As a little girl, she wanted to become an archaeologist or a teacher, but today she’s the most influential woman in the world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in France. Find out more about Claire Balva.
Her school career before crypto
A remarkable student, Claire Balva obtained a scientific baccalaureate with honors. She then entered a preparatory class, known as ECS (economic and commercial sciences), for business school entrance exams.
After two years of preparatory classes, Claire Balva was admitted to ESCP, a renowned Parisian business school. However, she still didn’t know what she wanted to do, so she did three internships during her five years at ESCP.
At the time, she was unaware of the existence of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. However, thanks to her various experiences, Claire knows that she has the need to be an entrepreneur. Indeed, she wants to set up her own business and doesn’t want to become an employee when she finishes her studies. A desire that is about to become reality.
Discovering crypto
Claire Balva discovered cryptocurrency in 2015 thanks to three fellow ESCP students: Clément Jeanneau, Antoine Yeretzian and Alexandre Stachenko.
The three students run a blog on cryptocurrency and blockchain, which will greatly interest Claire. She joined the adventure, and together they launched the educational website blockchain France.
Claire’s career path is closely linked to that of Alexandre Stachenko. That’s why we invite you to discover his portrait by clicking here!
Over time, the site changed its name and became a company, Blockchain France.
After two years of existence, and a collaboration with Labo Blockchain, the two companies (Labo Blockchain and Blockchain France) merge to become Blockchain Partner.
Blockchain Partner joins KPMG
On March 15, 2021, Blockchain Partner joins KPMG with the aim of becoming the French benchmark for blockchain and crypto-asset consulting.
After several years training companies, Blockchain Partner wants to take the next step, and that’s exactly what KPMG will enable them to do.
Primarily positioned in consulting, the merger will give Blockchain Partner access to a larger address book, but above all will create a more comprehensive and relevant offering.
Claire Balva describes the merger as “an achievement and a source of pride”. What’s more, she feels that joining KPMG was necessary for the company’s development, as well as for its commercial and operational evolution.
Today, Claire Balva is CEO of Blockchain Partner and head of KPMG France’s Blockchain and CRYTPO unit.
Her vision of crypto
Over the years, Claire has seen the ecosystem structure and evolve. In her words, it was impossible to talk to businesses about cryptocurrency in 2015; you had to talk about blockchain.
Today, this situation is a thing of the past, as companies come directly to her to invest in Bitcoin. In her opinion, Bitcoin has the potential to become a currency and is not currently used as such, it’s only just beginning.
In terms of investment, Claire Balva confided to DCA and holds mainly BTC and ETH.
For Claire Balva, cryptos are essentially a tool for emancipation; on a personal level, she finds the technology intellectually stimulating.
The crypto 2021 report
In early 2022, Blockchain Partner and KPMG carried out a study showing that 8% of French people hold crypto and 2% hold NFTs. That’s an impressive figure, and larger than the number of French people owning direct shares, which stands at 6.7%.
As CEO of Blockchain Partner and Director of Blockchain & Cryptos at KPMG, Claire Balva confirms this rising strength, which she has also observed for large corporations.
Indeed, at a press conference we attended, she declared:
“Big money doesn’t want fiat cash any more, so they’re moving into bitcoin. CAC 40 companies are coming to us to invest in crypto, and many fintech players who previously turned a blind eye to crypto are now interested. They’re keen to get in on the action and will gradually be offering services for using bitcoin”.
