About Kirk David Phillips

What people want to know about crypto

When it comes to crypto, most people want to know two basic things:

• Where do I start?
• Whom can I trust?

Trust and integrity are woven into the Crypto Bullseye DNA. That’s because of Kirk's role and years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - verifiably the most trusted of all business professionals. CPAs tend to be conservative, but that’s what you want, especially when there’s a new realm of risk involved. 

Paired with integrity and a conservative approach to cryptocurrency is a full embrace of the power of crypto to transform the outdated, cumbersome, and downright nonsensical ways people transfer assets to one another because of the antiquated systems we are saddled with and have inherited. 

Who should I follow for crypto advice?

When seeking crypto advice, it's crucial to follow reputable experts with proven track records. Look for advisors who have qualifications such as:

• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Bitcoin Professional)
• Extensive experience in both traditional finance and cryptocurrency
• Published works or educational content in the field

Always diversify your sources of information for a well-rounded perspective.

Here are a few trusted voices Kirk recommends in the crypto space:

• Andreas Antonopolous
• Dan Morehead (Pantera Capital)
• Michael Terpin (Transform Ventures + Bit Angels)
• Michael Saylor (Strategy)
• Wall street Blockchain Alliance
• CoinDesk
• Cointelegraph
• Bit Angels
• epicenter.tv (podcast)
• Anthony Pompliano (podcast)
• The Defiant (newsletter/podcast)
• Bankless (crypto education/podcast)
• Cathy Wood (Ark Invest CEO and founder)

What do you consider trustworthy sources for crypto news and research?

For reliable crypto news and research, consider:

• Academic institutions offering blockchain programs
• Industry reports from established asset management firms
• Regulatory bodies like FINRA
• Reputable financial media outlets
• Blockchain analytics firms

These sources typically provide well-researched, objective information on cryptocurrency trends, regulations, and market analysis.

Which crypto influencers do you actually trust to recommend a coin? Who should I be following?

No single influencer should be blindly trusted for coin recommendations. It's best to rely on legitimate industry sources rather than individual influencers for coin recommendations. Consider:

• Established crypto exchanges
• Blockchain research firms
• Financial institutions with crypto expertise
• Crypto-focused media outlets
• Remember to diversify your sources of information and conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.

Who is the most trusted crypto advisor?

While trust is subjective, the most reliable crypto advisors typically share certain characteristics:

• A combination of financial and crypto-specific certifications
• Years of hands-on experience in the crypto industry
• A track record of helping clients navigate complex crypto scenarios
• Authorship of respected books or articles on cryptocurrency
• Regular speaking engagements at industry conferences

Although rare to find, a CPA with crypto expertise is one of the most trusted advisors around. The CPA Code of Conduct is a professional commitment made by CPAs to uphold the highest ethical standards in their work. It emphasizes the principles of integrity, honesty, objectivity, independence, confidentiality, and due care. These principles are foundational to maintaining public trust and ensuring reliable financial reporting.

Look for advisors who embody these qualities and have a reputation for providing accurate, actionable advice.

Can a financial advisor help with crypto?

It depends. There are some financial advisors with specific crypto expertise, but financial advisors often lack hands-on, day-to-day experience with crypto. Nonetheless, they may be able to assist with:

• Portfolio diversification strategies
• Risk assessment and management
• Tax implications of crypto investments
• Regulatory compliance
• Long-term investment planning

Look for advisors who combine traditional financial knowledge with deep crypto understanding for the most comprehensive guidance.

Can I hire someone to manage my crypto?

No! Contrary to what you may see on the internet, you cannot just hand off your crypto investment and strategy to someone else. Crypto is a participation sport. Even if you have an advisor and an accountant on your crypto team, you have to be involved in your own crypto management. This is especially true when it comes to crypto risk and security as well as crypto tax management.

How can I recover my stolen crypto funds?

Recovering stolen crypto funds is often impossible, but if you find yourself in this situation:

• Report the theft to local law enforcement immediately.
• Contact the exchange or wallet provider where the theft occurred.
• File a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Consider seeking legal advice from a cryptocurrency-savvy attorney.

Be wary of services promising guaranteed recovery, as this is usually unrealistic. That’s why it’s so important to know how to avoid crypto fraud and scams.

What’s next on your crypto journey

It’s your choice. Take 10 years to get to OG status and miss most of the opportunity. Or, become a member of Crypto Bullseye and get there at least 32X faster.

See you on the inside.

Yours in crypto, 

Kirk David Phillips, CPA, CMA, CFE, CBP