Brian Armstrong Says the More Crypto Regulation, the Better for Coinbase — CEO Discusses Alleged SEC Investigation – Regulation Bitcoin News

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong says “the more regulation there is for crypto, the better it is for Coinbase.” He revealed an inquiry from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), noting: “We do not yet know if this inquiry will become a formal investigation.”

Coinbase’s CEO on Crypto Regulation

The CEO of Coinbase Global (Nasdaq: COIN), Brian Armstrong, discussed his company’s performance and cryptocurrency regulation during Coinbase’s Q2 earnings call Tuesday.

Coinbase’s revenue declined almost 64% in the second quarter. The company reported a $1.1 billion net loss, compared with $1.59 billion in net income in the same quarter last year. “Q2 was a test of durability for crypto companies and a complex quarter overall,” Coinbase said in its latest letter to shareholders.

Regarding cryptocurrency regulation, Armstrong detailed: “We’ve been pleased to see the progress recently both in the U.S. and in countries around the world toward more clear legislation for crypto. In the U.S., there are several bills making their way through Congress with strong bipartisan support.”

He also mentioned President Joe Biden’s executive order on crypto, the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, and “positive developments” in Australia, the U.K., Hong Kong, Brazil, and other markets.

Armstrong opined:

It’s sort of strange to say, but … in some ways, the more regulation there is for crypto, the better it is for Coinbase.

“We’re more than happy to engage with any regulators around the world who will take time to meet with us. We don’t see this as a bad thing. On the contrary, we believe it’s the best way to help the industry move forward,” he noted.

Armstrong on SEC’s Alleged Investigation of Coinbase

Addressing recent headlines that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may be investigating Coinbase over its cryptocurrency listings, Armstrong revealed that in May the SEC sent Coinbase a “voluntary request for information,” including details of its asset listings process. He emphasized:

We do not yet know if this inquiry will become a formal investigation.

Last month, the SEC charged a former Coinbase product manager in an insider trading case and stated that nine crypto tokens listed on Coinbase are securities. The Nasdaq-listed company has disputed any allegations that it lists crypto securities.

What do you think about the comments by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong? Let us know in the comments section below.

Kevin Helms

A student of Austrian Economics, Kevin found Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open-source systems, network effects and the intersection between economics and cryptography.




Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.