Whether Coinbase is becoming a "crypto bank" depends on your definition of the term. Here's a breakdown:
Coinbase's Current Offerings:
Crypto exchange: Coinbase primarily operates as a platform for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies.
Custody services: They offer secure storage for crypto assets.
Fiat on/off ramps: Users can connect bank accounts to buy and sell crypto with traditional currency.
Staking and earning: Users can earn rewards by holding certain cryptocurrencies.
Coinbase Card: Allows spending crypto for everyday purchases.
What it's NOT doing:
Holding deposits: Currently, Coinbase doesn't hold user deposits like a traditional bank account.
Offering loans or credit: Similar to above, they don't currently offer traditional financial services like loans or credit cards.
FDIC insurance: Unlike traditional banks, deposits held with Coinbase are not insured by the FDIC.
The Future:
Coinbase has expressed interest in expanding its offerings and potentially becoming more like a traditional bank. They've:
Applied for a banking license in Wyoming.
Launched Coinbase Prime, offering institutional-grade custody and trading services.
Partnered with banks to offer crypto services within their platforms.
So, the answer is nuanced:
Coinbase isn't currently a full-fledged "crypto bank" as it lacks some key features.
However, they are expanding their offerings and exploring ways to become more like a traditional bank.
It's important to keep in mind that crypto regulations are still evolving, and the landscape could change quickly.
Coinbase's recent expansions and regulatory maneuvers hint at a potential shift towards crypto bank development, signaling a strategic pivot towards offering a wider array of financial services within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. As it navigates regulatory frameworks and customer demands, Coinbase's foray into crypto bank development underscores its ambition to redefine traditional banking paradigms in the digital asset space.