Matt Hougan
Matt Hougan is a globally recognized expert in cryptocurrency, exchange-traded funds, and financial technology, and serves as Chief Investment Officer of Bitwise Asset Management, the world’s largest provider of cryptocurrency index funds. At Bitwise, he leads investment strategy, research, and product development, helping institutional and individual investors understand and access digital assets through transparent, research-driven solutions. Prior to joining Bitwise, Hougan was CEO of ETF.com, where he played a pivotal role in building the world’s first comprehensive ETF data and analytics platform, developing the leading ETF media publication, and launching Inside ETFs, the industry’s largest and most influential ETF conference. He is a frequent speaker at global financial conferences, institutional forums, and major media outlets, where he provides clear, practical insights on cryptocurrency fundamentals, digital asset diversification, and the role of crypto in long-term investment portfolios. Beyond his role at Bitwise, Hougan is a crypto columnist for Forbes, a three-time member of the Barron’s ETF Roundtable, a member of ETFdb’s ETF Hall of Fame, and the eighth recipient of ETF.com’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the ETF industry. He also serves as a strategic advisor to several crypto and financial services startups, including Blockworks, Stratifi, and Advisor Circle.
Matt Hougan Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Chief Investment Officer
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Global Head of Research
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CEO
Academic History
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B.A., Philosophy
ETF EXPERTISE
Matt Hougan is a widely recognized authority on exchange-traded funds, digital assets, and modern investment strategy.
As Chief Investment Officer of Bitwise Asset Management, he helps design the index methodologies that underpin Bitwise’s cryptocurrency investment products and leads fundamental research on the role cryptoassets can play in diversified, long-term portfolios.
Earlier in his career as CEO of ETF.com, Hougan was instrumental in creating the first institutionally focused ETF classification and ratings system, helping professional investors better evaluate and compare ETF products.
He also led the successful sale of ETF.com in three transactions to FactSet, BATS Global Markets, and Informa between 2015 and 2016, underscoring his impact on the evolution of the ETF industry.
MEDIA PRESENCE & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Hougan is a prominent voice in global financial media and a leading thought leader at the intersection of ETFs and digital assets.
He is a crypto columnist for Forbes, a three-time member of the Barron’s ETF Roundtable, and a member of ETFdb’s ETF Hall of Fame.
He is also the eighth recipient of ETF.com’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting contributions to the ETF industry.
Hougan is the co-author of two publications for the CFA Institute Research Foundation, A Comprehensive Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds and Cryptoassets: The Guide to Bitcoin, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies for Professional Investors.
His insights have been featured in Barron’s, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Institutional Investor, CNBC, and the Financial Times.
In addition, he serves on the board of EquBot, creator of the first AI-driven ETFs in partnership with IBM Watson, and acts as a strategic advisor to several crypto and financial services startups, including Blockworks, Stratifi, and Exchange.