Coinbase Steps Up As FTX Retreats: A New Era In Crypto – Forbes
Logo for cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase on debit card edge, Lafayette, California, June 4, 2022. … [+]
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The collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX has sent shockwaves through the market, raising questions about the stability and safety of the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. After the fiasco, one company that appears well-positioned to weather the storm is Coinbase.
Known for its strong brand, regulatory compliance, easy-to-use app, and financial stability, Coinbase has the resources and credibility to navigate the market disruption caused by FTX’s collapse. According to Coinbase, the platform now have 108 million verified users across more than 100 countries with $101 billion in assets and $159 billion in quarterly volume traded.
Despite its strong market position and potential, Coinbase is not immune to the FTX debacle. On January 4th, Coinbase has agreed to pay a $50 million penalty to the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) over allegations that the cryptocurrency exchange broke anti-money laundering laws. As part of the settlement, Coinbase is also required to invest another $50 million into their compliance program to help prevent future violations and enhance user safety.
Coinbase’s chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, said that the new improvements in the platform’s compliance program outpaces every other other crypto exchange anywhere in the world and their customers can feel safe and protected while using their platforms.
“Coinbase remains committed to being a leader and role model in the crypto space, and this means partnering with regulators when it comes to compliance and other areas,” Coinbase writes. Even with the lawsuit, investors and analysts foresee a bright future for Coinbase.
While trading volumes may be affected in the short term, analysts at Jefferies believe that Coinbase will ultimately be spared from the fallout, with the potential to even gain market share. This Monday, the stock surged more than 15% citing potential benefits from rival exchange FTX’s closure along with increased demand for cryptocurrencies and institutional adoption of digital assets like BitcoinBTC
and EthereumETH
In contrast to Coinbase, FTX’s collapse has fueled doubts about the safety and security of the cryptocurrency market and may cause retail traders to be hesitant to engage in trading. However, Coinbase’s cash reserve of over $5 billion, status as a publicly audited company, and minimal exposure to FTX and other struggling crypto names give it a strong foundation to weather the storm and potentially emerge as a leader in the industry.
The company, in its effort to ensure the safety and security of its users’ assets, communicated their advocacy …….