Coinbase taps Osborne to drive global crypto policy push

Coinbase Global Inc has appointed former UK finance minister George Osborne to lead its Global Advisory Council, marking a significant step in the exchange's efforts to expand its influence beyond the United States according to reports. Osborne, who served as the UK's finance minister from 2010 to 2016, brings extensive experience in international finance and policy-making to the role according to Cointelegraph. The move aligns with Coinbase's broader strategy to deepen its engagement with global policymakers, particularly in the UK and the European Union according to Cointelegraph.

Osborne, who joined Coinbase as an adviser in January 2024, will now play a more active role in shaping the company's approach to regulatory and policy discussions around the world according to TradingView. Based in London, he will work closely with government officials and financial institutions to advocate for a supportive regulatory environment for blockchain technology and stablecoins according to Yahoo Finance. His appointment reflects Coinbase's growing interest in European markets, where it sees opportunities for innovation and institutional adoption according to Reuters.

The crypto industry, including Coinbase, has increasingly become a significant lobbying force, particularly in the U.S. With Osborne at the helm, the company aims to replicate that success in other major financial hubs according to Yahoo Finance. His background includes roles as chair of the British Museum, partner at Robey Warshaw LLP, and chair of Lingotto Investment Management, all of which contribute to his credibility in the financial and policy spheres according to CryptoRank. On Tuesday, U.S. AI firm OpenAI also announced Osborne's involvement in its global expansion, further highlighting his growing influence across technology and finance according to Investing.com.

A Strategic Move for Global Expansion

Coinbase's decision to appoint Osborne underscores its ambition to become a global leader in digital finance. The company has been actively expanding its services into new markets, including Poland, where it recently integrated Blik, a widely used mobile payment system according to Morningstar. This move supports faster and easier crypto transactions, even as local regulations remain stalled according to CryptoSlate. In the UK, Coinbase is pushing for clearer rules on tax, stablecoin payments, and tokenized assets in capital markets according to Yellow. These efforts are part of a larger push to integrate blockchain technology into traditional financial systems.

Osborne's experience in crisis management and global diplomacy makes him a valuable asset for Coinbase. His tenure as UK finance minister included navigating the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and steering the UK through the Brexit transition according to Analytics Insight. These skills will be crucial as the company works to navigate the complex and often fragmented regulatory landscape of international finance. Additionally, Osborne's connections with central bankers, finance ministers, and political leaders across the globe could help Coinbase build strategic alliances in key markets.

Implications for Policy and Market Growth

The appointment is expected to have far-reaching implications for how blockchain technology is regulated and adopted globally. By leveraging Osborne's expertise, Coinbase aims to shape policies that promote innovation while ensuring consumer protection and market stability. The company has previously made headlines for its political contributions, including over $245 million in support of pro-crypto candidates during the 2024 U.S. elections. The post-election environment has seen favorable regulatory shifts in the U.S., including legislation to support stablecoins and the dismissal of key lawsuits against crypto firms.

In addition to regulatory engagement, Coinbase is also investing heavily in product diversification. At its recent System Update event, the company announced plans to offer stock trading, prediction markets, custom stablecoins, and AI-powered investment advice. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to position Coinbase as a comprehensive financial services platform. The exchange is also expanding its institutional offerings through partnerships like the one with Standard Chartered, which aims to provide secure and compliant digital asset services to institutional clients.

What This Means for Investors

For investors, the appointment of Osborne signals a company poised for strategic growth. Analysts at Compass Point have, however, tempered expectations, lowering their price target for Coinbase to $230 from $266 while maintaining a "Sell" rating. The firm noted that while new verticals like tokenized stocks and prediction markets could generate revenue, their impact on earnings is likely to be limited in the short term. Coinbase's stock has underperformed compared to rivals like Robinhood, which has seen a 215% surge in 2025.

Despite the skepticism, the company's expansion into institutional markets and its efforts to diversify its product offerings could provide long-term value. The integration of prediction markets, powered by Kalshi, and the launch of custom stablecoins represent new revenue streams that could reduce Coinbase's reliance on volatile crypto trading volumes. Moreover, as digital assets gain broader acceptance, the company's partnerships with major financial institutions and regulated custodians could position it as a trusted player in the evolving market.