Coinbase CEO Fires Engineers for Refusing AI Tools, Aims for 50% AI-Generated Code

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has taken a firm stance on artificial intelligence (AI) adoption by reportedly terminating engineers who refused to use AI-powered coding tools such as GitHub Copilot and Cursor [1]. The decision followed a strict one-week deadline imposed by Armstrong for engineers to integrate the tools into their workflows, after some employees resisted despite the tools being company-wide available [2]. The requirement was communicated through Coinbase’s main engineering Slack channel, where Armstrong emphasized the strategic importance of AI and made clear that non-compliance would carry consequences [3].

During a meeting held after the deadline, Armstrong reportedly engaged with engineers who had failed to adopt the tools. While some had legitimate reasons—such as being on vacation—others did not and were subsequently let go [4]. Armstrong admitted the approach was “heavy-handed” but defended it as necessary to convey the non-negotiable priority of AI within the company [5]. He stated that the move brought clarity to Coinbase’s AI strategy, noting that 33% of the firm’s code is already AI-generated, with a goal of reaching 50% by the end of the quarter.

The enforcement of AI adoption has sparked internal debate, with some employees reportedly disagreeing with the method of implementation [6]. In a conversation with Stripe co-founder John Collison, Armstrong acknowledged the challenges of managing codebases influenced by AI but reiterated the importance of pushing the technology forward [7]. Coinbase has since expanded its AI training initiatives, including monthly “AI Speed Runs” where engineers share best practices and creative applications of AI in their workflows.

Armstrong’s actions reflect a broader trend in the technology sector, where companies are increasingly prioritizing AI integration in development processes. However, the situation also raises questions about the balance between innovation and employee autonomy, as well as the potential risks of overreliance on AI-generated code in high-stakes environments such as financial systems. Armstrong has emphasized the need for human oversight, particularly in systems handling monetary transactions, to ensure accuracy and prevent errors.

Source: [1] Final Round AI, https://www.finalroundai.com/blog/coinbase-ceo-fired-engineers-for-not-using-ai-tools

[2] Business Today, https://www.businesstoday.in/amp/technology/news/story/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-fired-engineers-who-refused-to-use-ai-assistants-490962-2025-08-25

[3] TechGig, https://content.techgig.com/career-advice/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-fires-engineers-for-ai-resistance/articleshow/123503093.cms

[4] Medial, https://medial.app/news/coinbase-ceo-explains-why-he-fired-engineers-who-didnt-try-ai-immediately-or-techcrunch-1e9ce53d97279

[5] Storyboard18, https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/ai-is-not-optional-brian-armstrong-lays-off-staff-resisting-ai-adoption-79547.htm

[6] Financial Express, https://www.financialexpress.com/life/technology-not-using-ai-you-are-fired-coinbase-ceo-laid-off-engineers-for-shocking-reason-3956834/

[7] The Crypto Times, https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/08/25/coinbase-ceo-fires-engineers-who-refused-ai-tools-adoption/