Justin Sun Featured on Forbes Cover: Asia’s Crypto Leader Reshaping the Future of Blockchain
Justin Sun, Global Advisor to HTX and Founder of TRON, has been honored with the cover of Forbes, marking a significant milestone in his career journey. Sun becomes the second Chinese entrepreneur after Jack Ma and the fourth figure in the cryptocurrency industry, after CZ, SBF and Brian Armstrong, to achieve this prestigious recognition. In the article, Forbes described Sun as a “crypto billionaire who helped the Trump family earn $400 million,” emphasizing his strategic vision and enormous influence globally.
Sun’s Crypto Empire: From Pioneer to Industry Leader
The Forbes article describes Justin Sun as an icon of “youth, controversy and immense wealth.” Born in 1990, Sun has built a career with bold and unconventional decisions in the blockchain space. “In my 20s, I tried everything,” Sun shared, reflecting his entrepreneurial pioneering style.
Over the past decade, Sun has developed a comprehensive cryptocurrency ecosystem, including public chains, payment systems, exchanges, and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. His TRON project is now ranked as one of the fastest-growing blockchain networks in the world, with over 300 million users and daily transaction volumes in the millions. This is a testament to Sun’s vision of a “global payment system” and the ubiquity of blockchain technology in the real world.
As Global Advisor to HTX, Sun has helped the cryptocurrency exchange achieve significant achievements. HTX was recently ranked by Forbes as one of the “25 Most Trusted Cryptocurrency Exchanges in the World by 2025.” Under Sun's leadership, HTX has promoted regulatory compliance, ensured security, and enhanced user experience, setting a new standard for the convergence of traditional finance and crypto innovation. The combination of HTX and TRON, driven by Sun, is creating seamless resource integration through technological interoperability.
Recognition on Forbes: A Certificate of Global Leadership
Sun's appearance on the Forbes cover affirms his growing influence in the global crypto space. He joins the ranks of visionary crypto industry leaders such as CZ, SBF, and Brian Armstrong who have been recognized by Forbes.
Sun wrote on X: "From a visionary to a global force - it is an honor to be recognized by Forbes as the Billionaire Barker of Crypto."
Sun was previously named in Forbes Portugal’s “40 Blockchain Entrepreneurs to Watch” list, ranking second only to Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. Notably, Sun is the only Chinese entrepreneur in the top three, achieving the highest ranking in global blockchain history for a Chinese figure. Forbes also named Sun to its “30 Under 30 Asia” list, noting his passion for art, gaming, investing, philanthropy, and space exploration.
In late 2024, Justin Sun was appointed Prime Minister of the Republic of Liberland, where he pledged to shape the crypto space based on the principles of freedom and innovation.
Strategic Partnerships and Mission to Innovate the Crypto Industry
The Forbes article also highlighted Sun’s partnership with the Trump family, a partnership that is said to have brought in over $400 million. Sun’s $75 million investment in Trump’s World Liberty Financial (WLFI) project demonstrates how cryptocurrencies can be strategically applied to mainstream business initiatives. This affirms Sun’s ability to anticipate emerging trends and utilize blockchain in the cultural IP, social media, and digital asset markets.
In his interview with Forbes, Sun also emphasized the importance of having a “long-term vision” to overcome the challenges of industry volatility and reputation. HTX and TRON both currently prioritize transparency, open-source development, and community governance.
Sun’s appearance on the Forbes cover is not only a personal achievement, but also marks the growing global influence of innovations in the cryptocurrency space. Through HTX and TRON, Sun is bridging the gap between traditional finance and Web3, accelerating the transition to an inclusive, efficient, and transparent digital economy. Forbes concludes: “This crypto pioneer from the East is redefining global rules with code and consensus.”
About HTX
HTX, founded in 2013, has evolved from a digital asset exchange into a comprehensive blockchain ecosystem, including digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investment, and more.