The cryptonomist interviewed Tom Duff Gordon,, Vice-president of international coinbase policy, Who directs Coinbase's engagement with political decision-makers through the United Kingdom, Europe, APAC, Latam and the MENA region, shaping discussions on the future of digital assets.
The adoption of the French crypto increased from 12% to 18% last year. In your opinion, what has led this increase and how does Coinbase plan to rely on this momentum?
Crypto is part of daily financial life in France and worldwide. People are looking for more control, more transparency and more effective alternatives to traditional systems. We have seen jumps in terms of regulatory maturity across Europe, and this combined with increasing innovation helps France to stand out as one of the most prospective markets in Europe.
HAS JammingWe invest in the long term, and in France, this means providing users with the full depth of our platform, adapted to local needs. From high -level security to seamless user experience, our goal is to provide the most robust and most compliant product on the market.
What factors do France make an attractive market for cryptographic companies? Do you see that it will become a European leader in the space of digital assets?
France is in excellent position, offering a rare combination of strong local talents, a collaborative web3 community and a sensitive regulatory framework. This type of environment attracts serious manufacturers and long -term investments, which is exactly why we consider France as a major objective of our European strategy.
What trends can you plan to shape the ecosystem of French cryptography in the next 12-24 months?
Over the next 12 to 24 months, we expect the French cryptography ecosystem to be shaped by an evolution towards a real impact. Adoption is not motivated by the media threw, but by technologies that solve practical problems. We note an increase in the adoption of stablescoin, the volumes of global transactions exceeding 30 dollars of dollars last year, and the breakthroughs of infrastructure such as layer 2 networks offer close and low -scale payments on a large scale.
At the same time, the regulatory landscape matures, with clearer rules taking shape, providing an essential structure, improving consumer protection and strengthening confidence in all areas. This is what will define the next crypto phase in France, an ecosystem where innovation and clarity go hand in hand and where digital assets are becoming more and more anchored in daily financial life.
The Stablecoins generated 30 billions of dollars in volume last year. How do you see their role evolving in France and Europe, and what challenges or opportunities present?
This figure alone points out their growing importance. In France and across Europe, we see Stablecoins evolve towards a fundamental part of the financial system. For example, since its launch on the basis in July 2024, the Stablecoin Eurcoin EURC, supported by the euro, has experienced significant growth on the basis, weekly transactions from 1800 to more than 110,000 weekly transactions in March.
Bring local currencies onchain creates a global economy that works for everyone, everywhere. Local stablecoins allow people to try onchain using the currency they know the most, which makes this technology more accessible to the masses. The growing adoption of the EURC on the basis is the validation of the usefulness of local currency staboins and the growing role they will play in the digital economy.
With the increase in maturity in the cryptography sector, what are the main regulatory developments or infrastructure that could further accelerate adoption in France?
What continues to stimulate this momentum is the demand for economic freedom of the people. The complete implementation of the Mica has given the necessary clarity to accelerate innovation in the cryptocurrency of France, while government initiatives allow the integration of the blockchain between sectors such as supply chains, energy and finances. The proactive approach to France's regulations, highlights the country's potential as a leader in the cryptographic landscape evolving for Europe.
Globally, the tide increases. In the United States, we see a clear change towards pro-innovation policy, with a serious momentum behind the reform of the structure of the stables and the structure of the market. It's good for the ecosystem as a whole, but Europe cannot afford to look at the key line. President Macron has already called to move away from overcrowding to help European technology champions to prosper.
How did Coinbase engaged with French regulators and what are the biggest challenges to navigate the regulatory landscape?
Coinbase is actively engaged with French regulators as part of our broader mission to develop trusted and locally founded operations on key markets. The proactive approach of France of the regulation of cryptography is aligned with our conviction that clear rules are essential to increase economic freedom and allow innovation. By staying close to the regulatory process and integrating into the local markets, we are already taking up key challenges, evolving navigation, the construction of trust and the position of France as a leader in the future of digital finance.
How does the French approach to the regulation of cryptography compare to other European markets and what lessons can learn from it?
France has historically adopted a proactive and collaborative approach to regulate crypto, which is recognized through Europe. While mica is implemented on the EU scale, France has moved early to engage with industry and settled as a center for responsible innovation.
Meanwhile, we see important signals from other parts of the world; In the United States, the recent creation of a Bitcoin strategic reserve means a symbolic and strategic decision, that which reflects an increasing national interest in cryptographic infrastructure and financial resilience. The main lesson of France, in Europe and even in the world, is that the commitment works. The proactive regulations which give clarity and supports innovation does not only benefit the cryptography sector, it positions the countries to lead at the next era of global finance.
How does Coinbase adapt its product and its growth strategy specifically for the French market? Are there any unique initiatives planned?
We are committed to offering French users the same best experience in class as we offer worldwide, starting with full access to the Coinbase application, one of the most secure and regulated platforms in crypto. As the interest in areas such as DEFI and token finance are developing, we are here to support users through education, partnerships and infrastructure, helping France not only adopt crypto, but to open the way.
What role do you see France playing in the broader European and global strategy of Coinbase?
France is a key and strategic market for Coinbase. With 12 million people in France already having crypto, and 40% of them having started their trip over the past two years, it is clear that it is a country with a serious momentum.
Coinbase pleads for economic freedom thanks to digital assets. How do you see crypto contributing to greater financial inclusion and innovation in France?
In France and in the world, people are wondering more and more if the current financial system can meet their needs. Three -quarters of adults say they want greater economic freedom, and many fear that the next generation will no longer be bad. Crypto offers a significant response, expanding access to financial tools and giving individuals more control over their money.
At Coinbase, we see economic freedom as an engine of innovation and opportunities. By feeding a faster and more inclusive financial infrastructure, crypto can help France move from adaptation to the future of finance to actively direct it.
