Coinbase Expands Globally with Launch of International Crypto Exchange
By James Pebenito • May 3, 2023
Coinbase Expands Globally with Launch of International Crypto Exchange
One of the most prominent cryptocurrency exchanges in the United States, Coinbase, has launched an international platform. The move is a result of the exchange’s efforts to expand its global reach and capitalize on the worldwide interest in cryptocurrencies.
Coinbase has been a prominent player in the US cryptocurrency market for several years, providing users with a platform to purchase, sell, and trade Bitcoin and Ethereum, among others. However, the company’s CEO, Brian Armstrong, has been vocal about the lack of regulatory clarity for cryptocurrencies in the United States, prompting the company to seek opportunities outside of the US market.
Coinbase has taken a significant step with the launch of its international platform, which will enable the company to reach customers in countries where the demand for cryptocurrencies is growing rapidly.
According to Armstrong, the decision to launch an international platform was motivated by the belief that the United States could accept fundamental innovation, but that regulatory clarity would take time to emerge. “We’ve always believed that crypto is a global phenomenon,” Armstrong stated in a recent interview. “We want to make it simple for individuals from all over the world to participate in this new economy.”
Coinbase Seeks Global Expansion Amid Rising Crypto Demand
Coinbase will gain access to new markets and revenue sources with the launch of the international platform. The exchange has already listed perpetual futures contracts for Bitcoin and Ethereum, allowing users to speculate on the future prices of Bitcoin and Ethereum. These contracts will initially offer 5x leverage and be settled in USDC, a stablecoin anchored to the US dollar.
The expansion of Coinbase into international markets is representative of a broader trend in the cryptocurrency industry. As the demand for cryptocurrencies increases, an increasing number of businesses are seeking to expand beyond their domestic markets. However, as with any new market, there will be obstacles for companies to overcome, such as regulatory issues and local competition.
Despite these obstacles, Coinbase’s international platform introduction is a significant step for the company and the cryptocurrency industry as a whole. As cryptocurrencies become more mainstream, it is likely that more businesses will seek to expand their reach and provide services to consumers around the globe.