Coinbase Eyes Meme Coin Listings Amid Favorable Crypto Policies Under Trump

Coinbase, one of the largest crypto exchanges, plans to list more smaller tokens and meme coins as it anticipates regulatory clarity and a crypto-friendly environment under the incoming Trump administration.

Key Highlights

1. Meme Coin Expansion:
   • Coinbase has historically focused on top-tier tokens but is now targeting smaller tokens and meme coins like Dogecoin, Pepe, and Floki Inu.
   • Recent listings, such as PEPE, led to significant market responses, with PEPE surging 50% after its inclusion.
2. Regulatory Opportunities:
   • Tom Duff Gordon, Coinbase’s VP of International Policy, stated that clearer crypto guidelines would enable the exchange to list tokens previously unavailable to US users.
   • Trump’s promise to end regulatory hostility toward crypto could ease tensions between the SEC and exchanges like Coinbase.
3. Ongoing SEC Challenges:
   • Coinbase faces legal scrutiny for allegedly offering trading for unregistered securities, including SOL, ADA, and MATIC.
   • The SEC has also targeted other major platforms like Binance, Kraken, and Gemini, intensifying regulatory pressures under the current administration.
4. International Growth:
   • In response to US regulatory hurdles, Coinbase has expanded globally, launching a derivatives exchange in Bermuda and diversifying revenue streams.
   • Despite this, the US remains Coinbase’s “most important market,” employing the majority of its staff and hosting most users.

Market Impact

Coinbase’s pivot toward meme coins highlights a shift in strategy to capture retail interest and capitalize on lighter regulatory oversight expected in 2024. This expansion aligns with broader market enthusiasm for meme coins and altcoins, offering new opportunities for traders.