Coinbase Named Top Disruptor by TIME Amid 42% Stock Surge

Coinbase, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has been named among the world’s top disruptors by TIME in its 2025 list of the 100 most influential companies. This recognition marks a significant milestone for the company, which has transitioned from being a mere exchange to a symbol of the normalization of Web3 within global economic power circles. Coinbase's inclusion in the TIME 100 list, specifically in the “Disruptors” category, is backed by several tangible achievements and political developments that have occurred in the first half of 2025.

One of the key factors contributing to Coinbase's recognition is its inclusion in the S&P 500 stock index in May 2025, making it the first crypto company to achieve this distinction. This move signifies institutional recognition and positions Coinbase as a key player in the crypto sector. The company's stock, $COIN, has seen a remarkable increase of around 42% since the beginning of the year, reaching a local high of $382. This surge is attributed to a more favorable political climate toward cryptocurrencies in the United States, particularly following the approval of the GENIUS stablecoin bill by the Senate on June 17.

Coinbase's active role in regulatory debates and its increased presence in Washington as the industry’s spokesperson have further solidified its position. The company is perceived as a proxy for the health of the crypto sector in the United States by institutional investors and specialized media. This perception, coupled with the post-regulatory stock rally, has positioned Coinbase as a structuring player in the American crypto economic and political landscape.

Beyond its stronghold in the United States, Coinbase is expanding its global market influence, particularly in Europe. On June 20, 2025, the company obtained a MiCA license issued by Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), allowing it to offer crypto services across the entire European Union. This strategic move is accompanied by the establishment of Coinbase’s European headquarters in Luxembourg, positioning the firm as one of the first exchanges compliant with the new continental regulation.

Coinbase is also diversifying its offerings, with plans to expand beyond pure crypto. The company has filed an application with the SEC to offer its users the opportunity to buy and sell tokenized stocks, making it a direct competitor to popular multi-asset trading platforms. This evolution marks a strategic turn, transforming Coinbase into a hybrid player at the crossroads between a crypto exchange and a new-generation financial broker.

These expansion moves reflect Coinbase's ambition to build a universal platform for traditional assets and crypto. The company's growing role in strategic debates at the federal level is evident, as illustrated by Donald Trump's recorded message at the Coinbase State of Crypto Summit in June 2025. Trump declared the intention to create clear and simple market frameworks that would allow America to dominate the future of cryptos and Bitcoin, highlighting Coinbase's influence in these discussions.

Coinbase's recognition by TIME as one of the most influential companies this year underscores its profound transformation. The company is now a pivotal player in the global crypto ecosystem, at the intersection of financial innovation, regulatory dynamics, and stock markets. The question remains whether this new influence will lead to massive adoption, sustainable regulatory stability, and genuine democratization of cryptos among the general public. Coinbase appears ready to play this role, potentially redrawing the boundaries between traditional finance and Web3.