Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has laid out what he believes are the biggest upgrades still needed in the global financial system, arguing that technology and policy must evolve together to unlock the next stage of growth.
In a recent post, Armstrong pointed to eight areas that remain unfinished, ranging from real-world asset tokenization and stablecoin payments to AI-powered financial services and more innovation-friendly regulation. He said the job is not done until these systems work for everyone, adding that significant technological and regulatory progress is still required.
Major areas where the financial system still needs an update:
1. Tokenization of real-world assets – Real estate, stocks, bonds, funds, etc. onchain for instant settlement, fractional ownership & massive distribution.
2. 24/7 Global trading – Pooled global liquidity, every…
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) May 24, 2026
Armstrong calls for tokenized assets, 24/7 markets, and AI finance tools
At the top of Armstrong’s list is the tokenization of real-world assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and investment funds. He argues that moving these assets onchain could improve settlement times, allow fractional ownership, and expand access to investors worldwide.
He also highlighted the need for 24/7 global trading, where investors can access markets at any time rather than being limited by traditional trading hours. According to Armstrong, a more connected market could improve liquidity and make capital more efficient.
Other priorities include AI-driven tools for risk assessment, compliance, lending, and financial advice, which he believes could help reduce fraud and expand access to financial services.
How could tokenization and stablecoins change finance?
Armstrong sees tokenization and stablecoins as key building blocks of a more modern financial system. He argues that stablecoins can make global payments faster, cheaper, and available around the clock.
At the same time, tokenized assets could make investing more accessible by lowering barriers to entry and allowing ownership to be divided into smaller portions. This could open markets to a wider range of participants while reducing settlement delays.
Why are regulation and access key to the next phase of growth?
Armstrong also called for regulation that focuses on risk rather than applying the same rules to every type of innovation. He said clearer frameworks could encourage competition and help new technologies develop responsibly.
He further argued that open protocols and self-custody wallets can expand financial access, while easier fundraising tools could help more entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses. Together, he believes these changes could create a more open and efficient financial system.
Meanwhile, Armstrong surprised users on Kalshi and Polymarket during their third-quarter earnings call after deliberately dropping a list of popular crypto terms just before the session ended. His move instantly resolved all active prediction markets tied to Coinbase’s call to “yes,” sparking both amusement and debate among traders.
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