consensus. Zhuling described liquid staking as a model in which users receive a transferable token representing staked assets while the underlying assets remain delegated to validators. She stated that this structure allows staked assets to retain a degree of liquidity and enables staking-related rewards to be incorporated into decentralized finance applications. She also discussed concerns surrounding concentration among staking providers and described distributed validator technology as a model in which multiple entities can participate in operating or controlling validators. Regarding institutional staking, Zhuling explained that RockX provides non-custodial services in which clients retain control of their wallets and private keys while delegating assets to validators. She distinguished this model from custodial arrangements, in which a third party holds the assets or private keys. She also described RockX’s support for multiple proof-of-stake networks and its provision of blockchain access-node infrastructure for institutional clients. The interview also addressed regulation in Singapore following the failures of several centralized cryptocurrency companies. Zhuling attributed regulatory attention primarily to concerns surrounding the management and custody of user funds by centralized entities. She stated that non-custodial service providers operate under a different risk structure because client assets remain under the control of their owners. She also discussed the development of the blockchain sector in Singapore and other Asian markets in the context of evolving regulatory frameworks.