Coinbase CEO Predicts Crypto to Power 10% of Global GDP by 2030

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong believes the world is entering a pivotal phase for cryptocurrency adoption, predicting that up to 10% of global GDP could be driven by blockchain technology by 2030. Speaking during Coinbase fourth-quarter 2024 earnings call on Feb. 13, Armstrong drew parallels between the current wave of crypto adoption and the early 2000s when businesses had to adapt to the internet.

“Onchain is the new online,” Armstrong stated, emphasizing that companies integrating crypto today are positioning themselves for the future. If his prediction holds, over $10 trillion in value could be tokenized or running on blockchain networks by the end of the decade, based on the World Bank’s estimate of global GDP surpassing $100 trillion.

Armstrong also sees the U.S. playing a leading role in this transition, crediting President Donald Trump’s policies for accelerating crypto adoption. He noted that the U.S. now has the “most pro-crypto Congress” Coinbase has ever seen, with ongoing efforts to push forward stablecoin regulations and broader market structure legislation.

Coinbase Reports Strongest Quarter in Over a Year

Coinbase reported a significant jump in revenue, posting $2.3 billion in earnings for Q4 2024, marking an 88% increase from the previous quarter. Armstrong stated that the company is well-positioned to be the “preferred partner” for businesses looking to integrate blockchain-based financial infrastructure.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller recently called for stablecoin regulations to allow banks to issue dollar-backed digital assets, reinforcing Armstrong’s point that regulatory clarity could drive the next phase of growth in the crypto industry.

Regulatory Momentum and Global Adoption

As the U.S. pushes forward with regulatory frameworks, Armstrong expects other nations to follow suit, suggesting that global crypto adoption will accelerate in response. “Given the U.S. leadership here, the rest of the world is taking notice and will be under pressure to embrace crypto adoption,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Armstrong said Coinbase’s focus for 2025 would be on expanding revenue streams within existing products while fostering greater utility in new categories where crypto is gaining traction. He also emphasized the company’s role in “building the foundations to power this next decade of growth.”