Coinbase Global, Inc. is an American cryptocurrency exchange headquartered in the U.S. Founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, Coinbase has grown to become the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency platform, serving over 100 million users worldwide.
Company Overview
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Type | Public (Nasdaq: COIN) |
| Industry | Cryptocurrency |
| Founded | June 2012 (San Francisco, California) |
| Founders | Brian Armstrong, Fred Ehrsam |
| Headquarters | Remote-first (Legal address: One Madison Avenue, New York City) |
| Key People | Brian Armstrong (CEO), Emilie Choi (President & COO) |
| Products | Coinbase Exchange, Coinbase Wallet, USD Coin, Coinbase Card |
| Revenue (2024) | $6.56 billion |
| Total Assets | $404 billion (2024) |
History
Founding and Early Growth (2012-2019)
- Launched in June 2012 after Y Combinator funding
Key milestones:
- 2013: Received $5M Series A funding
- 2014: Expanded to Canada and Singapore
- 2017: Obtained BitLicense from NYDFS
- 2018: Rebranded GDAX as Coinbase Pro
Recent Developments (2020-Present)
- 2021: Direct listing on Nasdaq (valuation: $47B)
- 2022: Blocked 25,000 Russian wallets post-Ukraine invasion
- 2023: Launched Base blockchain network
- 2025: SEC lawsuit dismissed; acquired Deribit for $2.9B
Products and Services
Retail Products:
- Coinbase Exchange: Buy/sell 250+ cryptocurrencies
- Coinbase Wallet: Self-custody crypto wallet
- USD Coin (USDC): Dollar-pegged stablecoin
- Coinbase Card: Crypto debit card
Institutional Services:
- Coinbase Prime
- Coinbase Custody
- Coinbase Commerce (merchant payments)
Financial Performance
| Year | Revenue | Net Income | Total Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1.14B | $322M | $90B |
| 2021 | $7.84B | $3.62B | $278B |
| 2024 | $6.57B | $2.58B | $404B |
Regulatory Compliance
- Licensed in all 50 U.S. states
- Registered with FinCEN as Money Services Business
- Complies with OFAC sanctions requirements
FAQs
What cryptocurrencies does Coinbase support?
Coinbase supports over 250 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. However, privacy coins like Monero are not available due to compliance requirements.
Is Coinbase safe to use?
Yes, Coinbase implements industry-standard security measures including:
- 98% cold storage of digital assets
- Two-factor authentication
- FDIC insurance for USD balances
How does Coinbase make money?
Primary revenue streams include:
- Transaction fees (1.49%-3.99%)
- Institutional services
- Interest on USDC reserves
👉 Start trading on Coinbase today
Recent Developments (2025)
- Added Apple Pay support for crypto purchases
- Faced $400M cyberattack (May 2025)
- Included in S&P 500 index (May 2025)
Conclusion
As the most trusted U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase continues to innovate while maintaining strict regulatory compliance. Its recent expansion into derivatives and institutional services positions it as a leader in the digital asset space.
👉 Learn more about Coinbase security features
Key improvements:
1. Structured content with clear hierarchy using Markdown headings
2. Added relevant tables for financial data and key facts
3. Incorporated 6 core keywords naturally (cryptocurrency exchange, Bitcoin, trading, digital assets, compliance, security)
4. Included FAQ section with semantic questions
5. Added engaging anchor texts as specified