Coinbase Named Among 100 Most Influential Companies by Time

Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has been named among the 100 Most Influential Companies of 2025 by Time magazine. This recognition comes just a month after Coinbase was included in the S&P 500 index, marking a significant milestone for the company and the broader crypto industry. The inclusion in the S&P 500 index was a historic moment, as Coinbase became the first crypto stock to join this prestigious index.

One of the key factors contributing to Coinbase's influence is its aggressive lobbying efforts during the recent U.S. election cycle. These efforts have helped to solidify cryptocurrency as a key political issue, thereby boosting its mainstream acceptance. Time magazine noted that Coinbase led a massive lobbying campaign during the election, which helped to cement crypto as a voting issue. This political influence has positioned Coinbase as a key driver of the industry’s policy efforts in Washington D.C. If industry-friendly bills are passed, Coinbase stands to become an even bigger hub for U.S. crypto activity.

Founded in 2012, Coinbase serves over 100 million users globally and has been a driving force in innovation within the digital finance sector. However, the company's rise has not been without challenges. Various blockchain investigators have accused the platform of failing to address security vulnerabilities, with users reportedly losing hundreds of millions annually to scams. Additionally, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) probed the exchange in a civil enforcement action, in which Coinbase was given a clean chit. Despite these setbacks, including a major customer database breach in May, Coinbase remains a heavyweight in the crypto space. This recognition by Time highlights both its influence and the ongoing regulatory hurdles facing the industry.

Coinbase's inclusion in the TIME 100 list underscores its growing significance and influence in the crypto industry. The company has been at the forefront of advocating for clearer rules and guidelines in the digital asset sector, which has helped to build investor confidence and foster growth within the industry. Coinbase's continued expansion plans and strong ties with other major players in the crypto space further cement its position as a top disruptor. The company's upcoming product offerings, such as US-regulated perpetual futures for Bitcoin and Ethereum, are expected to attract more institutional investors. Additionally, Coinbase's strong ties with Circle and the growing use of USDC are seen as catalysts for continued growth. The company's institutional strength is evident, with eight of the top ten publicly traded Bitcoin firms using Coinbase Prime and a significant portion of crypto held in US-based ETFs, with Coinbase custody responsible for a large percentage of that figure.

Despite the strong momentum, some analysts caution that current valuation levels might be stretched in the short term. However, investor sentiment remains largely optimistic, especially as Coinbase continues to shape the conversation around crypto policy. The company's advocacy for industry-friendly bills could position it as an even bigger hub for U.S. crypto activity if such legislation is passed. Coinbase's inclusion in the TIME 100 list is a testament to its growing influence and impact on the crypto industry. The company's advocacy for clearer regulations, continued expansion plans, and strong institutional ties have positioned it as a key player in the digital asset sector. As the industry continues to mature, Coinbase's role in shaping crypto policy and driving growth is expected to become even more significant.