Coinbase 2026 Plan Builds One Global Market for All Assets
- Coinbase plans to merge crypto equities, commodities, and derivatives into one platform by 2026.
- Stablecoins and payments emerge as core infrastructure beyond simple trading activity.
- Base chain growth signals a determination to move users and developers fully on-chain.
Coinbase outlined a sweeping 2026 roadmap that signals a major shift in its business model and long-term strategy. Chief executive Brian Armstrong described plans that move the company beyond crypto brokerage into a vertically integrated global financial marketplace. The roadmap places multi-asset trading, stablecoin payments, and on-chain adoption at the center of Coinbase’s future direction.
Armstrong shared the priorities in a public post on X that detailed three core goals for 2026.
The first goal focuses on expanding an all-in-one exchange across crypto equities, commodities, and prediction markets. The second centers on scaling stablecoins and payments, while the third targets bringing global users on-chain through Base and Coinbase developer tools. The strategy arrives as exchanges compete to capture users seeking broader access and fewer platforms.
Coinbase now positions itself as a single liquidity hub that mirrors traditional capital markets while using crypto-native settlement rails.
Everything Exchange Takes Priority
Armstrong placed the Everything Exchange at the top of Coinbase’s roadmap. The initiative aims to support trading across multiple asset classes under one framework. Planned offerings include spot markets, futures, and options where regulations allow. This approach places Coinbase in direct competition with both crypto-native exchanges and traditional brokerages.
Platforms that previously focused on single asset classes now face pressure to broaden access. Coinbase seeks to reduce fragmentation for users who currently rely on several services. As part of the rollout, Coinbase launched a prediction market through a partnership with Kalshi. The move brings Coinbase into a growing sector where outcomes trading attracts retail interest.
It also places the company alongside rivals such as Crypto.com and Gemini. The company stated that asset availability will depend on jurisdiction and compliance standards. This structure allows Coinbase to expand gradually across regions while managing regulatory exposure. The Everything Exchange now serves as the foundation of the 2026 roadmap.
Stablecoins and Payments as Infrastructure
Another aspect of the roadmap is aimed at growing stablecoins and payments. Coinbase has progressively seen stablecoins as infrastructure rather than mere trading instruments. Armstrong mentioned long-term growth for payments to be the platform’s driver.
In different parts of the world, stablecoins have for some time been able to act as dollar substitutes. Coinbase’s goal is to be part of that through quicker settlement and sliced transaction fees. The firm is still putting money into equipment to cut the dependence on traditional banking mechanisms.
Supporting payments in this way is consistent with the entire industry’s seeking alternative sources of revenue. The varying trading volumes are a common phenomenon during the different phases of the market cycle. Payment custody and settlement services offer steadier income paths for large platforms.
Related: Coinbase CEO Says Bitcoin Supports Dollar as Rules Ease
Base Chain and On-chain Expansion
Coinbase is accelerating efforts to migrate users and activity onto its Layer-2 network, Base. The company promotes Base as a foundation for on-chain applications and services. Developer tools under CoinbaseDev support this broader ecosystem strategy. The approach reflects a shift toward programmable settlement layers.
These systems prioritize efficiency, transparency, and composability. Such traits remain central to blockchain-based financial infrastructure. Engagement around Base continues to grow within the developer community. Base developer Jesse Pollak recently asked users for feedback on improving the Base app. A user known as “isthinking” suggested adding creator revenue streams directly to Base profiles.
The proposal envisioned music streams’ royalties and e-commerce income directed to on-chain identities. Creators would have the ability to get instant payouts at once without having to sell any tokens. Pollak acknowledged the input by employing a salute emoji, which meant concurrence with the creators’ concerns.
The broader vision of Coinbase opens up a passage that exceeds merely the provision of a trading platform for traders’ operations. The firm is building the foundation, which will facilitate the entire digital economic ecosystem. Coinbase’s future for 2026 includes a marketplace for various assets inspired by the notion of programmability in finance.
