So Many “Blockchain and FinTech Experts”, But Often Without Ethos

Rankings generated by apps like Favikon are increasingly circulating, claiming to list the “top experts” in highly technical and ever-evolving fields such as Blockchain, FinTech, Cybersecurity, or Artificial Intelligence. These rankings may seem harmless or even useful, but in reality, they are based on purely quantitative and superficial metrics: LinkedIn followers, post frequency, interaction volume, engagement rate, and media visibility.

All of these are easily manipulated indicators, and they’re certainly not enough to measure a professional’s true credibility.

Even a quick analysis reveals that authority is not measured in “likes” or sponsored posts. Many influencers or so-called “top voices” have never built a startup, led a team, gone through due diligence, filed a patent, worked on a technical white paper, developed software systems, completed an innovative project, or spoken at a Blockchain or FinTech conference. Some can’t even explain what a smart contract or security token really is. Yet, on social media, they post motivational quotes, dramatic phrases, or bold (often wrong) predictions—all part of a storytelling strategy aimed more at self-promotion than delivering meaningful content.

Having thousands of contacts—often obtained through compulsive connection requests or bought from follower-selling platforms—and posting daily content full of opinions and hashtags does not automatically make someone competent or trustworthy. It’s an illusion. It may all be theory, with no practical experience. Aesthetic representation of nothingness. And Favikon, like most AI algorithms today, can’t see that. It doesn’t distinguish original thought from repetition, or real contribution from empty chatter.

So even the “machines” are starting to make mistakes. Worse, they amplify them—awarding scores and titles to those who master social media language, not actual expertise.

We live in a world moving at breakneck speed, especially on social media, where anyone can appear, teach, predict… all you need is a connection and a bit of digital charisma. But behind many “guru-style” profiles hides a lack of real experience.

There are “startup experts” who’ve never launched a company, “capital raising advisors” who’ve never closed a round, “blockchain specialists” who’ve never read a technical white paper, “FinTech evangelists” unaware of ESMA or MiCA regulations. Yet their posts are shared, applauded, and commented on—as if echo mattered more than content. As if “perception” had finally defeated “reality.”

The result? More bold claims, reckless forecasts, “web gurus,” and now even artificial intelligence trying to “chime in”—based on available data, of course, but without any ability to distinguish those who’ve actually lived through certain processes from those who just copy-paste Anglo-American content.

Still, one difference always remains: reality. The kind made of substance, of a reputation earned in the field, of commitment to clients, collaborators, and projects. Qualities that can’t be improvised, SEO-optimized, or simulated with AI. They must be proven.

A true expert is someone who has created, managed, failed, learned, and restarted. Who has seen the difference between a valid idea and a passing trend. Who has sat at entrepreneurial tables, contributed to lawmaking, built infrastructures, developed software, launched blockchain solutions and cybersecurity systems, introduced innovative financial tools, created sector ecosystems, and generated real economic impact. Someone who invested in startups and SMEs not for personal branding, but because they believed in them. Because they understood, before others, that innovation must walk hand in hand with responsibility.

Reputation, today more than ever, is the true competitive asset. But not the fake kind made of self-awarded medals or friendly endorsements. I mean the reputation that gets you invited to boards, committees, and major projects—because those who call you know what you’ve done. And what you’re capable of. Not because it’s on your profile, but because you have a story to tell—made of data, results, and testimonials.

The rest? It’s just fluff-guru stuff. A rapidly growing category, fueled by a culture of appearances that rewards self-celebration and penalizes depth.

But here’s the good news: in every industry, those who only talk eventually stop. Those with real experience keep going. Because substance—though slowed down by flawed algorithms—always comes through. And those who’ve truly built something will be recognized. Maybe with fewer digital likes, but with more human, professional, and economic value.