Marshall Hayner, CEO of Metallicus, has suggested that French tech professionals consider relocating to the United States, where he believes their freedom and liberty will be more valued. This statement was made on the social media platform X on January 26.
“French tech talent, time to expatriate. We will gladly welcome you in the US where we value your freedom and liberty,” Hayner said.
The post by Hayner discusses the French Senate’s recently approved 2025 budget, which introduces an “unproductive wealth” tax targeting digital assets, including Bitcoin. If enacted, this measure would impose an annual tax on unrealized gains from cryptocurrencies. This means holders would be taxed on the increased value of their assets even if they had not sold them.
According to Divly, cryptocurrency gains in France are currently taxed at a flat rate of 30%, but only when assets are sold or converted into fiat currency. This excludes trades between cryptocurrencies and unsold assets. However, crypto investors must comply with strict reporting requirements, including forms 2042 C for income, 2086 for capital gains, and 3916-bis for declaring foreign-held accounts, even if those accounts are inactive or contain assets not converted to fiat. Failure to meet these obligations can result in penalties.
Hayner is a blockchain entrepreneur with expertise in financial services, corporate development, and product design. He leads Metallicus in building a blockchain-powered digital banking network and has over a decade of experience driving innovation in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries.
