From 15 Banks to 250: Inside Paris Blockchain Week's Institutional Wave

Michael Amar, chairman of Paris Blockchain Week, shares the evolution of the conference from its 2019 inception as a bold attempt to prove Europe’s crypto potential to its current status as a major institutional hub. He highlights the dramatic growth from 15 to 250 participating banks in just two years, underscoring a seismic shift toward mainstream financial adoption. Amar reflects on his early digital asset ventures, including pioneering Facebook Credit incentives before the term 'crypto' was common, and recounts how frustration with Europe’s perceived lack of crypto readiness led him to launch the event. The episode explores how France’s proactive regulatory framework—particularly the pre-MiCA PSAN legislation—and supportive startup ecosystem, including tax incentives, sovereign funding, and fast-track visas, are attracting global talent and institutions. Despite media-driven perceptions of safety risks, Amar emphasizes the event’s flawless on-the-ground security and the real-world value of in-person networking, where chance encounters with industry leaders like Sam Altman or the NYT CEO have led to transformative business outcomes. He envisions the future of conferences as high-impact, business-driven platforms where real human connection trumps digital facades, especially in an age of AI and deepfakes.