The Block is a crypto media and research company founded in 2018 by Michael Dudas and Frank Chaparro, evolving under Larry Cermak (now VP of Research) and later under CEO Bobby Moran into one of the most respected sources of institutional crypto research and data journalism. The Block operates both a free editorial news site and a paid research tier (The Block Research) with deep-dive protocol reports, on-chain analytics dashboards, and institutional briefings.
Background
The Block launched as a crypto-native media outlet focused on more rigorous, sourced journalism than the market hype publications that dominated in 2017. It distinguished itself through:
- Data-driven stories using on-chain and market data
- Direct access to institutional traders, fund managers, and exchanges
- Breaking DeFi protocol news, exploit disclosures, and governance disputes
- A research product serving hedge funds, family offices, and institutional crypto desks
The Block Research
The Block’s paid research tier provides:
- Protocol comparisons and deep dives (DEX volumes, lending markets)
- Weekly newsletters on crypto regulatory and market developments
- Raw data dashboards (DeFi TVL, DEX volume, revenue charts)
- Custom research for enterprise clients
FTX-Mike McCaffrey Controversy
In December 2022 — shortly after FTX’s collapsed — it emerged that Mike McCaffrey, The Block’s CEO at the time, had accepted $43 million in personal loans from Sam Bankman-Fried without disclosing them to The Block’s editorial staff or readers. McCaffrey resigned immediately. The revelation raised serious conflict-of-interest questions about The Block’s coverage of FTX and its affiliates during the period of those loans. The editorial staff retained their positions and The Block continued operating under new leadership.
Related Terms
Sources
- The Block Website — news and research.
- The Block Research — institutional research arm.
- New York Times — The Block CEO Loans — coverage of the McCaffrey revelations.