Coinbase has officially confirmed that the second-layer solution team, Base, is exploring the possibility of creating its own token. This topic was publicly discussed during the Basecamp event in Stowe, Vermont, as well as in a related post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
This is reported by Business • Media
A New Development Stage for Base: Initial Steps Towards a Token
According to the developers, this is currently just a preliminary analysis of the possibility of issuing a token, with no defined timelines, technical specifications, or governance model. It is emphasized that any further steps will be taken in close collaboration with the community.
“Base is beginning to explore the possibility of launching a network token,” the developers stated.
The official Coinbase account further stressed that no final decisions have been made yet, but the company is investigating how a token could facilitate the faster realization of its main mission. This shift in position has become evident against the backdrop of the political and market transformations currently taking place in the U.S.
The Impact of Changes in U.S. Policy on the Crypto Industry
As recently as late 2023, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong denied the likelihood of issuing a token for Base due to regulatory risks. However, since then, the company’s approach has softened, coinciding with a general easing of regulatory positions in the U.S. Experts link this to the more open policy of the Donald Trump administration regarding cryptocurrencies.
The previous stance of Coinbase’s leadership drew mixed reactions among analysts, as the company’s chief lawyer, Paul Grewal, did not rule out the emergence of a token in the future, despite Armstrong’s public denial. Now, the company’s strategy demonstrates greater flexibility.
The news of a potential token launch came as a surprise even to former Coinbase employees. Luke Youngblood, founder of the decentralized lending service Moonwell, admitted he was “absolutely shocked” to hear about this initiative. According to him, the company’s legal team had previously been characterized by an extremely cautious approach.
Analysts believe that the possible issuance of a token would be an important step towards strengthening the Base economy and enhancing its competitiveness alongside other L2 solutions for Ethereum, such as Optimism and Arbitrum. At the same time, regulatory risks in the U.S. remain a key factor that could influence the timelines and format of the project’s implementation.