Samson Mow, founder of Bitcoin infrastructure firm Jan3, is eyeing France as a potential leader in Bitcoin adoption at the nation-state level following a recent meeting with French lawmaker Sarah Knafo.
Key Takeaways:
- Samson Mow is working with Sarah Knafo to promote a Bitcoin reserve strategy for France.
- France is ramping up both public and private Bitcoin activity.
- Despite progress, critics say Europe still lacks a clear position on Bitcoin as a state-held reserve asset.
Mow met with Knafo at the BTC Prague conference this week, where the two discussed plans to build a strategic Bitcoin reserve for France and explore regulatory frameworks favorable to Bitcoin.
After the meeting, Mow posted on X, saying he was “looking forward to starting a nation-state Bitcoin adoption wave in France and perhaps all of Europe.”
Pro-Bitcoin EU Lawmaker Knafo Echoes Support for Nation-State Adoption
Knafo, a member of the European Parliament with openly pro-Bitcoin views, echoed the enthusiasm.
“France must take hold of these issues,” she wrote on X. She described Mow as “an expert on Bitcoin adoption by states, who has advised the President of El Salvador and many others.”
Mow left Blockstream in 2022 to focus on helping governments integrate Bitcoin into their financial strategies.
Excellentes discussions avec @Excellion, expert de l’adoption de Bitcoin par les États, qui a conseillé le Président du Salvador et tant d’autres. La France doit s’emparer de ces enjeux.
#BTCPrague pic.twitter.com/fbgYZXrWkX — Sarah Knafo (@knafo_sarah) June 21, 2025
Knafo also met with Michael Saylor, executive chairman of MicroStrategy, calling him “visionary and ambitious.”
She hinted at more developments ahead, saying, “We will soon have many projects for France and Europe.”
France is already taking steps in both public and private sectors. On June 3, Paris-based Blockchain Group announced the purchase of 624 BTC for €60.2 million, bringing its total holdings to 1,471 BTC.
In March, state-owned bank Bpifrance allocated €25 million to crypto-related investments.
Still, Europe faces criticism for its slow pace. While the EU’s MiCA framework was fully enforced in December 2024, critics argue it lacks clarity on Bitcoin’s role in state treasuries.
Coinbase and Gemini Push Deeper into EU
Last week, it was reported that Coinbase and Gemini are expanding their European operations by securing regulatory licenses in Luxembourg and Malta, respectively.
Gemini, led by the Winklevoss twins, is close to finalizing its license in Malta after receiving a MiFID II license from the country’s Financial Services Authority last month.
Malta has already licensed exchanges like OKX and Crypto.com under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.
However, some EU regulators are concerned about the speed of approvals in smaller nations with limited staff.
Malta’s FSA defended its pace, citing years of experience and strong anti-money laundering standards.
Meanwhile, Coinbase is set to receive a license from Luxembourg, where crypto firms have been labeled “high-risk” for money laundering.
Coinbase has over 200 employees in Europe and plans to hire at least 20 more.
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