How to Lead the Way in Blockchain Innovation and Regulation

Côme Prost-Boucle is the Country Manager for Coinbase France, where he drives regulatory strategy, product localisation and user growth. He intends to bring the following billion users into Web3. A dynamic leader at the crossroads of finance, technology and cultural transformation, Côme is a graduate of HEC Paris and École Polytechnique’s X-HEC Entrepreneurs program, with additional studies in finance and strategy at the University of Sydney.

Prost-Boucle’s Web3 journey began with co-founding NFT Paris, a response to Europe’s need for a vibrant digital art and NFT scene. What started as intimate meetups quickly became Europe’s largest Web3 event, attracting over 18,000 attendees and expanding into gaming, fashion and luxury sectors. Now at Coinbase, He continues to push for collaboration, precise regulation and user-friendly innovation to accelerate the European crypto ecosystem’s growth and adoption.

In this interview, Prost-Boucle discusses his leadership in driving Web3 innovation and outlining his approach to regulatory strategy, product localisation and user growth. He emphasises the value of collaborating with regulators and simplifying access to blockchain technology while identifying stablecoins and decentralised finance as key trends shaping the future of crypto.

AT A GLANCE (TO BE DESIGNED AS A PANEL)

• Innovation That Meets Real-World Needs – Transforming blockchain into simple, accessible solutions that address real-world challenges and make crypto’s potential easy to unlock.

• Leading with Vision on Regulation– Championing clear, future-ready regulation as the foundation for trust, adoption and global growth—working hand-in-hand with regulators, not against them.

• Making Crypto for Everyone– Breaking down barriers with user-first products like smart wallets and seamless DeFi access—so crypto works for everyone, not just the tech-savvy.

• Building Web3, Together – Uniting regulators, founders and developers to shape a collaborative and thriving ecosystem for the next generation of digital innovation.

Customer-Centric Solutions and Regulation: Building Trust at Coinbase

The best innovation starts with understanding the people we serve. Every product and feature begins with a simple question. What problem are we solving for the user?

We take a customer-first approach not just in design but in purpose. Our aim is not to release products for the sake of novelty but to build tools that make access easier, unlock real value and demonstrate how blockchain can simplify life in practical, everyday ways.

That same thinking applies to how we approach regulation. From the start, we’ve viewed regulation not as a barrier, but as the gateway to mainstream adoption. Trust is the cornerstone of any financial system and clear rules enable that trust to scale. Whether a retail user or a global institution, the need for confidence and clarity is the same; that’s why we’ve focused on cooperation rather than confrontation, working alongside regulators to help shape a secure and sustainable ecosystem.

This has been especially important in Europe. We’ve supported the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework from the outset. France’s early leadership through the PACTE law helped create a strong base and those efforts have now informed one of the world’s most forward-looking regulatory models. MiCA is a milestone for Europe and global policy thinking around digital assets.

Still, this is only the foundation. The conversation must go further if Europe wants to realise crypto’s full potential. Crypto is more than a financial instrument—it’s a horizontal technology that can enhance industry transparency, security and operational efficiency.

The EU’s capital markets rulebook must evolve to keep pace. A modern framework that aligns with digital innovation will not only support growth but also help position Europe as a global leader in the future of finance.

Shaping Crypto’s Future: Stablecoins and UX Innovation on The Rise

As we look toward 2025, several key trends from 2024 continue to meaningfully shape the future of crypto.

One of the most impactful is the rise of stablecoins. Over the past year, they’ve moved beyond theory and proven their value in real-world applications. Whether facilitating international wire transfers or supporting corporate treasury operations, stablecoins are making the financial system faster, more cost-efficient and globally accessible. This momentum will only grow. Stablecoins are not just a convenience—they’re enabling greater economic freedom by allowing anyone with internet access to participate in the financial system.

We’re also seeing a shift toward user-focused innovation. The conversation moves beyond the underlying technology to real-world usability as the ecosystem matures. Wallets are a clear example. At Coinbase, we’re investing in smart wallets designed to simplify the experience. These solutions remove barriers like seed phrases and complex interfaces, making engaging with crypto and decentralised applications easier for everyday users.

 By combining trusted technologies like stablecoins with seamless user experiences, we’re laying the groundwork for broader participation and long-term growth, without requiring users to be experts in the technology.

Leadership in Crypto: Innovating For Accessibility and Smooth User Experience

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on making complex financial products more accessible. At a French fintech, we opened access to traditional investments through digital platforms, enabling retail users to engage with products that were once out of reach. That mission aligns closely with what we’re building at Coinbase.

Our goal is to simplify crypto by removing friction and prioritising usability. One example is a feature we recently launched in the US, allowing users to deposit Bitcoin ascollateral and instantly receive a loan in USDC—all within the Coinbase app.

Decentralised finance protocols like Morpho, a French-built lending solution, power this innovation. It brings DeFi into a familiar interface, eliminating the complexity often associated with crypto interactions. What drives me is making these tools secure, seamless and easy to use. Innovation is not just about its own sake—it’s about opening doors and building practical, real-world access to financial freedom.

Driving Crypto Forward: Collaboration and Real-World Progress

Paris Blockchain Week was a defining moment for the Web3 ecosystem. It brought together global voices and the message was clear. The future of blockchain depends on collaboration. With Europe leading on regulation through MiCA, the next challenge is translating that foundation into real-world outcomes.

That won’t happen through policy discussions alone. We need broader engagement that includes the people building this space—entrepreneurs, developers and users shaping the technology daily. Advancing harmonised EU standards, clarifying secondary rules and strengthening public-private partnerships will be critical to unlocking long-term value.

At Coinbase, we’re actively working with regulators in France, Europe and globally to support that effort. We’ve also seen encouraging developments in the United States. Crypto voters have helped move key legislation forward, including the stablecoin bill and the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21), which is expected to pass this summer.

Progress will depend on sustained cooperation. Turning today’s frameworks into tomorrow’s innovations requires more than regulatory alignment—it requires shared ambition, inclusive dialogue and action across the ecosystem.

Pioneering In Decentralised Technology: Collaborate, Innovate and Lead Change

To help Web3 progress, staying close to the user experience is essential. I regularly explore decentralised apps and protocols to better understand how the space is evolving. The technology can be complex, but the community’s strength lies in collaboration and shared learning.

Engaging in public-private dialogue is equally important. Professional associations in France play a key role in shaping thoughtful regulation that supports innovation across Europe. Web3’s future depends on broad participation. Sustainable growth will come from collective insight, open conversation and a commitment to building together.