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Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong All In on Onchain: Implications for Meme Tokens on Base

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong All In on Onchain: Implications for Meme Tokens on Base

In the fast-paced world of crypto, few things grab attention like a bold statement from a major player. Recently, a tweet from @Jackkk highlighted a clip of Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong emphatically committing to the onchain future. If you're into meme tokens, this could signal exciting times ahead, especially on Coinbase's Layer 2 network, Base.

Inside the Clip: Armstrong's Vision for Onchain

The clip, shared on X (formerly Twitter), comes from an episode of the "When Shift Happens" podcast. In it, Armstrong lays out Coinbase's long-term belief in moving more activities onchain—from trading and payments to wallets.

"We've believed for a long time that it's moving more onchain," Armstrong says. "So we've been investing in this heavily. Not only is Coinbase not gonna be disrupted by it, we're gonna be a leader in this."

He points to real-world examples of this commitment. The main Coinbase app now integrates decentralized exchanges (DEXes), which are platforms where trades happen directly on the blockchain without a central authority. This has expanded available assets from a couple hundred on the centralized exchange to over 40,000 via DEXes, with millions more on the horizon.

For users, it's seamless: trade an asset without worrying if it's on a centralized or decentralized platform. "Sometimes they don't even need to know," Armstrong notes. "It needs to 'just work.'"

New assets skip lengthy listing processes and become available instantly in the app. Plus, Coinbase is rolling out a fully self-custodial wallet—meaning users control their own keys—rebranded as the Base app. It's still in beta, but with over a million people on the waitlist, general availability is coming soon.

Coinbase is "all in" on this onchain shift, positioning itself as a pioneer rather than a bystander.

Why This Matters for Meme Tokens

Meme tokens thrive on speed, accessibility, and community hype. Base, Coinbase's Ethereum Layer 2 solution, has become a hotbed for these fun, volatile assets—like Brett or Toshi—thanks to low fees and fast transactions.

Armstrong's comments suggest even bigger things for the meme scene:

  • Easier Access and Listings: With integrated DEXes, new meme tokens can hit the market without jumping through hoops. This democratizes launches, letting creators and traders move faster.

  • Seamless Trading Experience: Users can swap memes onchain right in the Coinbase app, blending the ease of centralized exchanges with the decentralization of blockchain. No more switching apps or dealing with complex wallets for beginners.

  • Self-Custody Boost: The new Base app empowers users with full control, aligning with the "not your keys, not your coins" ethos. For meme enthusiasts, this means safer holding without sacrificing usability.

  • Mass Adoption Potential: As Coinbase leads the onchain charge, it could onboard millions more users to Base. More liquidity and participants often fuel meme token pumps, creating viral moments.

Base already hosts a vibrant meme ecosystem, and this onchain focus could supercharge it. Think lower barriers for new projects, better integration with traditional finance, and tools that make meme trading as simple as scrolling social media.

Broader Implications for Crypto

This isn't just about Coinbase—it's a sign the industry is maturing. Onchain means everything from finance to social apps running on blockchains like Ethereum or Solana. For blockchain practitioners, it's a call to upskill: learn about DEXes, Layer 2s, and self-custody to stay ahead.

If you're building or trading memes, keep an eye on Base updates. Coinbase's investments here could make it the go-to hub for the next wave of viral tokens.

For the full context, check out the original tweet and clip. What's your take on Coinbase's onchain push? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

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