Coinbase’s Brian Armstrong talks plans to move beyond trading

Five years from now, Coinbase will not just be a crypto trading service provider, but also a more universal entity driving adoption in the space.

CEO Brian Armstrong made the claim during an AMA session. He cited such recent developments as Coinbase Earn and work towards crypto lending and margin trading on Coinbase.

“In five years I hope that we’ll have it even further beyond that. There’ll be thousands of companies that’ll be crypto-first,” Armstrong commented.

Here’s to you, Donnie

Last week, Armstrong stated that Donald Trump slamming Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general was a huge moment for the space.

“Achievement unlocked! I dreamt about a sitting US President needing to respond to growing cryptocurrency usage years ago. “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win”. We just made it to step 3 y’all,” he said on Twitter.

He added: “This is the common first reaction of most people when they learn about Bitcoin (yes Bitcoin Bitcoin Bitcoin) and cryptocurrency generally. It means they have begun down the path toward learning more…so it’s a good sign.”

Currencies controlled by one country are always going to be at a disadvantage vs transnational currencies, Armstrong argued. “The US could lead the world in that transition, and unlock tons of economic growth (just like the US benefitted massively from major internet companies being built here) or another country could beat us there and build the next financial centre outside of New York.”

“Bitcoin is inherently global just like the internet, so it doesn’t mind where the value is captured. Huge opportunity for those with the foresight to recognise it,” he concluded.