Coinbase Forces AI Code Push, Dismisses Resisters as It Targets 50% Automation

Coinbase has announced that 40% of its daily code output is now generated by artificial intelligence (AI), with CEO Brian Armstrong aiming to increase this to over 50% by October 2025. Armstrong emphasized on X that while AI-generated code requires rigorous review and human oversight, it is being used responsibly where appropriate. The figure has more than doubled since April, with the company using AI-powered coding tools such as GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, and Cursor to enhance productivity and streamline development processes. Coinbase engineers now report being able to refactor, upgrade, or build new systems in days instead of months, significantly accelerating project timelines [1].

Armstrong stated that the integration of AI into Coinbase’s engineering workflows is not optional for most employees. Engineers who resisted the mandate were dismissed, according to a podcast appearance earlier this month. He admitted the approach was “heavy-handed” and acknowledged the mixed reactions from the tech and crypto communities. The move underscores the urgency with which Coinbase is pursuing AI integration, positioning it as a critical component of its long-term strategy. Armstrong has referred to this as the company’s shift toward an “AI-native” workforce, where engineers are trained to work seamlessly with AI tools [4].

The company’s AI adoption aligns with broader industry trends. According to OpsLevel, by June 2025, 94% of tech companies had employees using AI coding assistants. The primary benefits cited include increased productivity and faster time to market. Coinbase has also implemented a system to monitor token consumption as a productivity metric, reflecting the growing influence of AI in the development lifecycle. Armstrong highlighted the importance of structured processes such as code reviews and automated testing to ensure quality and security [1].

However, the reliance on AI has not been without controversy. Critics, including security specialists and some industry leaders, have raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities, particularly in a company that manages over $420 billion in digital assets. They argue that AI-generated code could introduce bugs or fail to account for context, which might compromise the integrity of mission-critical systems. Richard Wu of Tensor countered these concerns by suggesting that with rigorous oversight and practices like linting and automated testing, AI-generated code could be as reliable as human-written code. Wu noted that the quality of AI outputs could rival that of junior engineers, provided teams implement structured workflows [2].

Coinbase’s aggressive AI integration strategy is also influencing its hiring and workforce strategy. While the company remains actively hiring, particularly in engineering and development roles, the nature of these positions has shifted. Many job postings now emphasize AI-related skills or experience with AI tools. This aligns with broader industry observations that developers and entrepreneurs are increasingly drawn to AI projects, which are perceived as more innovative and capital-intensive than traditional crypto opportunities. Coinbase’s approach reflects the broader market shift, where AI is seen as a key driver of both technological and economic progress [6].

Source: [1] Coinbase's Brian Armstrong Says AI Writes 40% Of Its Code (https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-says-ai-writes-nearly-half-of-its-code) [2] Coinbase CEO reveals 40% of the company's code is AI ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/coinbase-ceo-reveals-40-company-123206601.html) [3] Coinbase bets on AI to write half of its code by October (https://www.cointribune.com/en/coinbase-bets-on-ai-to-write-half-of-its-code-by-october/) [4] Brian Armstrong Wants Half of Coinbase Code To Be AI ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/brian-armstrong-wants-half-coinbase-105348015.html) [5] Brian Armstrong: “40% of Daily Code Written at Coinbase is AI ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/brian-armstrong-40-daily-code-133424336.html) [6] Brian Armstrong Wants More Than Half Of Daily Code ... (https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/25/09/47493320/brian-armstrong-wants-more-than-half-of-daily-code-written-at-coinbase-to-be-ai-generated-should-use-responsibly-as-much-as-we-possibly-can)