Coinbase Stock Surges 42% Year-to-Date After TIME Recognition

On June 26, 2025, Coinbase made history by being included in TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies list as a “disruptor.” This marks the first time a crypto exchange has been recognized among global industry leaders. The inclusion comes at a time when Coinbase has been making significant strides in the financial sector, particularly in policy debates and regulatory frameworks.

The recognition from TIME highlights Coinbase’s influential role in Washington policy debates. In 2024, the exchange led lobbying efforts for pro-crypto legislation, demonstrating its commitment to shaping the regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. This effort culminated in the Senate’s passage of the GENIUS stablecoin bill on June 17, which aims to establish a clear regulatory framework for stablecoins. The passage of this bill has been a significant driver of Coinbase’s recent success, with its stock rallying roughly 42% year-to-date, reaching a local high of $382 on June 17.

Coinbase’s influence extends beyond policy debates. In May 2025, it became the first crypto stock to be added to the S&P 500, further solidifying its status as a mainstream financial institution. This inclusion has been a significant milestone for the company, reflecting its growing importance in the financial sector. Coinbase shares closed at $375.07 on June 26, marking the highest closing since November 2021. This surge in stock price is a testament to the company’s growing influence and success in the financial sector.

Coinbase’s European expansion is another key area of focus. On June 20, 2025, Coinbase secured a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier. This approval allows Coinbase to offer its full suite of products across all 27 EU member states, reaching some 450 million residents. The company plans to establish its EU headquarters in Luxembourg later this quarter, further expanding its global footprint.

In addition to its European expansion, Coinbase has also filed for SEC approval to offer tokenized equity trading on its platform. If approved, this service would place Coinbase in direct competition with fintech brokers. The company has not yet disclosed a projected launch date for this service, but it is clear that Coinbase is looking to expand its offerings and compete with other financial institutions.

Coinbase’s success is not without its challenges. Regulatory uncertainty remains a significant hurdle for the company. The SEC has scheduled hearings for July 2025 to review digital-asset custody and lending rules. Any tightening of on-chain collateral requirements could slow Coinbase’s planned mortgage-collateral products. Despite these challenges, Coinbase’s listing on TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies underscores its shift from a niche exchange to a financial-market heavyweight.

With $420 billion in custody, over $2 billion in trailing annual revenue, and fresh EU market access, Coinbase stands at the forefront of crypto’s integration into global finance. Its next tests will be obtaining SEC clearance for tokenized equities and navigating U.S. regulatory hearings—all under the watchful eyes of policymakers who now see Coinbase as a mainstream financial institution. The company’s success in these areas will be crucial in determining its future growth and influence in the financial sector.