Coinbase CEO Foresees 10% of Global GDP Running on Crypto by 2030

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong believes the world is entering a new era of crypto adoption, predicting that by 2030, as much as 10% of the global GDP will run on blockchain technology. Speaking during Coinbase’s Q4 2024 earnings call on Feb. 13, Armstrong compared the current crypto boom to the early 2000s internet revolution, stating that "onchain is the new online."

If his forecast proves correct, over $10 trillion in value could be tokenized or exist on blockchain rails, based on today’s global GDP of more than $100 trillion, according to the World Bank. Armstrong emphasized that Coinbase aims to be the “preferred partner” for companies transitioning to blockchain, after reporting a massive 88% revenue growth in Q4, reaching $2.3 billion.

Armstrong highlighted the United States as a key driver of this transformation, citing policy shifts under former President Trump and what he called "the most pro-crypto Congress" in history. He pointed to the push for stablecoin and market structure regulations as a catalyst for global adoption, with the rest of the world closely following the U.S.’s lead.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller echoed the sentiment, advocating for stablecoin regulations that allow banks to issue dollar-pegged digital assets.

Looking ahead, Armstrong said Coinbase’s focus remains on expanding its existing revenue streams, enhancing utility in emerging crypto sectors, and laying the foundation for the industry's next decade of growth. With record-breaking quarterly earnings, Coinbase appears well-positioned to capitalize on the accelerating shift toward blockchain-based economies.