Brigitte Macron, the former teacher and French First Lady, was in attendance at the NFT Paris exhibition showcasing digital art on June 30th. The event drew art enthusiasts and collectors from all over, and it was clear that Macron was one of them, as she was seen admiring the pieces on display, chatting with the artists, and taking selfies with fans. The NFT Paris event, which was described as “a celebration of digital creativity,” highlighted the growing popularity of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in the art world. With Brigitte Macron’s attendance, the event gained even more attention and media coverage, bringing NFT art to the forefront of cultural conversation.
NFT Paris: A Glimpse of Hope in the Crypto Industry
I was fortunate enough to attend NFT Paris, a groundbreaking crypto conference that took place at the Grand Palais Éphémère in France. The event, which welcomed more than 18,000 attendees, left a lasting impression on me. What struck me the most was the energy, positivity, and seriousness of the participants, panel chats, and art displays.
One of the most surprising features of NFT Paris was the sheer number of global consumer and luxury brands that were present, including Adidas, Volkswagen, and L’Oréal. What impressed me even more was that these well-known brands were no longer speaking in vague platitudes about Web3, but rather were pointing to actual NFT activations they had launched. It was refreshing to see that crypto is far from dead, as many headlines in the United States may lead us to believe.
One of the most exciting moments of the conference was the surprise visit of Brigitte Macron, the “première dame” of France, who walked the floor, along with other French officials, including Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak and Minister of Digital Transition Jean-Noël Barrot. President Emmanuel Macron had previously emphasized the importance of Web3, stating that it was an “opportunity not to be missed” for the country.
Perhaps the most telling moment came when Brigitte Macron sat at the Rocket Factory booth and minted her own NFT, providing undeniable proof that France is more welcoming to crypto and Web3 technology than the United States.
In the U.S., the regulatory landscape is markedly different. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been fining countless crypto projects, while its chair, Gary Gensler, has yet to articulate what he believes makes a token a security. Recently, the SEC fined Kraken $30 million for its staking service, a move that left many scratching their heads, including SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce. The agency’s reluctance to approve a Bitcoin ETF is also troubling, especially after approving ETFs tied to Bitcoin futures in 2021 – a move that was recently questioned by a D.C. appeals judge.
The recent meltdown of three U.S. banks, including two crypto banks, is yet another body blow to the industry. Former Massachusetts congressman Barney Frank believes that the shutdown of Signature Bank was meant to send an “anti-crypto message.” Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers continue to use severe rhetoric about the risks of crypto investing, while ignoring the benefits of Web3 technology.
As U.S. regulatory agencies continue to hinder crypto innovation, projects are leaving America to focus on other countries where they are being more warmly welcomed. Even Coinbase, the largest publicly traded U.S. exchange, is speeding up its plans for international expansion due to the current regulatory regime.
In conclusion, NFT Paris provided a glimmer of hope for the future of crypto, and a stark contrast between the approach of France versus the United States. It is time for U.S. lawmakers and regulatory agencies to stop hindering innovation and start embracing the potential benefits of Web3 technology.
Why NFT Paris Could Spell Hope for the Future of Crypto
NFT Paris, the groundbreaking crypto conference held in the Grand Palais Éphémère in France, was a clear indication of the global potential of Web3 technology. The event welcomed over 18,000 attendees and demonstrated the explicit support of global luxury brands, including Adidas, Volkswagen, and L’Oréal.
One of the most notable moments of the conference was the surprise visit from French officials, including Brigitte Macron, the “première dame” of France, who minted her own NFT at the Rocket Factory booth. This move represents an undeniable indication that France is more welcoming to crypto and Web3 technology than the United States.
In contrast, the United States’ regulatory landscape has hindered the crypto industry. The SEC has been issuing countless fines to crypto projects, while its chair, Gary Gensler, has yet to articulate what makes a token a security. The recent meltdown of three U.S. banks – including two crypto banks – is another blow to the industry.
The United States’ reluctance to embrace innovation has forced crypto projects to look overseas for more welcoming business environments. As a result, Coinbase, the largest publicly traded U.S. exchange, has hastened its plans for international expansion.
The contrast between France and the United States highlights the potential benefits of Web3 technology, and it is time for U.S. lawmakers and regulatory agencies to start embracing the possibilities of this innovative technology.