Arthur Hayes: How a macro analyst remains the leading voice in the crypto market

Arthur Hayes once again demonstrates why his influence on the cryptocurrency market remains unwavering. After helping shape the modern landscape of derivatives instruments through BitMEX, today he positions himself quite differently — not as an exchange executive, but as an investor and analyst shaping market opinion through a combination of deep analysis and provocative social media presence. His role in Maelstrom has allowed him to shift from managing a trading platform to influencing strategic decisions of investors across the industry.

From BitMEX to Maelstrom: how Arthur Hayes reshaped his role

Arthur Hayes’s career trajectory reflects the massive transformations in the cryptocurrency industry. His creation of BitMEX revolutionized the derivatives market, enabling traders to work with leverage and tools that were previously unavailable. However, over time, Hayes’s focus shifted — from managing trading infrastructure to forming investment strategies through Maelstrom.

This evolution shows Hayes’s deep understanding of how the market is changing. Instead of remaining tied to a single project, he adapted, moving to a new level of influence. Through his investment fund, Hayes now directs capital into projects he believes will define the next cycle of cryptocurrency development.

Social media maestro: how Arthur Hayes shapes market sentiment

Few industry leaders maintain such active and multifaceted presence on X as Arthur Hayes. His feeds oscillate between detailed macroeconomic analysis, sharp trading forecasts, literary references, and witty critical remarks. Behind the apparent chaos lies a constantly evolving market vision, which traders increasingly interpret as a signal to act.

Arthur Hayes doesn’t just comment on the market — he forecasts it. His early enthusiasm for sectors related to artificial intelligence coincided with the largest speculative wave of 2024-2025. This ability to spot trends ahead of competitors sets him apart from many other analysts, whose predictions often turn out to be wrong.

Zcash: from support to the triumph of investment vision

One of Hayes’s most impressive examples of investment acumen is his open support for Zcash. The project, focused on transaction privacy, long remained in the shadow of louder competitors. However, driven by rising demand for private solutions and support from influential voices, including Arthur Hayes, the asset showed impressive growth.

In the past year, ZEC surged by 594.05%, reaching a price of $307.16 (as of January 2026). This jump far exceeds previous figures and demonstrates how accurate Hayes’s analysis of privacy and demand for it was. Zcash has become a vivid example of how the right analysis of privacy and its demand can flip investor perception of an asset.

Geopolitics meets crypto: Arthur Hayes’s investment philosophy

Arthur Hayes in Maelstrom has deepened his approach, combining long-term geopolitical analysis with short-term market instincts. He publicly defends the position that the next wave of cryptocurrency development will be shaped by three key factors: artificial intelligence infrastructure, privacy-preserving technologies, and monetary experiments by governments.

This perspective explains his investment choices. Projects related to AI have received special attention precisely because Hayes sees them as a fundamental change to the economic landscape. Privacy has become more relevant than ever amid increasing government surveillance. And central banks’ interest in digital currencies opens new opportunities for experimenting with monetary systems.

Enduring influence: why Arthur Hayes remains a central figure

In the rapidly changing crypto market, it is rare to find a figure who remains relevant for so many years. Arthur Hayes is an exception. Although he no longer manages a major trading platform, his voice through Maelstrom and social media remains one of the most influential in the industry.

His success lies in his ability to adapt, anticipate changes, and combine chaotic social media presence with deep analytical work. Arthur Hayes is a blend of macroeconomics professor, experienced trader, and provocateur who is unafraid to express unpopular opinions. This combination makes him an indispensable voice in discussions about the future of cryptocurrencies.