Armstrong Shares Coinbase 2026 Goals Including Super App Development

TLDR

Table of Contents

Coinbase plans to expand into stocks, commodities, and prediction markets in 2026.
Armstrong wants USDC to be used in daily purchases and global transactions.
Coinbase will scale its Layer-2 Base network and focus on consumer-friendly Web3 tools.
Millions of tokens are now available via DEX integration, reducing listing wait times.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has shared the company’s top three strategic priorities for 2026. The goals include creating a global multi-asset exchange, expanding stablecoin usage, and developing a user-focused on-chain super app. These efforts aim to position Coinbase as the leading financial app worldwide.

Aiming to Build the “Everything Exchange”

Coinbase has announced plans to expand beyond cryptocurrency to become a global financial platform. CEO Brian Armstrong said the company’s aim is to create a comprehensive exchange that includes stocks, commodities, and prediction markets.

This shift will place Coinbase in direct competition with firms like Robinhood and Interactive Brokers. Armstrong stated that users want a single platform to manage digital assets, equities, and other financial tools. Coinbase is working to integrate all of these into one dashboard.

Here are our top priorities for 2026 at Coinbase:
1) Grow the everything exchange globally (crypto, equities, prediction markets, commodities – across spot, futures, and options)
2) Scale stablecoins and payments
3) Bring the world onchain through @CoinbaseDev, @base chain,…
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) January 1, 2026

The company believes this move will help reduce its reliance on crypto market cycles. The strategy also responds to growing user demand for simplified, all-in-one financial access. This may allow users to trade Bitcoin, Apple stock, and gold futures from the same interface.

Expanding Stablecoins and Payment Use Cases

Coinbase is also focused on boosting the use of stablecoins for everyday transactions. Armstrong said, “Stablecoins have proven value during high-interest periods, and now it’s time to scale their real-world utility.”

The company is prioritizing USD Coin (USDC), which it co-founded with Circle. Its aim is to normalize the use of USDC in both small and large payments, such as buying coffee or settling cross-border invoices.

By doing so, Coinbase hopes to evolve into a financial platform with global payment capabilities. This direction could also position Coinbase closer to traditional fintech and digital banking services, with a reach that extends beyond the crypto sector.

Developing the On-Chain Super App

The third major focus is building a consumer-facing “on-chain super app” powered by the Base Layer-2 network. Coinbase wants to simplify the Web3 experience for everyday users by integrating key services under one interface.

This includes attracting developers to create decentralized applications (dApps) on Base, as well as improving user access to blockchain features. The platform will also continue to enhance its Layer-2 infrastructure for faster and cheaper transactions.

The goal is to create a connected ecosystem similar to Apple’s model, where Coinbase manages both the hardware (infrastructure) and software (apps) experience. This may help the company keep users engaged within its ecosystem longer.

Addressing Token Listing Concerns

Armstrong also responded to ongoing feedback regarding asset listings on Coinbase. He stated that the exchange now provides access to “millions of tokens” through decentralized exchange (DEX) integrations.

“Coinbase has millions of tokens available now via DEX,” Armstrong posted on social media. He explained this method allows users to trade more assets without waiting for traditional centralized exchange listings.

By outsourcing token availability to the blockchain, Coinbase is reducing the manual review process. Armstrong also reminded users, “Don’t treat any listing as an endorsement,” reinforcing that trading decisions should be based on personal research.

The strategy reflects Coinbase’s push toward a more open, scalable, and global financial platform, in line with its broader 2026 vision.