Stéphane Boujnah, President and Chief Executive Officer of Euronext, stated this Tuesday that cryptocurrencies and online betting have succeeded because "they are like video games", but noted that young people will eventually learn such activities only provide gains, not actual returns.
Boujnah, who will leave his post on May 27 after 12 years leading the pan-European exchange, said during an interview that he believes the group's decision to not acquire BME (the London Stock Exchange) was a strategic error. "Not acquiring BME was a missed opportunity for everyone if we consider its current accounting value," he said in statements published by El País.
What is the message about cryptoassets and betting?
According to Boujnah, cryptocurrency and gambling platforms have gained popularity because they offer immediate and emotional experiences similar to video games: rapid rewards, direct interaction with results, and a sense of control.
Nevertheless, he warned that this nature does not imply sustainable profitability. "Young people will learn that these activities only provide gains," he explained, understanding such distinction as being between temporary wins and real financial returns on investments.
Performance context at Euronext
Boujnah has led Euronex since 2014, during which multiple digital markets have been consolidated within its structure. His departure is scheduled for next May, at which point the role of emerging technologies such as cryptocurrencies in regulated markets will be assessed.
It has not been specified whether his statements on betting or cryptocurrencies reflect an official stance by Euronext nor whether they were communicated to other regulatory bodies. The statement was published by El País, and has not been confirmed by official sources from the group.