Coinbase Global, Inc., founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, is a leading American cryptocurrency exchange that provides a platform for buying, selling, and storing various digital assets. The company has grown to serve over 108 million customers in more than 100 countries, making it the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange. Operating as a remote-first organization without a physical headquarters, Coinbase emphasizes flexibility and global reach in its operations. In 2025, Coinbase became the world’s largest custodian of Bitcoin, holding over 12% of all Bitcoin in existence. The company’s product suite includes a consumer app for retail investors, Coinbase Advanced for professional traders, and developer tools for building on-chain applications. In May 2025, Coinbase expanded its global footprint by acquiring Deribit, a Dubai-based cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, for $2.9 billion. Despite facing regulatory challenges, including a lawsuit from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that was dismissed in February 2025, Coinbase continues to play a significant role in the cryptocurrency industry.
