MundoCrypto’s chief executive, Mani Thawani, arrived at a press conference on Thursday, ahead of a weekend celebration hosted by the company before 7,000 attendees at the WiZink Center. Amidst a sober demeanor, a diamond-dial watch and restless gaze drew attention in the crowd.
Earlier in the week, the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) warned that MundoCrypto and the convention’s sponsors were not authorized to deliver investment services or solicit funds. MundoCrypto has been listed on the regulatory gray list since last July, alongside sponsors Huobi, Bitget, and Bybit, described by authorities as “financial bars.”
Thawani defended the conference as a legitimate professional cryptocurrency event, noting that the industry’s figurehead status had grown amid controversy following the departures of Cristina Pedroche, Jorge Fernández, and Pablo Chiapella from CNMV activities. He argued that stakeholders simply needed to educate themselves about their operations within MundoCrypto.
‘crypto’ incident in Madrid fades after CNMV complaint: Jorge Fernández and Cristina Pedroche stand out
Thawani acknowledged CNMV’s protective role for users, cautioning that the agency’s oversight extended to information circulating around IM Academy. He claimed to have identified a pyramid scheme linked to cryptocurrencies, but dismissed the broader implications of the accusation.
From MundoCrypto, a cryptocurrency education academy focused on blockchain, the team felt aligned with CNMV’s directives, yet perceived the recent media attention as unfair. Thawani asserted that the organization educates students about the benefits and risks of cryptocurrencies, anticipating that Saturday’s event—despite ticket sales being halted and a two-million-euro company investment—could spark regulatory interest itself. The Spanish government appeared to be watching closely.
Thawani offered a measured self-critique, expressing gratitude for the sponsors and noting that CNMV discussions involved some of the industry’s top players. He remarked that if the top 20 firms were on the gray list, collaboration with certain brands could become more challenging, even naming Inditex as an example of a potential partner with caveats.
Jorge Fernández cancels his presence in cryptocurrency event after CNMV notice
The event saw the withdrawal of participation from Pedro Pedro Pedro Pedro–Cristina Pedroche and Jorge Fernández, who stepped back from hosting the Mundocrypto Metaverse Day. The absence of a ceremonial master led Thawani to authorize more than 100 cryptocurrency communities to submit proposals for presenting the event, hoping for the best, even as marketing tasks were assigned to others.
The attendee profile started shifting away from younger, less educated audiences toward a more professional investor demographic. Thawani noted that 80% of future participants would be professionals over 25 years old, with many holding diplomas. The event drew MPs from various countries and entrepreneurs from London, Silicon Valley, India, and China. A recent meeting with El Salvador’s vice president, Félix Ulloa, complemented this international footprint.
MundoCrypto, with around 200 international employees and over 50,000 students, was finalizing preparations for an event that would unveil a new education model linked to the Metaverse, promising a compelling demonstration where thousands could wear virtual reality headsets simultaneously.
Fans of cryptocurrency remain engaged with MundoCrypto as a reference point for the industry, even as scrutiny continues. Thawani reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to professional standards and education, signaling future plans to expand the platform and its reach into broader regulatory discourse.