Crypto is full of technical challenges—security risks, usability hurdles, and scalability concerns that keep mainstream adoption just out of reach. At Phantom, engineers don’t just write code—they solve the problems that make crypto safer and more accessible. A leader on that charge is Kristen Hewell Garrett, a principal software engineer whose expertise in infrastructure, security, and innovation is shaping the future of self-custody.
Kristen's career springs from her love of solving difficult problems and her commitment to making technology more secure, accessible, and intuitive. As a trans woman in tech, her journey embodies resilience—navigating the industry while helping to shape Web3's future.
We sat down with Kristen to discuss her journey, the technical challenges she's tackling at Phantom, and what it means to be part of a company that champions excellence, inclusivity, and innovation.
From Bitski to Phantom: The intersection of security and usability
Kristen joined us through our first acquisition, Bitski, bringing a security-first mindset that perfectly aligned with our vision. At Bitski, she helped develop a hardware security module (HSM)-based non-custodial wallet, allowing users to interact with crypto without needing to manage private keys directly.
"Bitski's approach was different from what people were used to," Kristen explained. "We designed it so users could sign up with just an email and password, and we'd generate their key stored securely on HSMs—the same hardened devices used by banks. The goal was to let people engage with crypto without the steep learning curve of self-custody."
While the technology was promising, gaining user trust in a new system proved challenging. "Crypto is an ecosystem built on deep skepticism, and for good reason. Users approach new security models cautiously because the stakes are high—one mistake could mean losing your funds forever. The challenge wasn't just building secure technology, but earning people's trust."
When we acquired Bitski, it created an opportunity to bring those security innovations into a product that already had a strong community and deep user trust.
"Phantom had established itself as one of the most widely used wallets in crypto. They weren't just thinking about security—they were thinking about making crypto more usable at scale. It was a perfect fit because we were tackling similar problems from different angles."
At Phantom, Kristen has played a key role in rethinking how users secure and recover their wallets, developing features like seedless recovery and embedded wallets. "One of our first priorities was solving wallet recovery. The 12-word seed phrase is a major barrier to mainstream adoption—people lose them, forget them, or store them insecurely. Phantom's seedless recovery system splits the key across multiple secure entities, letting users restore their wallet without memorizing a passphrase."
Kristen also helped develop our embedded wallet solution, which simplifies onboarding for new users while offering a seamless transition to self-custody when they're ready. "Security in crypto isn't one-size-fits-all. Some users want full self-custody, while others need a more guided experience. We're designing solutions that give people options without compromising security."
Why Phantom is a great place for seasoned engineers
For Kristen, one of the biggest draws of Phantom is the technical ownership and impact senior engineers have. “At massive tech companies, a principal engineer’s role focuses mainly on coordination—setting technical direction, reviewing architecture, and making high-level decisions. You spend your days in meetings, writing documentation, and guiding teams, rather than building things directly.” This is where we differ. “At Phantom, I still get to write code, design architecture, and solve complex problems firsthand. Beyond high-level strategy, we’re focused on shipping real solutions.”
She emphasizes how our size and stage create an ideal environment for experienced engineers seeking to balance leadership with hands-on work. “We’re at this sweet spot—large enough to tackle meaningful scale and deep technical challenges, yet small enough that you can see your impact every day. You’re not lost in a massive system.”
While seasoned engineers at large organizations often face bureaucracy that slows down technical progress, Kristen values Phantom’s ability to move fast while still prioritizing engineering excellence. “Many companies claim to care about technical debt, but ultimately prioritize new features over fixing core issues. Phantom takes a different approach. We actively invest in the infrastructure and security work that builds long-term success.”
A key reason we operate this way is that our leadership team truly understands engineering.
“Both Francesco (CTO and Co-Founder) and Brandon (CEO and Co-Founder) bring strong technical backgrounds. They understand building at scale, recognize the importance of strategic investments, and give engineering teams the autonomy to implement solutions properly.”
Having technical leadership at the highest levels means that engineering isn’t an afterthought—it’s central to the company’s success. Kristen notes that when leadership understands engineering, it removes a major friction point for technical teams.
Instead of constantly having to justify foundational work, our engineers can focus on building things the right way from the start. She sees this as a huge advantage for senior engineers looking to do their best work. “It’s incredibly frustrating when you know that a few days of work could prevent months of future pain, but you’re told ‘we don’t have time.’ At Phantom, we make time for what matters.”
For senior engineers looking for a place where they can solve hard technical problems while having real influence, Kristen believes Phantom is one of the rare companies that prioritizes engineering excellence, not just speed.
Being a trans woman in crypto
Kristen has spent years working in tech, but stepping into crypto presented unique challenges. "Crypto has a reputation for being a boys' club, and honestly, that's not entirely unfounded," she admits. "It can feel like an intimidating space to break into, especially if you don't see people who look like you."
For Kristen, diversity isn't just about inclusivity—it's about resilience and adaptability. “The conversation around diversity often misses the point. Diversity matters in organizations for the same reason it matters in genetics—it makes you adaptable and resilient. When genetic diversity disappears, you risk ending up like the Gros Michel banana, wiped out by a single disease almost overnight. Without different perspectives, you get tunnel vision. You can't pivot, you fail to evolve. And crypto is all about evolution. This space moves fast, and the best way to stay ahead is to have a wide range of perspectives shaping it.
At Phantom, we prioritize diverse perspectives because the best ideas don't come from a single viewpoint—they come from collaboration and challenge, not homogeneity. This creates an environment where the best solution can come from anyone. “It’s not about being the smartest person in the room, it’s about being in the room and coming up with the smartest idea, together."
Kristen believes that representation isn't just about fairness—it's about building better systems. “Before the 70’s, women couldn’t get bank accounts on their own. The entire point of crypto is to prevent those types of abuses from happening again, to design a system where they can't happen in the first place.”
That's why it's critical to have people with firsthand experience of exclusion at the table. "The best security experts used to be hackers—they knew where the vulnerabilities were. The same goes for crypto. If we want to build a truly open system, we need people who've experienced financial gatekeeping to help design the solution."
At Phantom, Kristen’s experience has been different. “I’ve been in tech for a good amount of time now, and I know what it’s like to feel like an outsider and to work your way up. I cut my teeth in many a technical debate and RFC. As a contributor to TC39, I had to build bridges to get Decorators advanced to stage 3. In all the places I’ve worked, Phantom stands out as being one of the most open to new and different perspectives.”
"I've never been talked over here. I've never felt dismissed. When I joined as one of the most senior engineers on the team, I was worried that some people might be a bit weird about having a trans woman in leadership." But that wasn't the case. “Instead, it wasn’t mentioned at all. What mattered was the task at hand, what we were building, and the best way to do it. The focus is on getting things done.”
This doesn't mean the industry as a whole has moved past its challenges. Crypto still struggles with representation and accessibility. "The more women, LGBT folks, and people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds we bring in these spaces, the more ‘normal’ it becomes."
For Kristen, change doesn't happen through statements—it comes from visibility, presence, and simply doing the work. "Excellence speaks for itself. And Phantom is a place where that's recognized—no matter who you are.”
Advice for engineers looking to break into crypto
For engineers from underrepresented backgrounds interested in crypto, Kristen shares these insights:
Find the right team
"Culture and leadership are as crucial as technical challenges. Seek an environment that genuinely values diverse perspectives and thinks long term."
Don't be intimidated by crypto's learning curve
"While it requires a different mindset, strong engineering skills will serve you well. Stay curious and embrace the learning process."
Contribute to open-source projects
"Contributing to public projects is an excellent way to gain crypto experience. Even small contributions help build your credibility and confidence."
Join Phantom—Where engineers build the future of crypto
Kristen’s journey at Phantom is a testament to what’s possible when engineering excellence, technical ownership, and inclusivity come together. At Phantom, engineers don’t just write code—they solve complex problems, shape infrastructure, and drive the future of crypto security and usability.
If you’re a seasoned engineer looking for a place where you can have real impact, where leadership understands engineering, and where you can work alongside some of the best in crypto, Phantom is the place for you.
Ready to build the future with us? Explore our open roles and apply today.
