Coinbase Names George Osborne to Head Advisory Council as Crypto Expansion Continues

• Osborne’s Role: The former UK finance minister, advising since 2024, now leads Coinbase’s council to navigate international crypto regulations.

• Strategic Expansion: Coinbase integrates tokenized stock trading and partners with Kalshi for prediction markets to broaden financial services.

• Regulatory Critique: Osborne highlights UK’s lag in digital asset rules, warning of pound-pegged stablecoin risks against US dominance.

Coinbase appoints George Osborne to advisory council amid UK crypto regulation push. Explore expansions into stocks, futures, and global strategy for crypto’s future.

What is Coinbase’s New Advisory Council Led by George Osborne?

Coinbase’s advisory council, now chaired by George Osborne, focuses on guiding the exchange’s regulatory and expansion strategies globally. Appointed as the lead in late 2025, Osborne brings his experience from advising the firm since 2024 during its US SEC disputes. This move supports Coinbase’s efforts to influence foreign governments on crypto policies.

How Does Osborne’s Background Influence Coinbase’s UK Strategy?

George Osborne, who served as United Kingdom Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2010 to 2016, has been vocal about the need for stronger UK digital asset regulations. In an August 2025 op-ed published by the Financial Times, he criticized the government’s slow pace, noting that the UK risks irrelevance in stablecoins as US dollar-pegged options dominate over 90% of the market, per industry reports from Chainalysis. Osborne’s appointment aligns with Coinbase’s push into Europe, including recent integrations like Blik payments in Poland, to foster compliant growth.

Osborne emphasized the blockchain’s potential during his announcement: “Serving on Coinbase’s advisory council for over two years, I have seen the blockchain revolution and the potential to spread ownership to many left behind by the system. Chairing it is an amazing opportunity to learn more.” This expertise helps Coinbase address regulatory hurdles, drawing on Osborne’s insights into balancing innovation with financial stability. Data from the Bank of England shows only 5% of global stablecoin volume involves pound equivalents, underscoring his concerns about the pound’s diminishing reserve status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted Coinbase to appoint George Osborne to its advisory council?

Coinbase selected Osborne to strengthen its international regulatory advocacy, building on his advisory role since 2024 amid US SEC challenges. His UK government experience positions him to bridge crypto innovation with policy, especially as the firm eyes European expansion and diversified services.

How will Coinbase’s new features like tokenized stocks impact users?

Coinbase’s tokenized stocks and ETFs enable round-the-clock trading and use as crypto collateral, making traditional assets more accessible. Partnering with Kalshi for prediction markets adds event-based trading, while planned 2026 perpetual futures offer up to 50x leverage without expiration, enhancing flexibility for global investors.

Key Takeaways

• Regulatory Leadership: Osborne’s chairmanship bolsters Coinbase’s global policy influence, addressing UK’s crypto lag.
• Product Diversification: Tokenized assets and prediction markets position Coinbase as a comprehensive finance platform.
• Market Expansion: Integrations like perpetual futures signal 24/7 trading growth, targeting broader investor access.

Conclusion

Coinbase’s appointment of George Osborne to its advisory council marks a pivotal step in navigating international crypto regulations, complemented by expansions into tokenized stocks and prediction markets. As the exchange evolves into a one-stop financial hub, Osborne’s insights on UK digital asset development could drive policy reforms. Investors should monitor these advancements for opportunities in a maturing crypto landscape, staying informed on regulatory shifts for strategic positioning.