The European Union has set the global standard for crypto regulation, creating a framework that balances innovation and financial stability. Patrick Hansen, a leading voice in the region’s crypto policy and regulatory affairs, is at the center of these developments.
As the Senior Director of EU Strategy and Policy at Circle, Patrick Hansen has played a crucial role in shaping Europe’s approach to blockchain innovation. He has helped Circle become the first major global stablecoin issuer to achieve MiCA compliance in the EU, a critical step toward bringing stability, legitimacy, and trust to the crypto industry.
Who is Patrick Hansen beyond his role at Circle? This profile delves into his journey; from his early life to his rise as a key figure in cryptocurrency, highlighting his contributions and vision for the future.
Early Life and Education
Patrick Hansen has a Binational Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Public Policy, and Economics and a Master’s in International Business from The University of Freiburg.
Hansen also spent a semester (Erasmus program) at Charles University in Prague, focusing on Economics and Finance.
Career Beginnings
First Steps
Hansen’s professional journey began in 2014 with an internship at TheFamily, a venture capital firm. After completing his master’s in 2017, he then transitioned to the public sector, serving as an MEP staff member in the European Parliament.
In July of the same year, Hansen left his job at the European Parliament for Bitkom, Europe’s largest tech trade, officially marking his entry into Blockchain and financial services.
Rise to Prominence
Hansen joined Bitkom as a Project Manager for Startups and quickly advanced to Head of Blockchain. As the Head of Blockchain, he spearheaded initiatives to promote blockchain adoption and engaged with policymakers deepening his knowledge on cryptocurrency.
Patrick Hansen has also worked with Unstoppable Finance and Presight Capital before joining Circle in 2022 as the Director of EU Strategy and Policy.
He was promoted to Senior Director of EU Strategy and Policy in January 2024. In this position, he has been pivotal in navigating the EU’s complex regulatory landscape, ensuring that Circle’s stablecoins, USDC and EURC, comply with the forthcoming Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation. Thanks to Patrick Hansen, Circle became the first and only major global stablecoin issuer to achieve MiCA compliance.
Key Projects and Initiatives
Throughout his career, Hansen has been instrumental in shaping blockchain and cryptocurrency policies within the EU. At Bitkom, he led initiatives to integrate blockchain technology into various sectors.
Hansen also played a huge role in getting Circle (USDC & EURC) to achieve MiCA compliance.
Leadership and Vision
Leadership Style
His success in the EU and global crypto space can be attributed to his leadership style and values.
Friends in the industry and colleagues describe Hansen as a visionary. He does not settle until he is sure something is optimal. Hansen continues to push the boundaries and explore new possibilities.
Vision for the Future
Patrick Hansen has been a staunch advocate for integrating digital currencies and public blockchains into mainstream financial systems.
In his writings on Substack, LinkedIn, and even Twitter, he delves deeper into topics such as stablecoins and the necessity for accessible central bank accounts for payment companies, including stablecoin issuers, to enhance financial stability. He views the proactive regulatory environment in Europe, particularly implementing the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA), as a positive development for the industry; and one that will provide the clarity needed for businesses to innovate confidently while ensuring consumer interests are safeguarded. Currently, Europe leads the world in the number of crypto-friendly banks.
Personal Insights
Personal Life
Beyond cryptocurrency, Hansen loves the outdoors. He occasionally shares beautiful nature photos on his Instagram. Hansen also loves travel and adventure.
Challenges and Controversies
Obstacles Overcome
Cryptocurrency regulations remain a headache globally, and as such, there are many misconceptions. As a leading voice in crypto policy and regulations in Europe, Hansen has so much on his plate. Day in and day out, he has to explain certain laws and how they affect investors and buyers in more detail. But he doesn’t have a problem with it.
In an interview, Hansen explained that it gives him joy to find that he is tagged on a particular video and that people are waiting to hear his opinion. “It shows the world is ready for cryptocurrency and ready for change. The people are so eager to learn, which is great to see”- Patrick Hansen.
Future Plans
Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, Patrick Hansen envisions the EU as a leader in the global crypto space, leveraging comprehensive regulations like MiCA to attract talent and capital. He wants to be part of this change, whether through his role as Senior Director of EU Strategy and Policy at Circle or his solo advocacy.
