Coinbase Listed As a Disruptor

Coinbase, the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, has been named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2025, earning recognition as a “disruptor” for its pivotal role in shaping crypto policy and driving mainstream adoption of digital assets.

This accolade comes during a landmark year for Coinbase, marked by significant stock gains and major regulatory milestones.

One of which is the rise of the $COIN stock, which has climbed approximately 42% since the beginning of the year, propelled by favorable legislative developments and growing institutional interest.

The company’s shares experienced a sharp rally after the U.S. Senate passed the GENIUS stablecoin bill on June 17, surging from around $303 to a local high of $382.

In May, Coinbase made history as the first crypto stock added to the S&P 500 index, further cementing its status as a bellwether for the digital asset industry.

TIME highlighted Coinbase’s influence, noting:

“The company, which in May became the first crypto stock to be added to the bellwether S&P 500 index, is a key driver of the industry’s policy efforts in Washington D.C. If industry-friendly bills are passed, Coinbase stands to become an even bigger hub for US crypto activity.”

Expanding Global Footprint and Product Offerings

Outside of the United States, Coinbase has also showed a clear desire to expand its global market influence in Europe.

The exchange recently secured a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from Luxembourg, enabling it to offer regulated crypto services across all 27 European Union member states and establishing Luxembourg as its EU headquarters.

This milestone positions Coinbase to serve a potential market of over 450 million people under a unified regulatory framework.

At the same time, Coin base is continually trying to diversify its services by offering something outside of just crypto.

It was reported that Coinbase is had filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to offer tokenized equities, which would allow customers to trade blockchain-based stocks directly on its platform.

If approved, this move would place Coinbase in direct competition with traditional brokerage firms like Robinhood or Webull, further putting the company as a hybrid player at the crossroads between a crypto exchange and a new-generation financial broker.

Policy Advocacy and Industry Leadership

Coinbase’s inclusion in TIME’s list underscores its growing influence in U.S. crypto policy, as it continues to build a universal platform for traditional assets and crypto.

This strategy has already received favorable political echoes, notably at the Coinbase States of Crypto Summit in June 2025, where Donald Trump, via a recorded message declared

"We are going to work to create clear and simple market frameworks that will allow America to dominate the future of cryptos and Bitcoin."

The company also plays a leading role in lobbying for regulatory clarity, particularly during the recent election cycle, helping to cement cryptocurrency as a key political and economic issue.

Increased institutional, investor, and media attention toward Coinbase is seen as a signal of sustained momentum for the broader digital asset market.

As Coinbase continues to break new ground in both regulatory and market arenas, its recognition as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2025 highlights the exchange’s central role in shaping the future of digital finance.

With ongoing product innovation, expanding global operations, and a strong policy presence, Coinbase is poised to remain a driving force in the evolution of the crypto industry.