Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said the global financial system still needs substantial upgrades, and achieving those improvements will require both major technological innovation and thoughtful policy work.
In a post on X, Armstrong identified several areas where the industry must evolve, including the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), 24/7 global trading, stablecoin-powered payments, AI-driven financial services, and regulation that supports innovation and competition.
Shift Toward Tokenized Real-World Assets
Armstrong noted that putting assets like real estate, stocks, bonds, and investment funds on blockchain networks enables instant settlement, fractional ownership, and wider distribution. Financial firms are increasingly examining tokenization as a method to modernize settlement processes, redefine asset ownership, and broaden investor access while remaining compliant with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.
International bodies and market analysts have described tokenization as a core reconfiguration of financial infrastructure. Industry forecasts estimate the RWA tokenization market could grow substantially by 2030, with tokenized treasuries expected to be a major driver of that expansion.
Commentators in the space have observed that the shift of real-world assets onto blockchains continues regardless of short-term crypto price fluctuations. Growth in on-chain markets tied to commodities and other assets is making these markets more competitive with traditional finance and expanding the range of products available on-chain.
Armstrong also called for continuous, 24/7 global trading supported by pooled liquidity to improve capital efficiency and leverage options. For payments, he argued stablecoins can enable near-instant, low-cost cross-border transfers and support automated payment flows.
AI-Powered Finance
Armstrong emphasized AI’s potential to transform financial services—improving risk management, credit assessment, compliance, fraud detection, and personalized financial advice while widening access to capital. Coinbase itself has moved toward a more AI-focused operating model, reducing headcount to create smaller, faster teams that use AI tools to automate tasks and operate more efficiently.
On the regulatory front, Armstrong recommended moving away from one-size-fits-all regimes toward risk-based rules that promote innovation and competition. He advocated for open protocols and self-custodial wallets as ways to expand financial access to anyone with a smartphone.
He also highlighted the importance of easier capital formation for startups and described “sound money” as a refuge in environments where fiat currency discipline weakens and inflation becomes a concern.