Dear Members of the German Bitcoin Association,

My name is Sebastian Rehbein, and I am running for a seat on the board of our national association.

When it became known that the holding period in Germany was up for debate and many customers contacted us as a result, I looked for a way to counter what I saw as a completely misguided (tax) policy development. In the process, I became aware of the Federal Association and was able to provide some support to the task force working on the e-petition.

My life’s journey has led me into many different professions. Among other things, I worked in software development early on, then moved into social work within the justice system, handled electronic monitoring of serious offenders, and eventually managed projects in the public sector at a state ministry. I left that career in 2022 and am now an entrepreneur running the consulting firm Global Coin Consult and the career transition portal beamtenfreiheit.de.

Accordingly, I bring extensive knowledge in (public) administration, project management, finance, budgeting, taxes, strategy, human resources, public relations, law, consulting, and several other areas.

I first came across Bitcoin in 2013, and by 2017 at the latest, I was fully convinced and had delved deeply into the subject. Since then, I’ve weathered every market phase, so nothing fazes me anymore. For my weekly podcast, I’m constantly researching topics, so I’m always up to date on both major and minor developments in the crypto space and on the macro level. I’m also active in the “einundzwanziger” meetups and always enjoy connecting with like-minded people in person.

This is what I’m committed to

• Strong Finances: The Bitcoin Federal Association needs a solid and growing financial foundation. Only then can it carry out its work and project a credible public image. A Bitcoin association without funds is unable to act, particularly in areas such as marketing, lobbying, and member recruitment.
• Business Association: The Bitcoin Federal Association must be a strong and reliable partner for businesses, regardless of their sector. I would like to expand this area.
• Greater visibility: The association needs to raise its public profile. This requires campaigns and ongoing public relations efforts.
• Contact: The association must serve as a knowledgeable point of contact for the media, politicians, other professional associations, and other interest groups on all matters related to Bitcoin. Accordingly, it must be positioned to be the leading expert voice on these issues.

Much of what I would like to advocate for is already being done by the association today. In my view, there is good work to be continued and expanded upon, and new standards to be set, so that we can be a cornerstone and driving force in the German Bitcoin community in the future.

I appreciate your support and thank you in advance for your trust.

Sebastian Rehbein