Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has outlined an expansive roadmap for 2026, signaling a major shift in how the company sees its future. No longer positioning itself as just a crypto exchange, Coinbase wants to become what Armstrong calls the world’s “number one financial app,” combining traditional finance, crypto, and on-chain infrastructure under one roof.
The plan is built around three core priorities that aim to move Coinbase beyond trading and into everyday financial utility.
Building an “Everything Exchange”
Coinbase’s strategy is the idea of an “everything exchange.” The company plans to expand globally into equities, commodities, and prediction markets alongside crypto. This would place Coinbase in direct competition with platforms like Robinhood and Interactive Brokers, while also challenging newer prediction-based platforms that gained traction in recent years.
Armstrong argues that users increasingly want a single dashboard for managing all financial assets. Instead of juggling multiple apps for stocks, crypto, and alternative markets, Coinbase wants to offer one unified interface where everything lives together.
Stablecoins as Everyday Money
Most importantly, the second pillar focuses on stablecoins, an area Coinbase sees as a long-term growth engine. After years of high interest rates highlighting the importance of stablecoin liquidity, Coinbase plans to aggressively scale payments and real-world usage.
The goal is to move stablecoins like USDC beyond trading pairs and into daily transactions, from small retail payments to cross-border business settlements. If successful, Coinbase would effectively operate as a global, crypto-native banking layer without traditional borders.
Base and the Push to Bring Users On-Chain
The third priority is Coinbase’s Layer-2 network, Base. Armstrong sees Base as a foundation for a consumer-friendly on-chain ecosystem, combining developer growth, scalable infrastructure, and simplified user experiences.
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Coinbase wants to attract top developers to build applications that feel intuitive rather than technical, while also improving how users interact with decentralized apps. The approach mirrors the Apple ecosystem model, where infrastructure and applications reinforce each other.
Addressing Token Listings and Market Freedom
Armstrong also addressed criticism around slow token listings on Coinbase’s centralized exchange. He emphasized that millions of assets are already accessible through decentralized exchanges, shifting responsibility for discovery to the blockchain itself.
He cautioned users not to view any listing as an endorsement, stressing that Coinbase is building an open marketplace rather than curating investments.
Crypto Reaction
Separately, longevity researcher Aubrey de Grey weighed in on ongoing discussions involving Armstrong and Richard Heart, urging collaboration despite differences. He highlighted their shared commitment to longevity research, noting that many PulseChain investors care deeply about the same mission and that cooperation could amplify impact.
Together, these developments point to Coinbase aiming not just to scale crypto adoption, but to reshape how people interact with money, technology, and long-term innovation by 2026.
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FAQs
A single app can simplify tracking, payments, and investing, reducing fees, friction, and security risks caused by using multiple platforms.
Stablecoins offer faster settlement, lower costs, and price stability, making them practical for everyday spending and global transfers.
Layer-2s reduce transaction fees and delays, making blockchain apps feel closer to traditional mobile apps in speed and usability.
Open markets give users more choice but require stronger due diligence, as availability does not guarantee quality or safety.
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