Overview
Coinbase is a publicly traded company founded on June 20, 2012, that provides a platform for buying, selling, and storing cryptocurrencies. It is one of the most widely used exchanges, offering services to retail and institutional customers. Coinbase operates in a heavily regulated market and is one of the few major exchanges listed on a US stock exchange.
How It Works
Coinbase offers a custodial exchange where users buy, sell, and hold crypto through its app and website, alongside advanced trading tools, staking, and institutional custody. It generates revenue primarily from trading fees and subscription services. The company maintains its own custody infrastructure, and its public listing and disclosures are designed to comply with securities regulation.
Why It Matters
Coinbase is the primary on-ramp for retail investors in the United States and a bellwether for how crypto companies navigate regulation. Its exchange risk, custody model, and regulatory battles shape the broader industry's approach to compliance. Its launch of Base, an Ethereum Layer 2, also shows how exchanges are expanding into on-chain infrastructure.
Related Concepts
Coinbase is an Exchange and Company, connected to custody and regulatory topics. Its Layer 2 Base ties it to the Rollup ecosystem, and its trading volume makes it a benchmark in the Exchange category.