In a new speech, Bruno Le Marie, the French Minister of Finance, has appealed to the ex-deputy governor of the Bank of France, Jean-Piere Landau, to undertake an investigation into cryptocurrencies.

The French Minister of Finance shared details of the task laid before Jean-Piere Landau, which involves tighter regulations of cryptocurrencies, allowing for better oversight in order to detect and prohibit criminal activity through the use of cryptocurrencies, including the financing of terror, money laundering and the evasion of tax.

Jean Pierre Landau, a former deputy at the G7 and G20 summits, has been noted for his scepticism over bitcoin and the surrounding excitement. He also previously acted as the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in the 1990s. Le Marie also expressed his intention to suggest that the regulation of bitcoin be discussed at the upcoming G20 summit, to be hosted this coming April in Argentina.

Le Marie noted that he was wary about the ways in which bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies could potentially change the economic landscape and the power balances within society. He went on to say that the rise of bitcoin signified a \"great turning point\" and that steps needed to be taken to help support the transformation of the economy of France.