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

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

Author: Bitcoin.com April 30, 2026 Duration: 25:07

Michael Amar founded Paris Blockchain Week in 2019 because U.S. and Asian investors told him Paris had no crypto ecosystem. This year, 250 banks showed up.

At PBW 2026, he sits with David Sencil to put real numbers behind the institutional adoption story, explain why MiCA enforcement is filtering who can attend European events, and predict where the next year's crypto M&A will land.


We cover:

- The 15-to-250 banks curve, year over year

- PBW's "Paris is good for food and vacation, but for crypto, no" origin

- MiCA enforcement filtering European events in real time

- Why next year is the crypto M&A year

- France's strengths and gaps for crypto founders


Chapters:

00:17 - Welcome to Bitcoin.com News Live Desk

00:36 - Michael Amar's Background

01:14 - Early Involvement in Digital Assets

02:23 - Launching Paris Blockchain Week

03:21 - Success and Challenges of the Conference

04:18 - Institutional Adoption and Growth

05:01 - Institutional Presence at the Conference

06:18 - European Regulations and Compliance

07:32 - Market Share and Competition

08:46 - Future of Crypto in Paris and Europe

09:33 - France's Role in Web3 and Crypto

10:34 - French Regulations and Innovations

11:11 - International Perspective on French Ecosystem

12:20 - Venue and Logistics of the Conference

13:34 - VIP Dinner at Versailles

14:48 - Planning and Execution of the Conference

15:42 - Importance of Quality and Logistics

16:57 - Support for French Entrepreneurs

19:38 - Safety and Perception Issues

21:43 - Key Elements for a Successful Conference

23:00 - Networking and Business Opportunities

24:11 - The Importance of Real-Life Engagements


📌 Follow Bitcoin.com for more Web3 insights, interviews, and breaking crypto news.



Bitcoin.com News Interviews offers a direct line to the people shaping the digital economy. Each episode features a focused conversation, pulling back the curtain on the strategies, challenges, and personal insights of influential figures from across the Bitcoin and broader cryptocurrency landscape. You'll hear founders explaining the real-world problems their projects aim to solve, investors discussing the shifting tides of market sentiment, and veteran leaders reflecting on the industry's rapid evolution. This isn't about hype or price predictions; it's about understanding the foundational ideas and human decisions driving this technological frontier. The discussions are grounded and substantive, providing context that goes far beyond headlines. By listening to this podcast, you gain access to the nuanced perspectives that often remain behind the scenes, offering a clearer picture of where things have been and where they might be headed. It's a resource for anyone looking to move past surface-level news and engage with the substantive dialogue happening within the cryptoverse. These interviews serve as an essential audio companion, translating complex concepts into relatable conversations and connecting the dots between technological innovation, economic shifts, and community building. Tune in for thoughtful, long-form dialogues that illuminate the key players and pivotal moments defining this dynamic space.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Bitcoin.com News Interviews
Podcast Episodes
Gary Liu on Stablecoins, AI Security & the Future of Crypto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:36
Gary Liu, co-founder of Terminal 3, breaks down why crypto isn’t dying—but evolving into a more mature financial system.In this episode, we explore the rise of stablecoins, the role of AI in enterprise environments, and…
From Police-Shut Meetup to 53K Attendees: The TBE Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:13
It started in a one-bedroom apartment. Then 400 people showed up — and everything changed.In this episode, Tobias Bauer (TBV) shares how *The Best Event (TBE)* scaled to 53,000 attendees in 2025 — and why most crypto eve…
China Chases Meme Coins Early… Japan Grew 5x?! 🇨🇳🇯🇵 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:18
What’s really happening in APAC’s crypto scene?In this episode, Willy Wu dives into the latest trends shaping the region—from China’s early meme coin activity to Japan’s explosive 5x growth in Q1. We also unpack how prod…
Why Hong Kong Is Winning Crypto in 2026 (Allen Ng Explains) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:18
Allen Ng, Co-Founder & CEO of Everest Venture Group (EVG), joins us to break down why Hong Kong has emerged as Asia’s leading crypto hub in 2026.From launching startups in college to working on venture deals later acquir…
+5,000% Bitcoin Per Share: MetaPlanet’s Strategy Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:21
MetaPlanet bought Bitcoin at $65K—and saw a 5,000% increase in Bitcoin per share, becoming Japan’s top-performing public company.But the journey wasn’t easy. Think multiple 70% drawdowns, rapid market cycles, and unwaver…
Will the Bitcoin Bear Market End Soon? Samson Mow Explains [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:48
“While most people see a Bitcoin downturn, others see opportunity.In this episode, Samson Mow explains why this market might be ‘too good to be true’ — especially for big players.”In this episode, Jan3 CEO Samson Mow joi…