Cash doesn't require a bank.

Banks are kinda useful to avoid getting robbed all your money, on a regular basis.

Many French people with crypto money experienced that the hard way recently.

do you have links about the french people?

Sure, here are a few links. Use your favourite translator.

In short, it's a very active and growing activity. Many data leaks helped people to identify wealthy targets. Some just brag about having crypto.

https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2026/04/24/enlevement...

https://www.franceinfo.fr/faits-divers/cryptomonnaies-la-vag...

https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2025/08/19/l-ascensio... (paywall)

https://www.slate.fr/societe/enlevements-lies-cryptomonnaies...

Some random recent ones we know about:

https://france3-regions.franceinfo.fr/grand-est/haut-rhin/mu...

https://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/renseignes-par-des-ha...

Kinda does?

Doesn't at all. You can take cash, keep cash and spend cash without any bank being involved. Cash is more anonymous than crypto and (if it's USD) accepted just about everywhere.

Banks give you an advantage with transaction security and deposit insurance, but that's dealing with money and not cash.

I understand that it is different in the US, but most countries’ cash is printed by some kind of central bank.