Coinbase Engineers Code Their Future with AI at the Center

Over 40% of Coinbase’s production code is now AI-generated, according to CEO Brian Armstrong, significantly accelerating engineering output and reshaping hiring priorities. The firm uses AI tools such as Copilot, Claude Code, and Cursor to assist with refactoring, upgrades, and new builds. These tools have enabled engineers to complete tasks that previously took months in just days, boosting productivity while maintaining code review and testing protocols [1].

The AI-generated share of Coinbase’s code has more than doubled since April 2025, reaching over 40% today. Armstrong indicated the company aims to raise this proportion toward 50%, with continued emphasis on human oversight and safety controls before deployment. Despite the increased reliance on AI, the CEO emphasized that not all areas of the codebase are suitable for AI-generated changes, underlining the necessity of maintaining human judgment and responsibility [1].

Coinbase’s hiring strategy reflects this shift in engineering practices. The firm continues to seek talent, with approximately 350 job openings, nearly half of which are for technical roles. Of these, about 93 backend engineering positions explicitly require AI-related skills. This trend indicates a growing demand for developers who can not only use AI tools but also understand and supervise their output, ensuring alignment with security and compliance standards [1].

Safety and quality remain central to the integration of AI-generated code. All AI-assisted code must undergo rigorous human review and testing before being deployed. The firm also restricts the use of AI in sensitive systems to prevent potential risks. These safeguards are designed to ensure the integrity of Coinbase’s platform while leveraging AI to optimize engineering workflows [1].

Industry observers, including PwC researchers and technology leaders, suggest that AI is more likely to enhance productivity in the crypto space than lead to widespread job losses. While the broader hiring landscape in crypto has cooled since 2022, the focus has shifted to AI-savvy talent rather than mass layoffs. Coinbase’s strategy aligns with this view, aiming to transform its workforce into “AI-Natives” who can effectively leverage AI tools without replacing human roles [1].

Source: [1] COINOTAG (https://www.fomoed.io/news/coinbase-says-over-40-of-its-code-may-be-ai-generated-could-reach-50-next-month-bitcoin-mentioned)