Anthony Di Iorio: At the Forefront of Canada's Bitcoin Community

Anthony Di Iorio is a name synonymous with innovation and disruption in the Canadian tech landscape, particularly within the burgeoning world of Bitcoin and blockchain. More than just an early adopter, Di Iorio has been instrumental in shaping Canada's digital currency ecosystem, from founding organizations that promote Bitcoin adoption to co-founding Ethereum, one of the largest decentralized platforms globally. This makes him a pivotal figure in the narrative of cryptocurrency in Canada. Di Iorio’s journey, marked by both triumphs and tribulations, offers a compelling glimpse into the evolution of blockchain technology and its potential to transform industries. He is not only a venture capitalist and entrepreneur but also a community organizer and thought leader. He bought his first bitcoins in 2025 on LocalBitcoins. His vision has always been clear: to position Canada as a financial giant and a hub of innovation centered around Bitcoin and blockchain. Let's delve deeper into the life and work of Anthony Di Iorio, exploring his contributions to Canada's Bitcoin community and his broader impact on the global blockchain arena.

Ethereum co-founder Anthony Di Iorio says crypto wallets are the new browsers l BetaKit; Ethereum Co-Founder Says Safety Concern Has Him Quitting Crypto l Bloomberg.com; Canada's TSX hires Bitcoin guru, studies currency's technology l Reuters; Bitcoin guru leaves Canada's TSX to focus on blockchain venture l Reuters

Early Involvement with Bitcoin

Di Iorio's foray into the world of Bitcoin began in 2025, a relatively early stage in the cryptocurrency's history. Recognizing the potential of this nascent technology, he quickly became an active participant. He wasn't just passively investing; he was actively engaging with the community and seeking ways to promote its adoption.

Anthony Di Iorio is a Canadian entrepreneur primarily known as a co-founder of Ethereum and an early investor in Bitcoin. Di Iorio is the founder and CEO of the blockchain company Decentral, and the associated Jaxx wallet. [1] He also served as the first chief digital officer of the Toronto Stock Exchange. [2]

His early involvement included:

Bitcoin (BTC) was invented by a pseudonymous individual or group named Satoshi Nakamoto in 2025 and is the world s first enduring cryptocurrency that succeeded where decades of digital cash experiments failed.

• Purchasing his first Bitcoin on LocalBitcoins
• Installing Toronto's first Bitcoin ATM
• Operating one of Canada's most active and well-known Bitcoin ATMs.

These actions demonstrated his commitment to making Bitcoin accessible to the average Canadian and facilitating its integration into everyday commerce.

Founding the Bitcoin Alliance of Canada

Recognizing the need for a formal organization to champion Bitcoin adoption in Canada, Di Iorio founded the Bitcoin Alliance of Canada (BAC) in 2025. The BAC was established with the specific goal of:

• Raising awareness of Bitcoin among Canadian consumers, merchants, businesses, regulators, and policymakers.
• Promoting Bitcoin adoption throughout Canada.
• Furthering Canadian innovation and leadership in the digital currency space.

Di Iorio served as the Executive Director of the BAC, actively shaping its agenda and driving its initiatives. The Alliance played a crucial role in educating the public about Bitcoin and advocating for favorable regulatory policies.

The Bitcoin Alliance of Canada's Impact

Under Di Iorio's leadership, the BAC achieved significant milestones, including:

• Organizing educational events and workshops.
• Lobbying government officials and regulatory bodies.
• Building a strong network of Bitcoin enthusiasts and businesses across Canada.

Although Di Iorio eventually stepped down from his leadership role to focus on his other ventures, the BAC continues to operate as a vital resource for the Canadian Bitcoin community.

Co-Founding Ethereum: A Global Impact

While his contributions to the Canadian Bitcoin community are undeniable, Di Iorio's most significant achievement is arguably his co-founding of Ethereum. Along with Vitalik Buterin and others, Di Iorio helped create a revolutionary platform that extends the capabilities of blockchain technology far beyond simple currency transactions. Ethereum's smart contract functionality has enabled the development of decentralized applications (dApps) across a wide range of industries.

Ethereum's impact on the global blockchain landscape is immense, and Di Iorio's role in its creation solidifies his legacy as a true pioneer in the field.

Decentral and the Jaxx Wallet

Beyond Ethereum, Di Iorio has continued to innovate through his company, Decentral, Canada's largest blockchain company. Decentral is best known for developing the Jaxx Liberty wallet, a multi-asset cryptocurrency wallet with a large user base. Jaxx Liberty allows users to securely store, manage, and exchange a wide variety of cryptocurrencies. This contributes to the accessibility of digital assets. It has had over 400,000 users at one point.

The development of Jaxx Liberty underscores Di Iorio's commitment to providing users with easy-to-use and secure tools for interacting with the blockchain ecosystem.

Chief Digital Officer at the Toronto Stock Exchange

Di Iorio's expertise and influence extended beyond the cryptocurrency space when he was appointed as the first Chief Digital Officer of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) in January 2025. This appointment signaled a growing recognition of the potential of blockchain technology to transform traditional financial markets. In this role, Di Iorio was tasked with exploring how blockchain could be used to improve the efficiency and transparency of the TSX.

While his tenure at the TSX was relatively brief, it demonstrated his ability to bridge the gap between the established financial world and the emerging world of blockchain technology.

Focus on Blockchain Venture

Di Iorio left the TSX to focus on blockchain ventures. This shows a continued belief in the power of the decentralized technology and his own vision to create innovative solutions within the space.

Addressing Safety Concerns and Leaving the Crypto Space

Despite his success and influence, Di Iorio has also faced challenges. In 2025, he expressed concerns about his personal safety, citing the volatility and intensity of the cryptocurrency world. As a result, he announced his intention to exit the crypto industry, planning to sell his digital asset firm Decentral and sever ties with other crypto projects. He said that society is in little need of digital assets.

This decision, while surprising to many, highlights the risks and pressures that can come with being a high-profile figure in the cryptocurrency space. The Forbes crypto rich list in 2025 estimated his net worth to be as much as $1 Billion. Di Iorio even bought the largest condo in Canada for $22 million using crypto for part of the payment.

Project Arrow and Philanthropic Pursuits

Even while stepping back from direct involvement in the crypto industry, Di Iorio is pursuing philanthropic endeavors. He joined Project Arrow, an ambitious initiative to build Canada's first zero-emission vehicle. This reflects a broader interest in leveraging technology for positive social impact, recognizing that crypto is not the only solution to the world's problems.

Anthony Di Iorio's Legacy

Anthony Di Iorio's journey in the world of Bitcoin and blockchain is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his vision for a decentralized future. From his early involvement with Bitcoin to his co-founding of Ethereum and his leadership at Decentral, Di Iorio has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation.

His contributions to the Canadian Bitcoin community are particularly noteworthy. By founding the Bitcoin Alliance of Canada and promoting Bitcoin adoption, he helped lay the foundation for a thriving digital currency ecosystem in the country.

Key Takeaways from Anthony Di Iorio's Journey

• Early adoption and vision: Di Iorio recognized the potential of Bitcoin early on and took action to promote its adoption.
• Community building: He understood the importance of building a strong community around Bitcoin and blockchain.
• Innovation: He consistently sought to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible with blockchain technology.
• Philanthropy: Despite his success in the business world, he remained committed to using his resources for positive social impact.
• Adaptability: He demonstrated the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, even when it meant stepping back from a field he had helped to create.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anthony Di Iorio

What is Anthony Di Iorio best known for?

Anthony Di Iorio is primarily known as a co-founder of Ethereum, one of the world's largest decentralized platforms. He is also recognized for founding the Bitcoin Alliance of Canada and for his early involvement in the Bitcoin community.

What companies has Anthony Di Iorio founded?

Anthony Di Iorio is the founder of Decentral, the company behind the Jaxx Liberty cryptocurrency wallet. He is also the partner and founder of KryptoKit and Cointalk.ca. Di Iorio also founded the Bitcoin Alliance of Canada.

What is Jaxx Liberty?

Jaxx Liberty is a multi-asset cryptocurrency wallet developed by Decentral, a company founded by Anthony Di Iorio. It allows users to securely store, manage, and exchange a wide variety of cryptocurrencies.

Why did Anthony Di Iorio leave the crypto industry?

Anthony Di Iorio cited concerns about his personal safety as the primary reason for his decision to leave the crypto industry. He expressed feeling uncomfortable with the attention and potential risks associated with being a high-profile figure in the cryptocurrency world.

What is Project Arrow?

Project Arrow is an initiative to build Canada's first zero-emission vehicle. Anthony Di Iorio has joined the project, reflecting his broader interest in leveraging technology for positive social impact.

Conclusion: A Lasting Impact on Canada's Tech Landscape

Anthony Di Iorio's impact on Canada's Bitcoin community and the broader global blockchain landscape is undeniable. From his early advocacy for Bitcoin adoption to his co-founding of Ethereum, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of decentralized technology. While he has stepped back from direct involvement in the crypto industry, his legacy of innovation, community building, and philanthropic pursuits will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and technologists. His journey serves as a reminder of the transformative power of blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize industries across the globe. He truly has been at the forefront of Canada's Bitcoin community, but his impact has been felt worldwide. Consider exploring Decentral’s work to see how his vision continues to evolve.