Coinbase CEO Says Financial System Needs Eight Onchain Upgrades
Brian Armstrong, chief executive of Coinbase, published a post on X on 24 May 2026. The post named eight areas where the global financial system still requires major updates, from tokenized assets to regulation. He said the job is not complete until these systems serve all users.
Tokenized real-world assets and stablecoin payments head the listArmstrong placed tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) at the top of his list. He defined the category as real estate, stocks, bonds, and investment funds moved on-chain for instant settlement, fractional ownership, and broader distribution. Stablecoin-powered payments ranked as a separate item. Armstrong said stablecoin transfers can settle near-instantly at lower cost than traditional banking rails, including for cross-border transactions. He also noted that stablecoins can support payments made by artificial intelligence (AI) systems acting autonomously.
"Major areas where the financial system still needs an update: 1. Tokenization of real-world assets – Real estate, stocks, bonds, funds, etc. onchain for instant settlement, fractional ownership & massive distribution. 2. 24/7 Global trading – Pooled global liquidity, every…", 24 May 2026.
— Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase
Six further upgrades address trading, AI, access and regulationThe remaining six items on Armstrong's list were 24/7 global trading with pooled global liquidity and AI-driven risk analysis and fraud detection. Armstrong also listed self-custody wallets for smartphone-based access and easier capital formation through lower on-chain issuance costs. He said AI tools can also improve credit scoring and financial advice delivery. Sound money and innovation-friendly, risk-based regulation completed the list. Armstrong said financial rules should move away from one-size-fits-all restrictions toward frameworks based on actual risk levels.
Armstrong frames the goal as global, automated, onchain financeMultiple secondary reports described Armstrong's conclusion as a vision for a financial system that is more global, more automated, and more on-chain. Armstrong tied all eight items to a single stated aim: expanding access for every user.
"Jobs not done until we get these working for all.", 24 May 2026.
— Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase Armstrong placed tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) at the top of his list. He defined the category as real estate, stocks, bonds, and investment funds moved on-chain for instant settlement, fractional ownership, and broader distribution. Stablecoin-powered payments ranked as a separate item. Armstrong said stablecoin transfers can settle near-instantly at lower cost than traditional banking rails, including for cross-border transactions. He also noted that stablecoins can support payments made by artificial intelligence (AI) systems acting autonomously.
"Major areas where the financial system still needs an update: 1. Tokenization of real-world assets – Real estate, stocks, bonds, funds, etc. onchain for instant settlement, fractional ownership & massive distribution. 2. 24/7 Global trading – Pooled global liquidity, every…", 24 May 2026.
— Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase
Six further upgrades address trading, AI, access and regulationThe remaining six items on Armstrong's list were 24/7 global trading with pooled global liquidity and AI-driven risk analysis and fraud detection. Armstrong also listed self-custody wallets for smartphone-based access and easier capital formation through lower on-chain issuance costs. He said AI tools can also improve credit scoring and financial advice delivery. Sound money and innovation-friendly, risk-based regulation completed the list. Armstrong said financial rules should move away from one-size-fits-all restrictions toward frameworks based on actual risk levels.
Armstrong frames the goal as global, automated, onchain financeMultiple secondary reports described Armstrong's conclusion as a vision for a financial system that is more global, more automated, and more on-chain. Armstrong tied all eight items to a single stated aim: expanding access for every user.
"Jobs not done until we get these working for all.", 24 May 2026.
— Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase "Major areas where the financial system still needs an update: 1. Tokenization of real-world assets – Real estate, stocks, bonds, funds, etc. onchain for instant settlement, fractional ownership & massive distribution. 2. 24/7 Global trading – Pooled global liquidity, every…", 24 May 2026.
— Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase
Six further upgrades address trading, AI, access and regulationThe remaining six items on Armstrong's list were 24/7 global trading with pooled global liquidity and AI-driven risk analysis and fraud detection. Armstrong also listed self-custody wallets for smartphone-based access and easier capital formation through lower on-chain issuance costs. He said AI tools can also improve credit scoring and financial advice delivery. Sound money and innovation-friendly, risk-based regulation completed the list. Armstrong said financial rules should move away from one-size-fits-all restrictions toward frameworks based on actual risk levels.
Armstrong frames the goal as global, automated, onchain financeMultiple secondary reports described Armstrong's conclusion as a vision for a financial system that is more global, more automated, and more on-chain. Armstrong tied all eight items to a single stated aim: expanding access for every user.
"Jobs not done until we get these working for all.", 24 May 2026.
— Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase Six further upgrades address trading, AI, access and regulationThe remaining six items on Armstrong's list were 24/7 global trading with pooled global liquidity and AI-driven risk analysis and fraud detection. Armstrong also listed self-custody wallets for smartphone-based access and easier capital formation through lower on-chain issuance costs. He said AI tools can also improve credit scoring and financial advice delivery. Sound money and innovation-friendly, risk-based regulation completed the list. Armstrong said financial rules should move away from one-size-fits-all restrictions toward frameworks based on actual risk levels.
Armstrong frames the goal as global, automated, onchain financeMultiple secondary reports described Armstrong's conclusion as a vision for a financial system that is more global, more automated, and more on-chain. Armstrong tied all eight items to a single stated aim: expanding access for every user.
"Jobs not done until we get these working for all.", 24 May 2026.
— Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase The remaining six items on Armstrong's list were 24/7 global trading with pooled global liquidity and AI-driven risk analysis and fraud detection. Armstrong also listed self-custody wallets for smartphone-based access and easier capital formation through lower on-chain issuance costs. He said AI tools can also improve credit scoring and financial advice delivery. Sound money and innovation-friendly, risk-based regulation completed the list. Armstrong said financial rules should move away from one-size-fits-all restrictions toward frameworks based on actual risk levels.
Armstrong frames the goal as global, automated, onchain financeMultiple secondary reports described Armstrong's conclusion as a vision for a financial system that is more global, more automated, and more on-chain. Armstrong tied all eight items to a single stated aim: expanding access for every user.
"Jobs not done until we get these working for all.", 24 May 2026.
— Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase Multiple secondary reports described Armstrong's conclusion as a vision for a financial system that is more global, more automated, and more on-chain. Armstrong tied all eight items to a single stated aim: expanding access for every user.
"Jobs not done until we get these working for all.", 24 May 2026.
— Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase "Jobs not done until we get these working for all.", 24 May 2026.
— Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinbase Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and involve significant risk. You may lose part or all of your investment. All information on Coinpaprika is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own research (DYOR) and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Coinpaprika is not liable for any losses resulting from the use of this information.