Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong says finance needs AI tools, stablecoins, tokenized RWAs, 24/7 trading, and better rules.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has said the financial system still needs major upgrades.
His list includes AI-driven finance, stablecoin payments, and tokenized real-world assets.
Armstrong said the future system should be more global, more on-chain, and more automated. He also pointed to 24/7 trading, self-custody wallets, and better regulation.
Armstrong Lists Key Areas for Financial Reform
According to Armstrong, real-world asset tokenization is one of the main areas needing progress. This includes real estate, stocks, bonds, funds, and other assets on-chain.
He said tokenization can support instant settlement and wider distribution. It can also allow fractional ownership, which may lower access barriers for investors.
Coinbase CEO: Financial System Needs Eight Upgrades Including RWA Tokenization
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said the financial system still needs to complete eight major upgrades, including RWA tokenization, 24/7 global trading, stablecoin payments, AI-driven financial services,… pic.twitter.com/VUD9sozkfC
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) May 25, 2026
Armstrong also called for global trading markets that operate at all times. He said pooled global liquidity could improve access for users and institutions.
Traditional markets still close on weekends and holidays. Crypto markets already trade around the clock, and Armstrong sees that model expanding.
He also mentioned better leverage and capital efficiency. These areas are tied to market structure, liquidity, and trading access.
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Stablecoins and AI Finance Form Part of the Roadmap
Armstrong said next-generation payments should use stablecoins for fast and low-cost global transfers.
Stablecoins are already used for payments, remittances, and trading. He also linked stablecoins with agentic payments.
These are payments made by software agents that can act for users.
AI-powered finance was another part of the list. Armstrong said AI could help with risk, credit, compliance, and financial advice.
He said AI tools may reduce fraud and support better decisions. They could also expand access to capital for more users.
However, AI in finance remains at an early stage. Many systems still need better safeguards, clearer rules, and stronger testing.
Stablecoin use is more advanced than AI-led financial services. Yet both areas remain part of the broader shift toward automated finance.
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
Regulation and Access Remain Central Issues
Armstrong said regulation should support innovation while managing risk. He called for rules that are risk-based instead of one-size-fits-all.
He argued that regulation should encourage competition and new products. At the same time, financial systems must protect users and markets.
Armstrong also said open protocols and self-custodial wallets can expand access. These tools may allow people with smartphones to use financial services directly.
He included capital formation in the list of needed upgrades. He said raising money should become low cost and easier for people with strong ideas.
Sound money was also part of the roadmap. Armstrong described it as a refuge when fiat systems lose discipline.
His comments show how crypto firms are framing the next stage of market growth. The focus is moving beyond buying Bitcoin alone.
The wider goal now includes stablecoin rails, tokenized assets, AI tools, and programmable markets. These systems may connect legacy finance with Web3 infrastructure.
Still, moving the financial system on-chain is a long process. It requires stronger technology, safer products, and clear policy work.
Adoption will depend on ease of use and security. Users will need tools that are simpler and better than current systems.
Armstrong said the job is not complete until these upgrades work for all. His roadmap places AI finance, stablecoins, and tokenized RWAs at the center of that shift.
