Imagine a world where the shimmer of gold meets the speed of blockchain, where wealth isn’t just preserved but made accessible to everyone—banked or unbanked, urban or remote. This is the audacious vision of Serge Maurice Lobréau, a Congolese-born, Paris-raised entrepreneur who’s rewriting the rules of finance with a blend of grit, innovation, and an unshakable belief in inclusion. From launching a $72 million gold-backed cryptocurrency to building a global empire through Sapian Group and Flash Group, Lobréau’s journey is as captivating as it is inspiring. How does a boy from the diamond-rich chaos of Mbujimayi rise to become a trailblazer in the digital economy? Let’s dive into the extraordinary story of a man who’s turning financial dreams into reality.
A Childhood Shaped by Change
Born on March 4, 1982, in Mbujimayi, a bustling mining town in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Serge Maurice Lobréau grew up surrounded by the paradox of abundant resources and pervasive instability. His early years were shaped by the rhythms of a region known for its diamond trade, but at age eight, fate intervened. Following his grandfather’s death, a serendipitous encounter with a French relative paved the way for his family’s relocation to Paris—a move that would redefine his future.
In France, Lobréau adapted with remarkable speed, mastering the language in six months and embracing a new cultural landscape. As a teenager, he took on odd jobs—selling radio ads, among others—while pursuing his studies, revealing an entrepreneurial spark that would later ignite his career. These early experiences forged a resilience and resourcefulness that became the bedrock of his success.
Mastering the Art of Finance
Lobréau’s academic path was as dynamic as his upbringing. He earned a marketing degree from Blanche de Castille in Fontainebleau, studied law at the University of Paris-Panthéon-Assas, and later secured a postgraduate diploma in controlling and business administration from the University of Évry in 2004. His crowning achievement came with an MBA in International Financial Markets from Université Paris-Dauphine, specializing in financial control and derivatives markets—an education that armed him with the tools to conquer the financial world.
His career began in 2005 in the fast-paced realm of hedge funds, where he excelled at selling restructuring and derivatives-based products. A detour to Microsoft’s European headquarters in Ireland as a project manager showcased his versatility, but banking was where he truly made his mark. At Crédit Agricole and other global institutions, Lobréau managed over $2.5 billion in assets and oversaw 800+ corporate accounts, establishing himself as a powerhouse in wealth management. Yet, even as he thrived, he felt the pull of something bigger—a calling to disrupt the status quo.
From Network Marketing to Blockchain Pioneer
In 2013, Lobréau took a leap of faith, leaving traditional banking to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. His success in network marketing had already proven his knack for building systems and inspiring others, but it was in 2015 that his vision took flight. That year, he founded Sapian Group, a financial holding company focused on commodities trading and asset management, with an emphasis on precious metals. Simultaneously, he launched Flash Group, a tech-driven venture harnessing blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) to tackle financial exclusion head-on.
The pinnacle of Flash Group’s innovation came in 2018 with Flashmoni, a gold-backed cryptocurrency that raised $72 million in a groundbreaking Initial Coin Offering (ICO). The OZTG coin, pegged to physical gold, was a bold statement: digital wealth could be stable, tangible, and inclusive. Lobréau’s mission was clear—empower individuals worldwide by bridging traditional value with modern technology.
A Legacy in the Making
Today, Serge Maurice Lobréau stands as a symbol of what’s possible when ambition meets purpose. His companies operate across continents, his ideas influence the fintech landscape, and his story inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs. From the dusty streets of Mbujimayi to the boardrooms of Paris and beyond, Lobréau’s journey reminds us that the future of finance isn’t just about wealth—it’s about access, equity, and the courage to dream big. As blockchain continues to reshape our world, Lobréau isn’t just keeping pace; he’s leading the charge.
