Coinbase Appoints George Osborne to Lead Global Policy Efforts

Coinbase recently appointed former British finance minister George Osborne to lead its internal advisory council. 

The decision reflects the exchange’s push to engage more deeply with governments beyond the United States. This effort is especially focused on strengthening ties in the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Coinbase Pushes for Clearer Crypto Rules in the UK and EU

Announced earlier today, Coinbase selected Osborne to guide its advisory council as part of a broader effort to engage governments and regulators worldwide. 

The company has already built strong political ties in the United States. Now, it wants to expand that influence into other major financial regions. 

Osborne, who joined Coinbase as an adviser in early 2024, will now take on a more active leadership role and will operate from London. The crypto industry has become a strong lobbying force in the United States, with Coinbase playing a key role. 

The company now wants to help push for clear and practical crypto rules outside the U.S. In Britain and the European Union, Coinbase is focusing on stablecoin payments, tokenised assets, and clearer tax rules, which are still holding back wider use of crypto in traditional finance.

George Osborne Brings Political and Business Experience to Coinbase

George Osborne brings strong political experience from his time as UK finance minister from 2010 to 2016. After leaving public office, he has taken on many senior roles in the private sector.

His roles include leadership positions in finance, investment management, and cultural institutions. He has also taken on advisory work related to technology and global infrastructure. This includes recent involvement in overseas data centre expansion for a major U.S. artificial intelligence company.

By leading Coinbase’s advisory council, Osborne gains a closer view of how blockchain technology , stablecoins, and tokenisation are reshaping financial systems. 

His role places him at the centre of discussions about how digital assets fit into modern markets, payments, and regulation. Coinbase sees this perspective as vital when speaking with policymakers who are still shaping their approach to crypto.

Crypto Industry Gains Political Support as Rules Ease

The crypto industry has spent heavily on politics, donating more than $245 million to back pro-crypto candidates in the 2024 U.S. elections. After President Donald Trump was elected, U.S. regulators and lawmakers began taking a more supportive approach to digital assets.

New laws have made it easier to use stablecoins, and regulators have ended major legal cases against Coinbase and other crypto companies. While the industry says past rules were too strict, regulators say strong oversight is still needed.

In the UK, Coinbase believes it can help shape clear rules that support innovation while keeping the financial system stable.