Coinbase CEO: Bitcoin's $1M Target Hinges on Regulators vs. Legacy Banks

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has reiterated his bold projection that Bitcoin could reach $1 million per coin by 2030, citing regulatory advancements, institutional adoption, and structural demand as key drivers. During an interview with FOX Business, Armstrong emphasized that “regulatory clarity and market structure legislation” are critical to unlocking the next phase of crypto growth. He highlighted the U.S. government’s potential to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve as a catalyst, noting that “if the government is going to begin holding Bitcoin, that will be a massive driver of demand.” This aligns with broader bipartisan efforts in Congress, including the GENIUS Act for stablecoins and the Market Structure Act, which Armstrong described as “historic” and pivotal for the industry.

Armstrong’s optimism is grounded in the growing institutional interest in Bitcoin. He pointed to the recent approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs—powered in part by Coinbase—as evidence of mainstream acceptance. “Lots of capital haven’t gotten access to it and quite a long way to run,” he stated, referencing Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins. Institutional investors, he noted, are increasingly allocating portions of their portfolios to Bitcoin, with many citing regulatory clarity as the primary barrier to deeper participation. The CEO also underscored the role of ETF inflows, which have already drawn significant capital into the market.

The CEO’s vision extends beyond price forecasts to Coinbase’s strategic ambitions. Armstrong outlined plans to transform the platform into a “super app” offering financial services such as payments, savings, and rewards. This includes a 4% Bitcoin rewards program, which he described as part of a broader effort to replace traditional banking systems. “We want to be people’s primary financial account,” he said, emphasizing the shift toward decentralized infrastructure. The push for regulatory clarity, he argued, is essential to counter resistance from legacy financial institutions, which he claims are lobbying to restrict crypto-based rewards programs.

While Armstrong’s $1 million target is not universally accepted, it has gained traction among industry peers. Cathie Wood of Ark Invest recently raised her 2030 price projection to $3.8 million, citing similar factors such as institutional adoption. Jack Dorsey, former Twitter CEO, and Eric Trump, son of the former U.S. president, have also expressed bullish views. Armstrong, however, acknowledged the risks, including volatility and the need for Bitcoin to “revisit and hold the $124,000 level” before aiming for higher targets.

The CEO’s comments reflect a broader narrative of Bitcoin’s evolution from a niche asset to a mainstream financial tool. He noted that the U.S. government’s executive order on a strategic Bitcoin reserve—once considered unthinkable—now signals a shift in policy. “This freight train has left the station,” Armstrong said, referencing the accelerating momentum in regulatory and institutional adoption. If realized, the $1 million milestone would mark a valuation of $20 trillion for Bitcoin, assuming 20 million coins in circulation.

Sources:

[1] Coinbase CEO Predicts Bitcoin Could Hit $1 Million by 2030 (https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/09/24/coinbase-ceo-predicts-bitcoin-could-hit-1-million-by-2030/)

[2] Coinbase CEO: Bitcoin Could Hit $1M by 2030 (https://coinpedia.org/crypto-live-news/coinbase-ceo-bitcoin-could-hit-1m-by-2030/)

[3] Coinbase CEO: Bitcoin Could Hit $1M If Banks Don’t Interfere (https://bitcoinmagazine.com/takes/coinbase-ceo-says-bitcoin-could-hit-1-million-by-2030-if-banks-dont-get-in-the-way)

[4] Coinbase CEO Predicts $1M Bitcoin, Citing Policy Tailwinds (https://bitbo.io/news/coinbase-ceo-bitcoin-2030/)

[5] Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Predicts $1M Bitcoin by 2030 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-predicts-001119699.html)

[10] Bitcoin (BTC) Price Could Reach $1M by 2030 (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/20/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-says-bitcoin-could-reach-usd1m-by-2030)

[13] Coinbase CEO Sets $1M Price Target for Bitcoin by 2030 (https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/08/21/coinbase-ceo-sets-1m-price-target-for-bitcoin-by-2030/)