Brian Armstrong says finance must move on-chain or fall behind
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said the financial system still needs eight key upgrades before crypto-based finance can reach wider use. His list covered RWA tokenization, 24/7 global trading, stablecoin payments, AI tools, self-custody wallets, easier capital formation, sound money, and better regulation. Armstrong said the future system will become more global, more automated, and more on-chain. He wrote that the work is not complete until these systems serve more users, adding, “Jobs not done until we get these working for all.” RWA tokenization leads Coinbase CEOs upgrade list Armstrong placed tokenization of real-world assets at the top of his list. He said real estate, stocks, bonds, and funds can move on-chain to support faster settlement, wider distribution, and fractional ownership. Major areas where the financial system still needs an update: 1. Tokenization of real-world assets – Real estate, stocks, bonds, funds, etc. onchain for instant settlement, fractional ownership & massive distribution. 2. 24/7 Global trading – Pooled global liquidity, every… — Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) May 24, 2026 The comment comes as tokenization remains a leading crypto theme in 2026. Related reports said the tokenized RWA market grew 263% year over year in 2025 and about 30% in the first quarter of 2026. Coinbase has also tied its public strategy