Coinbase's CEO, Brian Armstrong, envisions that by 2030, cryptocurrency could underpin as much as 10% of the global GDP. This forecast underscores the growing integration of crypto into mainstream financial systems, as the sector earns traction worldwide.
During the company's quarterly earnings call on February 13, Armstrong emphasized the transformative impact of blockchain technology. He forecasts a significant shift in economic operations, with 10% of global GDP anticipated to utilize crypto by the decade's end.
Should this prediction materialize, blockchain could facilitate over $10 trillion in economic activity in the approaching years.
Armstrong likened the current phase of crypto adoption to the early 2000s internet expansion, where companies had to embrace the digital age. He envisages a future where "on-chain" activities become as ubiquitous as online interactions were two decades ago.
This perspective marks the evolution of crypto from a fringe investment to a core infrastructure of global commerce. Armstrong believes that crypto will act as the foundation for future economic advancements.
He attributed this shift to crypto's growing utility in everyday monetary exchanges, forecasting its extensive use for payments and remittances. Armstrong also noted the current progress, citing businesses and financial institutions as they explore blockchain solutions for efficient transactions. For example, Ethena Labs' launch of a stablecoin backed by BlackRock’s BUIDL exemplifies this trend.
Recent legislative actions, such as stablecoin and market structure laws, have brought about heightened clarity for businesses and investors. Armstrong indicated that as regulatory guidance improves, crypto's mainstream adoption will accelerate, placing stablecoins at the forefront.
This outlook aligns with Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller's views on stablecoins potentially bolstering the global dominance of the US Dollar.
Coinbase's robust financial results in 2024 further affirm its optimism for crypto's future. The company saw significant revenue growth driven by transaction activities and subscription services.
Transaction revenue surged 162% year-over-year, reaching $4 billion, mainly due to increased trading and Bitcoin ETF product offerings. Subscription and services revenue rose 64%, amounting to $2.3 billion, largely due to stablecoin transactions. Notably, international revenue made up 19% of total earnings in the fourth quarter, signaling a rise in adoption beyond the US.
Amid these developments, Coinbase is also considering re-entry into the Indian market following a regulatory setback three years prior.