The exclusive interview with Coinbase: the plan for Europe

The Cryptonomist interviewed Tom Duff Gordon, Coinbase’s Vice President of International Policy, who leads Coinbase’s engagement with policymakers across the UK, Europe, APAC, LatAm, and the MENA region, shaping discussions on the future of digital assets. France’s crypto adoption grew from 12% to 18% last year. What do you think drove this increase, and how does Coinbase plan to build on this momentum? Crypto is becoming part of everyday financial life in France and globally. People are looking for more control, more transparency, and more efficient alternatives to traditional systems. We’ve seen leaps in terms of regulatory maturity across Europe, and this combined with rising innovation is helping France stand out as one of Europe’s most forward-looking markets. At Coinbase, we’re investing for the long term, and in France that means offering users the full depth of our platform, tailored to local needs. From top-tier security to seamless user experience, our aim is to deliver the most robust and compliant product on the market. What factors make France an attractive market for crypto companies? Do you see it becoming a European leader in the digital asset space? France is in a great position, offering a rare combination of strong local talent, a collaborative web3 community, and a sensible regulatory framework. That kind of environment attracts serious builders and long-term investment, which is exactly why we see France as a major focus of our European strategy. What upcoming trends do you foresee shaping the French crypto ecosystem in the next 12-24 months? Over the next 12 to 24 months, we expect the French crypto ecosystem to be shaped by a shift toward real-world impact. Adoption is being driven not by hype, but by technologies that solve practical problems. We’re seeing a surge in stablecoin adoption, with global transaction volumes surpassing $30 trillion last year, and infrastructure breakthroughs like layer 2 networks are delivering near-instant, low-cost payments at scale. At the same time, the regulatory landscape is maturing, with clearer rules taking shape, providing much-needed structure, enhancing consumer protection, and building trust across the board. That’s what will define the next phase of crypto in France, an ecosystem where innovation and clarity go hand in hand, and where digital assets become increasingly embedded in everyday financial life. Stablecoins generated $30 trillion in volume last year. How do you see their role evolving in France and Europe, and what challenges or opportunities do they present? That figure alone signals their growing importance. In France and across Europe, we see stablecoins evolving into a core part of the financial system. For instance, Since launching on Base in July 2024, the Euro-backed stablecoin EURC has seen significant growth on Base, with weekly transactions growing from 1800 to over 110,000 weekly transactions in March. Bringing local currencies onchain creates a global economy that works for everyone, everywhere. Local stablecoins allow people to transact onchain using the currency they are most familiar with, which makes this technology more accessible to the masses. The growing adoption of EURC on Base is validation of the utility of local currency stablecoins and the increasing role they will play in the digital economy. With the increasing maturity of the crypto sector, what are the key regulatory or infrastructure developments that could further accelerate adoption in France? What’s continuing to drive this momentum is the people’s demand for economic freedom. The full implementation of MiCA has provided the clarity needed to accelerate innovation in France’s cryptoeconomy, while government initiatives are enabling blockchain integration across sectors such as supply chains, energy, and finance. France’s proactive approach to regulation, highlight the nation’s potential as a leader in Europe’s evolving crypto landscape. Globally, the tide is rising. In the US, we’re seeing a clear shift toward pro-innovation policy, with serious momentum behind stablecoin and market structure reform. That’s good for the ecosystem as a whole, but Europe can’t afford to watch from the sidelines. President Macron has already called for a move away from over-regulation to help European tech champions thrive. How has Coinbase been engaging with French regulators, and what are the biggest challenges in navigating the regulatory landscape? Coinbase has been actively engaging with French regulators as part of our broader mission to build trusted, locally grounded operations in key markets. France’s proactive approach to crypto regulation aligns with our belief that clear rules are essential to increasing economic freedom and enabling innovation. By staying close to the regulatory process and embedding ourselves in local markets, we’re already addressing key challenges, navigating evolving rules, building trust, and helping position France as a leader in the future of digital finance. How does France’s approach to crypto regulation compare to other European markets, and what lessons can be drawn from it? France has historically taken a proactive and collaborative approach to regulating crypto, which is recognised across Europe. While MiCA is being implemented EU-wide, France moved early to engage with the industry and establish itself as a hub for responsible innovation. Meanwhile, we’re seeing important signals from other parts of the world; In the US, the recent creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve signifies a symbolic and strategic move, one that reflects growing nationwide interest in crypto infrastructure and financial resilience. The key lesson from France, Europe and even globally, is that engagement works. Proactive regulation that provides clarity and supports innovation doesn’t just benefit the crypto sector, it positions countries to lead in the next era of global finance. How does Coinbase tailor its product and growth strategy specifically for the French market? Are there any unique initiatives planned? We’re committed to giving French users the same best-in-class experience we offer globally, starting with full access to the Coinbase app, one of the most secure and regulated platforms in crypto. As interest in areas like DeFi and tokenised finance grows, we’re here to support users through education, partnerships, and infrastructure, helping France not just adopt crypto, but lead the way. What role do you see France playing in Coinbase’s broader European and global strategy? France is a key and strategic market for Coinbase. With 12 million people in France already owning crypto, and 40% of them having started their journey in the past two years, it’s clear that this is a country with serious momentum. Coinbase advocates for economic freedom through digital assets. How do you see crypto contributing to greater financial inclusion and innovation in France? In France, and around the world, people are increasingly questioning whether the current financial system can meet their needs. Three-quarters of adults say they want greater economic freedom, and many are concerned the next generation will be worse off. Crypto offers a meaningful response, expanding access to financial tools and giving individuals more control over their money. At Coinbase, we see economic freedom as a driver of both innovation and opportunity. By powering a faster, more inclusive financial infrastructure, crypto can help France move from adapting to the future of finance to actively leading it. Source: https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/05/10/interview-coinbase-mica-crypto-europe/