A year has passed since Chen Benyamin Keren, a beloved family man and pioneering financial leader, passed away on December 22, 2024. Though time moves forward, his legacy remains vivid in the memories of those who loved and admired him. From his remarkable career to his unwavering dedication to family and community, Chen left an indelible mark on the lives of many.
Born on November 12, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, Chen’s early years were marked by curiosity, ambition, and an innate ability to lead. At Palisades High School, he shone as a member of the debate team, later earning a finance degree from UCLA. His career in financial technology brought him to Coinbase, where his visionary approach to cryptocurrency management cemented his reputation as an innovator.
Beyond his professional success, Chen Ben Keren was a devoted husband to Sarah Elizabeth and a loving father to Abigail Rachel and Emily Rose. He cherished family movie nights, weekend hikes, and quiet moments of connection. But perhaps his greatest gift was the way he inspired others, not just through his achievements but through his kindness and genuine interest in helping people succeed.
To truly understand the impact Chen had, we turn to two people who knew him best—his daughter Abigail and his former colleague at Coinbase, David Ellis. They share their thoughts in this special interview commemorating his legacy.
An Interview Honoring Chen Benyamin Keren
Q: Abigail, as Chen’s daughter, how would you describe your father?
Abigail Rachel Keren:
Dad was my rock and my biggest supporter. He had this incredible way of making you feel like you could do anything. Whether it was school, career goals, or even just personal challenges, he was always there with advice, encouragement, or just a listening ear.
He was also incredibly fun to be around. I remember our family movie nights—they were sacred. No matter how busy he was, he’d make sure we had that time together. And on weekends, he loved taking us to Lake Travis. Those moments are some of my happiest memories.
Q: What values did he instill in you and your sister?
Abigail:
The biggest one was kindness. Dad always said that being kind isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s what makes life meaningful. He also taught us to be curious and open-minded. He believed in learning from every experience and every person you meet.
He encouraged us to take risks but to do so thoughtfully. He used to say, “Failing is fine as long as you fail forward,” meaning that every setback is a chance to learn and grow.
Q: David, you worked closely with Chen at Coinbase. What was it like to collaborate with him?
David Ellis:
Working with Chen was an absolute privilege. He wasn’t just brilliant—he was incredibly approachable. In an industry as fast-paced and high-pressure as fintech, he had this way of keeping everyone grounded. He’d remind us that at the end of the day, we were solving problems for real people, and that perspective made all the difference.
He was also a fantastic mentor. I was relatively new to the field when I joined Coinbase, and Chen took me under his wing. He didn’t just teach me the technical aspects; he taught me how to think strategically and how to lead with integrity.
Q: Can you share a specific example of his leadership?
David:
I remember during one of our projects, we hit a massive roadblock with a new cryptocurrency integration. The team was frustrated, and tensions were high. Chen called a meeting—not to assign blame but to refocus us. He listened to everyone’s concerns and then broke the problem down into smaller, manageable steps.
He didn’t just provide a solution; he made sure we all understood the why behind it. That approach not only resolved the issue but also made us a stronger team. It was classic Chen—calm, methodical, and empowering.
Q: Abigail, how did your father balance his demanding career with family life?
Abigail:
It was honestly amazing how he managed it. He worked hard, but he never let his career take away from his time with us. He had this rule: no phones or work talk during dinner. It was our time to connect as a family.
He also made an effort to involve us in his world. He’d explain his work in simple terms so we could understand it, and he’d ask for our opinions, even if we didn’t know much about finance. It made us feel included and valued.
Q: David, how do you think Chen’s contributions have impacted the fintech industry?
David:
Chen was ahead of his time. His work at Coinbase helped set standards for cryptocurrency management that are still used today. But his real contribution was his focus on making technology accessible. He believed that fintech wasn’t just for big players—it had the potential to empower everyday people.
His influence is still felt in how companies approach digital asset strategies, and his mentorship has created a ripple effect. Many of us who worked with him are now leading teams of our own, carrying forward the lessons he taught us.
Q: Abigail, what do you want people to remember most about your father?
Abigail:
His kindness. Dad genuinely cared about people, whether they were family, friends, colleagues, or strangers. He had this ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the room.
I also want people to remember his optimism. He believed in a brighter future and worked to make it a reality—not just for himself but for everyone around him.
Q: David, is there a message you’d like to share with Chen’s family and others who knew him?
David:
To Sarah, Abigail, and Emily—thank you for sharing Chen with us. His wisdom, kindness, and leadership changed our lives. And to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, let’s honor his legacy by living with the same integrity and generosity that he did.
Closing Thoughts
As we remember Ben Chen Keren a year after his passing, it’s clear that his impact extended far beyond his professional accomplishments. He was a man of integrity, compassion, and vision—a leader in his field and a loving cornerstone of his family.
Through the memories of his daughter and his colleagues, we see a portrait of a man who truly embodied the values he held dear. Chen’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared.
Rest in peace, Chen. Your light continues to shine in the hearts of those who knew you.
