Early Days in Cannes
Fifteen years ago, a 21-year-old Johann Kerbrat worked day shifts in a cramped fast-food restaurant near the French Riviera. Today, as Robinhood's Senior Vice President and Global Head of Crypto, he returns to the same coastal region overseeing the company's most ambitious crypto product suite.
"Back then, my workspace was smaller than most people's bathrooms," Kerbrat recalls. Before enrolling at the University of Nice, he launched his first fintech startup—a no-code payment platform enabling small merchants to create e-commerce sites without developers.
"This was the dawn of e-commerce. Businesses either spent thousands hiring agencies or couldn't establish online presence. We envisioned a Shopify-like solution before Shopify became mainstream."
The Bitcoin Epiphany
A conversation with a Greek classmate revealed the fragility of traditional banking systems during the Eurozone crisis, while merchant complaints about high fees and fraud reinforced his disillusionment.
"Then I read the Bitcoin whitepaper," he says. "It felt like the solution to every systemic problem."
In 2010, Kerbrat began mining Bitcoin and experimenting with crypto-based payment interfaces. Rather than chasing quick profits, he focused on understanding blockchain's transformative potential: "Crypto isn't just an asset class—it's foundational infrastructure."
Robinhood's Crypto Gamble
After engineering roles at Airbnb and Privacy Labs (specializing in zero-knowledge proofs), Kerbrat joined Robinhood Crypto as CTO in 2021. By 2023, he was promoted to SVP/GM, overseeing pivotal developments:
- 2022: Launched Robinhood Wallet, a non-custodial wallet designed for mainstream users with simpler UX than MetaMask
- 2023: Enabled Bitcoin transfers and on-chain withdrawals, transitioning from trading platform to crypto infrastructure
- 2024: Acquired Bitstamp to expand into Europe via its 50+ regulatory licenses
"Compliance isn't a barrier—it's a moat," Kerbrat emphasizes. This strategy has positioned Robinhood as one of few crypto-native platforms thriving amid regulatory uncertainty.
Full-Circle Moment in the French Riviera
From the iconic Carlton Hotel—once an unattainable landmark during his fast-food days—Kerbrat now unveils Robinhood's boldest crypto offerings:
- Tokenized Stocks/ETFs: Available in 30 EU/EEA countries via Arbitrum-based tokens with 24/5 trading
- Crypto Staking: ETH and SOL staking for US users
- Perpetual Futures: 3x leverage for qualified EU traders via Bitstamp
- Layer 2 Migration: Custom blockchain for institutional-grade RWA settlement
"Mass adoption means crypto becoming invisible—like plumbing," Kerbrat explains. "You expect water when you turn the tap, without knowing the pipes behind it."
FAQ Section
Q: How did Kerbrat's early career shape his approach to crypto?
A: His fintech startup exposed banking inefficiencies, while engineering roles taught him that UX—not just technology—drives adoption.
Q: Why is Robinhood acquiring Bitstamp?
A: The EU's clear regulatory framework offers growth potential contrasted with US ambiguity. Bitstamp's licenses provide immediate market access.
Q: What makes Robinhood Wallet different?
A: It simplifies self-custody for beginners with intuitive interfaces and educational tools—addressing crypto's steep learning curve.
Q: How does tokenization benefit investors?
A: Enables fractional ownership, 24/7 trading, and automated dividends while maintaining regulatory compliance.
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