Bitcoin Jesus: Don’t Delete Coinbase, No Other Firm Does More for Crypto

Tony "The Bull" Severino

Last Updated: March 10, 2019 11:17 am

3 mins read

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Roger Ver is among the most polarizing characters in the crypto industry. He often goes against the grain, even if it earns him notoriety. Such is the case with recent comments made by Ver, defending San Francisco-based Coinbase in the face of the ongoing #DeleteCoinbase boycott.

Few people have done more to further the adoption of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies than Ver, so while his defense of Coinbase carries much weight, he’s been wrong in the past in his support of cryptocurrency exchanges and it’s cost crypto investors dearly.

Roger Ver: Coinbase Pushes Crypto Adoption, Don’t Support #DeleteCoinbase

This past week, a scandal at Coinbase over the recent acquisition of Neutrino has led to an angry mob situation in the cryptocurrency world. As part of the acquisition, Coinbase absorbed employees from Neutrino that were tied to a controversial software company called Hacking Team, that was responsible for providing governments, law enforcement agencies, and dictator regimes with tools to surveil individuals.

The Hacking Team’s work goes against much of the values cryptocurrencies were built upon, such as privacy, and removing the control governments have over individuals, which called Coinbase’s integrity and commitment to the space into question. The community’s distaste and unrest quickly turned into taking action, launching a ferocious social media campaign dubbed #DeleteCoinbase, where crypto investors are encouraged to ditch Coinbase for other alternatives across the market.

However, Bitcoin.com CEO Roger Ver has come to the defense of Coinbase, suggesting that few other companies can claim to have done as much to push crypto adoption forward as the San Francisco-based crypto giant.

Coinbase has done more to drive crypto currency adoption than just about any other company. We should be grateful despite a few poor decisions along the way.
Don’t #DeleteCoinbase

— Roger Ver (@rogerkver) March 7, 2019

Ver, as an investor, has done more to promote cryptocurrency adoption than any other individual. It’s earned himself the nickname Bitcoin Jesus due to his early evangelism in the space. His defense of Coinbase is likely to hold a lot of weight, however, Ver has been wrong about defending crypto exchanges in the past.

Roger Ver Famously Claimed Mt. Gox Was Solvent, Is His Defense of Coinbase an Omen?

While Ver’s support of Coinbase makes sense, his defense of a now infamous cryptocurrency exchange caused a lot of investors much loss and grief.

Ver is quoted as claiming the now defunct crypto exchange Mt. Gox, which was among the first exchanges to bring Bitcoin to the masses, was solvent prior to the exchange’s eventual collapse only months after the comments were made.

Months before it was revealed that Mt. Gox had lost 850,000 BTC of its customer’s funds, Ver filmed a video defending the exchange. Ultimately, Mt. Gox went bankrupt and the case has since moved to civil rehabilitation in hopes of returning some of the lost funds to early Bitcoin investors.

Ver and his high school friend Jesse Powell, who is also co-founder of crypto exchange Kraken, had gotten involved with Mt. Gox in 2011 during the Bitcoin bear market. Calling Ver’s defense of Coinbase further into question, is his long-time friend’s negative comments about Coinbase.

While Powell and Kraken are in direct competition with Coinbase, and are likely using the moment of weakness to capitalize, there’s no denying that there’s validity in Coinbase appearing to be actively destroying the brand equity they’ve worked so hard to build.

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Tony "The Bull" Severino

Tony "The Bull" Severino, CMT, is a distinguished figure in the cryptocurrency analysis sector, renowned for his in-depth technical expertise and innovative approach to market trends. As the Head of Research at NewsBTC, Tony leads a team dedicated to providing cutting-edge insights and forecasts, helping both novice and experienced traders navigate the complexities of the crypto market.
A seasoned Chartered Market Technician, Tony's prowess in identifying and capitalizing on market patterns is unmatched. His academic and professional journey in market analysis has firmly established him as a leading authority in technical trading strategies. Tony’s approach is heavily influenced by the principles of Elliott Wave Theory, a method known for its rigorous assessment of investor psychology and price movements.

Beyond his role at NewsBTC, Tony is the visionary founder of CoinChartist.io, an educational platform aimed at demystifying the nuances of cryptocurrency trading. CoinChartist.io serves as a valuable resource for traders seeking to enhance their technical analysis skills. The platform offers a range of learning tools and resources designed to empower traders with the knowledge to make informed trading decisions.

In addition to his educational initiatives, Tony is a prolific author and a dominant voice in the crypto community. He writes the CoinChartist VIP newsletter, a weekly dispatch that has become a staple among crypto enthusiasts, revered for its insightful analysis and actionable trading advice. This newsletter has consistently ranked as a best-seller on SubStack, boasting thousands of subscribers who rely on Tony’s expertise to guide their trading strategies.

Tony is also celebrated for his literary contributions to the field. He is the author of the highest-rated Crypto Trading Journal on Amazon.com, a testament to his ability to communicate complex trading concepts in an accessible manner. This journal is widely regarded as an essential tool for traders aiming to track their progress and refine their strategies.

Before his ascent in the financial analysis world, Tony honed his skills in journalism. His background in this field has endowed him with a unique ability to present intricate market dynamics in a clear and compelling manner, making his insights highly sought after by a broad audience that ranges from casual readers to professional traders.
His professional affiliations underscore his commitment to excellence and continuous learning. As a partner of Elliott Wave International and TradingView, Tony collaborates with other leading experts to enhance his knowledge and skills. His active membership in the CMT Association further aligns him with the highest standards of industry practices and ethics.

Tony’s nickname, "The Bull," aptly reflects his aggressive and optimistic outlook on the cryptocurrency markets. His forecasts often anticipate significant upturns, earning him a reputation for bullish predictions that have frequently led to lucrative outcomes for those who follow his advice.

In summary, Tony "The Bull" Severino, CMT, is more than just a technical analyst; he is a mentor, educator, and innovator whose influence in the cryptocurrency space continues to grow. His dedication to advancing the understanding of market forces and his commitment to providing high-quality, reliable analysis make him a pivotal figure in the world of cryptocurrency trading.