Coinbase | The Nasdaq of Cryptocurrency

"Government is the ultimate monopoly. And monopolies, as any economist will tell you, often breed complacency and a lack of innovation." - Gavin Newsom

Who owns Coinbase?

Coinbase is a subsidiary company of 'Digital Currency Group' (DCG), an umbrella company similar to Google. But, the really interesting thing is this, Digital Currency Group is a subsidiary company of the NASDAQ [Similar to what Alphabet inc is to Google].

As we all know, the Nasdaq is a centralized company which complies with the regulatory laws of the SEC, similarly to Coinbase's practices.

Therefore, the question arises, what really is Decentralized today?

The Monopoly of Coinbase?

In the same manner that the Nasdaq has monopolized trading and stock investing, Coinbase is following suit, but in the crypto space. 

Since 2018, Coinbase has joined forces with Barclays, Earn.com, Paradex (0x), and has recently ventured into the Japanese market by setting up new offices in Japan. 

As is evident, Coinbase's practices are similar to those of the Nasdaq.

The Future of Coinbase?

Well, Coinbase's future is certainly bright, but with a monopoly, you'll always find a lack of innovation filled with stringent policing and tight rules. Once the masses realize the totalitarian regime of Coinbase, this will pave way for a new competitor to change the scene.

N.B. I'm well aware of Binance, and even the future of so-called Decentralized Exchanges.