Bitcoin News Today: Base's $100B Ambition Meets Regulatory Headwinds in 2025 Push

Coinbase's Ethereum layer-2 network Base has outlined an aggressive 2025 roadmap aimed at cementing its position as a leader in blockchain infrastructure. The platform seeks to secure $100 billion in on-chain assets, onboard 25 million users, and attract 25,000 developers by year-end, alongside processing 1 billion transactions by October 2025 Full Source Title^[1]. To achieve this, Base plans to scale its blockspace capacity to 250 million gas units per second, a move intended to enhance transaction efficiency and accommodate rising demand Full Source Title^[2].

The strategy emphasizes five core priorities: empowering developers with tools like OnchainKit and AI-driven app support, fostering a robust ecosystem of on-chain applications, simplifying user experiences via improved Smart Wallet functionality, enhancing global liquidity, and decentralizing infrastructure for scalability Full Source Title^[3]. Jesse Pollak, Base's lead developer, underscored the importance of these goals, stating, "2025 is our year... the year we build together" Full Source Title^[4].

Base's rapid growth since its 2023 launch has positioned it as a top Ethereum layer-2 solution. Data from Token Terminal shows it outpacing competitors like Optimism and Arbitrum in monthly transaction counts Full Source Title^[5]. The network's integration with Coinbase's ecosystem, including Bitcoin-backed loans and wrapped assets, further strengthens its appeal Full Source Title^[6]. Despite its ambitions, Base has no plans to introduce a native token, with Pollak emphasizing a focus on "building tools to solve real problems" Full Source Title^[7].

Recent partnerships highlight Base's expansion efforts. The network has integrated with South Korean exchange Korbit for multi-chain functionality and secured full compatibility with Phantom wallet, enabling cross-chain transactions Full Source Title^[8]. These collaborations align with Base's goal of creating a globally accessible blockchain infrastructure.

Regulatory challenges, however, loom large. In the U.S., Senate Democrats' proposed DeFi broker rule has drawn criticism from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and industry advocates, who warn it could stifle innovation and drive capital offshore Full Source Title^[9]. Similarly, European regulators grapple with how to apply MiCA and MiFID II frameworks to decentralized platforms, creating legal uncertainties for DeFi protocols Full Source Title^[10].

Coinbase's broader vision extends beyond Base. Armstrong envisions the platform evolving into a "financial super app," integrating crypto with traditional financial services like payments, savings, and credit. A recent 4% Bitcoin rewards credit card and partnerships with JPMorgan and PNC signal progress toward this goal Full Source Title^[11]. Armstrong also projected a "good chance" Bitcoin could reach $1 million by 2030, citing regulatory clarity and ETF inflows Full Source Title^[12].