Coinbase Shakes Things Up as 1M New Tokens Drop Weekly
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has a problem with the crypto space: too many tokens.
On January 25 via X, Armstrong said over 1 million tokens are being created every week, and the platform can’t keep up with reviewing and listing them.
The current “allow list” model, where each token needs approval, is no longer sustainable in this fast growing space. Armstrong says, “Regulators need to understand that applying for approval for each one is totally infeasible at this point.” To solve this problem, he suggests moving to a “block list” where only bad tokens are excluded and the process can be more scalable.
Integrating DEX Technology for a Seamless Experience
In addition to token evaluation, Armstrong also announced they will be deeper integrating DEX technology. This will allow users to trade without having to know or care if the trade is on a CEX or DEX.
“We’ll continue to integrate native DEX support more deeply. Customers shouldn’t need to know or care if the trade is happening on a DEX or CEX,” Armstrong said. This is Coinbase’s way of bridging the gap between CEX and DEX, to support more users and stay competitive in the crypto space.
U.S. Regulators Respond to Crypto’s Rapid Growth
Coinbase’s problems are part of a broader industry wide issue as U.S. regulators are struggling to keep up with the exponential growth of digital assets. On January 23, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology”. This is to position the U.S. as the global leader in crypto innovation while balancing economic freedom and oversight.
Key developments:
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) formed a task force led by Commissioner Hester Peirce to clarify digital asset guidelines.
- Caroline Pham as acting chair of the CFTC to oversee digital assets.
- A “crypto czar” role to coordinate across agencies.
This is a more unified and forward thinking approach to crypto regulation as the industry needs to adapt to a space that is redefining financial technology.
As Coinbase rethinks its approach to token listings, the crypto industry finds itself at a critical crossroads, where innovation must align with regulation to sustain its explosive growth.
