Coinbase

Coinbase joins Tesla and SpaceX in leaving Delaware, spurred by concerns over legal uncertainties highlighted by a court ruling against Elon Musk’s compensation. While Nevada emerges as a popular alternative, data indicates Delaware remains a dominant incorporation hub, attracting many new entities despite the high-profile departures. Delaware defends its business-friendly environment built on decades of established corporate code and experienced judiciary, citing its commitment to adapting to modern business needs.

Coinbase, following Tesla, is reincorporating outside Delaware, citing “unpredictable outcomes” in the Chancery Court, joining Dropbox, TripAdvisor, and Andreessen Horowitz. This trend accelerated after a ruling challenging Elon Musk’s Tesla compensation. Alternative jurisdictions like Texas offer advantages, such as limiting shareholder lawsuits. Companies may also be seeking strategic advantages during Delaware lawsuits. These decisions reflect concerns about Delaware’s legal environment and companies’ broader political positioning with CEOs like Coinbase’s Brian Armstrong becoming politically engaged.

Coinbase shares rose nearly 3% after reporting Q3 earnings that exceeded expectations, driven by a resurgence in retail and institutional crypto trading. Net income reached $432.6 million, or $1.50 per share, surpassing estimates. Revenue climbed to $1.87 billion, with transaction revenue reaching $1 billion. The exchange’s growth is attributed to a more favorable regulatory environment and improving trade relations. CEO Brian Armstrong emphasized the “everything exchange” vision, expanding tradable assets to 40,000. Coinbase is integrating prediction markets and tokenized equities in response to increasing competition.

Kevin Durant’s forgotten Coinbase account, containing Bitcoin purchased in 2016, has become a surprisingly profitable investment due to the cryptocurrency’s surge in value. Agent Rich Kleiman revealed that Durant’s team has been unable to access the account due to a forgotten password, leading to an unintentional “hodl” strategy. While Bitcoin’s value has skyrocketed by over 11,000% since Durant’s initial investment, the situation highlights the challenges of digital asset management and account recovery, even for prominent figures. Durant and Kleiman are also investors in Coinbase Global and have a partnership with the platform.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong addressed Capitol Hill amid a regulatory clash between crypto and banking sectors. The debate centers on crypto exchanges offering rewards, viewed as similar to bank interest. Banking groups lobby to restrict this, fearing deposit outflows to stablecoins. Armstrong argues for a level playing field, dismissing bank concerns as protecting revenue. The GENIUS Act’s interpretation on exchange-offered rewards is disputed. Banks warn of diminished lending capacity, citing a potential $6.6 trillion deposit shift. Crypto advocates claim restrictions favor traditional institutions. The outcome of market structure legislation will shape the future of digital assets and finance.

World Liberty Financial’s (WLFI) USD1 stablecoin, claimed to be the fastest-growing, is now available on Coinbase. This expands USD1’s accessibility to Coinbase’s extensive user base, aligning with WLFI’s goal of wider digital asset adoption. CEO Zach Witkoff emphasizes Coinbase’s trustworthiness as a major crypto platform. USD1 is a Genius-compliant stablecoin backed by a reserve portfolio of treasury bills, cash deposits etc. This follows ALT5 Sigma’s $1.5 billion capital raise to adopt a WLFI Treasury Strategy, highlighting institutional interest. WLFI aims to democratize DeFi access.

Coinbase (COIN) announced the pricing of $1.3 billion each in 0% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2029 and 2032 through a private placement, exceeding initial expectations. Net proceeds are projected to be $2.56 billion, potentially rising to $2.96 billion if underwriters fully exercise their options. Coinbase intends to use the funds for general corporate purposes, including strategic investments and potential share repurchases. The notes are senior, unsecured obligations with conversion prices representing premiums over Coinbase’s August 5, 2025 closing price.

Circle (CRCL), a stablecoin issuer, debuted on the NYSE in June 2025 and surged 622% post-IPO, reaching a near $50 billion market cap. Stablecoins, likened to ADRs, face increasing regulatory scrutiny, exemplified by the “Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act.” Circle’s USDC, positioned as a compliant alternative to USDT, saw fluctuating issuance and redemptions. Challenges include reliance on Coinbase, potential interest rate cuts impacting revenue, and competition from Big Tech and government initiatives. The US’s complex stance on stablecoins stems from SWIFT disruption and US debt demand dynamics.