Coinbase CEO Outlines 8 Fixes for Finance, Starting With Tokenization

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong says the global financial system needs eight major reforms, led by real-world asset tokenization. He says bitcoin and tokenization can help build a fairer system for individuals around the world.

Tokenization Leads Financial Upgrades

Armstrong wants to move assets like real estate, stocks, bonds, and funds onto blockchains as digital tokens. He says this shift could allow instant settlement and seamless fractional ownership for everyday investors.

He has argued that “everything that can be tokenized will be” and that tokenization will reinvent finance. In his view, this model cuts costs, boosts efficiency, and gives more people access to markets that were once closed to them.

Armstrong also believes tokenization can help level the playing field for wealth creation. He recently said that “crypto and tokenization will be a great equalizer, giving billions a level playing field to pursue wealth creation.” He links this idea to “equality of opportunity” rather than “equality of outcomes.”

Around-The-Clock Markets and Better Payments

The Coinbase chief says markets should run as 24/7 global trading venues with pooled liquidity. He imagines every asset tradable at any time by anyone, with greater capital efficiency and access.

He also calls for “next-gen payments” using stablecoins to enable near-instant, low-cost transfers worldwide. These payments would power human and automated “agentic” transactions and replace slow, expensive cross-border systems.

Armstrong notes that only a small share of global activity now runs on crypto rails, but he expects sharp growth. He sees stablecoin payments rising from a fraction of global GDP to a much larger share in the coming years.

He lists AI tools as another key upgrade for banking and investing. Armstrong says AI can improve risk checks, credit decisions, compliance, and advice, thereby reducing fraud and expanding access to capital.

Armstrong also wants regulations that support innovation through risk-based rules rather than uniform controls. He has urged lawmakers to ensure fair competition and warned that traditional institutions can use old rules to block new players.

Another focus is wider access through open protocols and self-custodial wallets that can reach anyone with a smartphone. He also calls for easier capital formation for startups and “sound money” that serves as a refuge when people lose trust in fiat currency.

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