George Osborne Appointment Signals Coinbase’s Global Policy and Regulatory Push
Coinbase has appointed former UK chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne as chair of its internal advisory council, strengthening the crypto exchange’s engagement with global policymakers at a critical stage of regulatory and product expansion. The move reflects Coinbase’s broader effort to influence international digital asset policy and position itself as a long-term financial infrastructure provider.
Osborne has advised Coinbase since 2024, a period marked by heightened regulatory scrutiny in the United States. In his new role, he will oversee strategic discussions around policy, regulation, and global adoption. Osborne described the appointment as an opportunity to deepen his understanding of blockchain technology and its potential to broaden economic participation.
Osborne has been openly critical of the UK government’s slow progress on digital asset regulation. He has warned that the lack of development around pound-denominated stablecoins risks diminishing the global relevance of the British pound, particularly as US dollar-backed stablecoins continue to dominate global markets.
The appointment comes as Coinbase accelerates its transformation into a full-service financial platform. Recent initiatives include acquisitions in the derivatives space, expansion into tokenized stocks and ETFs, and the launch of prediction markets. These products aim to enable 24/7 trading, greater capital efficiency, and deeper integration between traditional and digital assets.
With plans to introduce perpetual crypto and equity futures by 2026, Coinbase’s selection of a high-profile former policymaker underscores its intent to navigate complex regulatory environments while scaling globally. Osborne’s leadership is expected to reinforce Coinbase’s position as a key voice in shaping the future of regulated digital finance.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.