Grayscale Prepares for IPO, and this comeback could change everything. Barry Silbert, the historic founder of the crypto giant, resumes the chairmanship of the board. A strategic move at a crucial moment for the institutional crypto market.
The Unexpected Comeback of Founder Silbert
“I am honored to rejoin the Grayscale board at a crucial time for both the company and the broader digital assets ecosystem.
I remain deeply committed to the company’s long-term positioning and the ability of its management team to lead it into the future.”
Silbert
End of 2023, Barry Silbert stepped down as chairman of Grayscale amidst legal turmoil surrounding Digital Currency Group (DCG), the parent company of Grayscale. The Genesis scandal, New York prosecutor complaints, tensions around the Gemini Earn program… his departure seemed like a forced retreat.
But July 2025 changes the game. Silbert returns to the helm, just weeks after the confidential filing for the IPO. He replaces Mark Shifke, who remains on the board, now consisting of five members, a number set to grow with the likely addition of independent directors.
A High-Powered Team from Traditional Finance
This return is not alone. Grayscale recruits four heavyweights from traditional finance to strengthen its leadership team:
- Diana Zhang, former COO of BlockTower and right-hand at Bridgewater, takes over operations.
- Ramona Boston, former head of client marketing at Apollo, becomes CMO.
- Andrea Williams, with experience at Oaktree and Goldman Sachs, will lead communication.
- Maxwell Rosenthal, from Citadel, will oversee human resources.
All report directly to CEO Peter Mintzberg. Grayscale is playing the institutional credibility card to the fullest. By bringing together talents from Bridgewater, Apollo, Citadel, or Goldman Sachs, the company sends a clear message: it aims to make a mark among the industry leaders.
An IPO That Could Redefine the Market
With over $35 billion under management, Grayscale remains a powerhouse in the sector. Its products, notably its Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs, have paved the way for the democratization of digital assets among traditional investors.
The return of Silbert, amidst an IPO attempt, signals a desire to reaffirm Grayscale’s long-term vision. It is also an implicit response to those who thought the company weakened by past controversies. Internally and externally, this founder’s return could breathe new strategic life into a company that remains a key player bridging traditional finance and crypto.
Why It Matters for the Crypto Market
The Grayscale IPO could confirm the swift turn of this young market towards a new era of institutionalization. Barry Silbert’s comeback at the helm, despite controversies, sends a message of resilience and confidence.
In a market still marked by volatility and governance crises, the return of iconic figures, combined with a team tailored for Wall Street, positions Grayscale as a key player for the years ahead.
