About The Author
Leo Navarro didn’t always have his sights set on digital assets. Early in his career as a senior tax advisor at LedgerPoint Advisors in 2016, he began noticing a steady uptick in clients asking about Bitcoin and decentralized finance. When one long-standing client brought him an especially complicated DeFi tax case, Leo immersed himself in blockchain protocols for nearly a month. That deep dive not only solved the issue but launched a new chapter in his career—one where crypto and compliance would become his calling card.
Now the Head of Digital Asset Tax Strategy at Crypto News Views, Leo merges years of high-level tax consulting with cutting-edge knowledge of crypto regulations. He’s helped thousands of readers and clients understand the fast-shifting tax codes surrounding NFTs, staking, DAOs, and cross-border DeFi transactions.
Academic & Industry Credentials
Leo’s educational and certification background positions him as one of the most qualified professionals in the space:
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin
Master’s Degree in Financial Strategy from NYU Stern
Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Certified Crypto Tax Advisor (CCTA)
Blockchain Tax Compliance Specialist (BTCS)
Career Transformation
Leo’s early tax work focused on ultra-high-net-worth individuals and complex estate structures while working at Brightwell & Co. His transition into crypto came in 2014, right as digital assets were moving from fringe to financial frontier. Recognizing the knowledge gap, he began developing comprehensive crypto tax planning frameworks long before the IRS issued formal guidance.
In 2019, he founded Navarro Digital Compliance Group, a boutique consultancy specializing in the tax implications of NFTs, DeFi, and cross-chain assets. The firm quickly earned a reputation for resolving complex crypto reporting challenges and has worked with fund managers, token developers, and even government advisory panels.
Innovations in Crypto Tax Strategy
Leo has been responsible for several key breakthroughs that have helped shape how digital assets are taxed and reported:
Invented the DeFi Transaction Tax Grid for interpreting multi-platform asset flows
Built AutoChainTrack, a tool for automated reporting across chains and protocols
Drafted early compliance standards for NFT royalties and collectible valuation
Developed strategic tax-loss harvesting frameworks tailored to volatile crypto markets
Authored comprehensive staking and liquidity mining taxation methodologies
Published Work & Thought Leadership
Leo has written extensively on the intersection of finance, law, and digital innovation:
Author of “Navigating Crypto Taxes: A Practical Guide for the Digital Age” (2023)
Contributing editor at The Journal of Digital Compliance
Co-author of “Crypto Taxation in the Age of DeFi”, published with the Blockchain Policy Forum
Founder of the widely-read “Ledger Clarity” newsletter
Speaker at over 30 global tax and blockchain summits
Influence & Industry Impact
Leo is often tapped by both private firms and public agencies for his insights:
Senior Advisor to the Blockchain Accountability Council
Member of the International Crypto Tax Standards Board
External consultant for several centralized exchanges on tax infrastructure
Recognized as a “Top 25 Crypto Compliance Leader” by Global Tax Watch
Featured on panels covering legal frameworks for decentralized systems
Personal Motivation & Philosophy
Raised in San Antonio, Texas, Leo grew up in a family of small business owners who often struggled to stay compliant with evolving tax laws. That firsthand exposure shaped his mission: to make tax knowledge simple, accessible, and forward-looking. In the world of digital finance, that means demystifying everything from yield farming taxes to NFT cost basis reporting.
A passionate marathoner, Leo often credits running with helping him maintain focus and endurance during long tax seasons. He views tax planning the same way he approaches a race—measured, intentional, and always with the finish line in sight.
Crypto Tax Education & Community Work
At ChainLedger Journal, Leo runs a wide range of initiatives to raise financial literacy:
Weekly Virtual Tax Clinics for crypto investors
NFT Creator Tax Compliance Bootcamp
“DeFi Tax Mastery” online course series
Year-End Crypto Tax Playbook
Tax Basics for DAOs and Multisig Treasury Managers
He’s also committed to expanding access to compliance knowledge:
Launched free toolkits for multilingual crypto tax prep
Hosts community seminars for underserved investor groups
Created explainer videos and visual guides for beginner traders
Founder of the Blockchain Tax Access Fund, a nonprofit that’s already helped over 3,000 individuals file taxes accurately and affordably
Future Focus
Leo continues to be on the frontlines of crypto tax innovation. His current work includes:
Developing standardized reporting methods for DAO compensation
Building AI-driven tools to flag high-risk DeFi behaviors for audit prevention
Advising regulators on shaping accessible digital asset tax rules
Researching stablecoin transaction frameworks for cross-border tax treaties
Expanding educational outreach to Latin American Web3 communities
“When it comes to crypto taxes, confusion can be costly. I believe clarity isn’t a luxury—it’s a right. My goal is to bring confidence and transparency to everyone in the Web3 economy.” – Leo Navarro
