Coinbase Founder Brian Armstrong Calls for Default Crypto Token Listings

In a January 26 post on X, he highlighted the overwhelming number of new tokens being introduced—around one million each week. He said, "We need to rethink our listing process at Coinbase, given there are ~1m tokens a week being created now, and growing".

Armstrong believes the traditional method of reviewing tokens individually is no longer practical.

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Currently, Coinbase uses a detailed vetting process for listing new tokens. A dedicated team evaluates each digital asset to ensure it meets legal, compliance, and security standards before being made available to users.

Armstrong acknowledged that while this process has worked in the past, the sheer volume of new tokens makes it increasingly difficult to keep up.

To address this, he proposed a new strategy. Instead of reviewing tokens before listing them, Coinbase would allow all tokens by default. Tokens could then be removed if issues arise, such as poor user reviews or suspicious on-chain activity.

Armstrong also urged regulators to reconsider their requirements, stating, "Regulators need to understand that applying for approval for each one is totally infeasible at this point as well".

Recently, Coinbase sought clarification from a US appeals court on whether crypto trades are classified as securities. How did it go? Read the full story.