TLDR
- Brian Armstrong said that crypto is accessible to everyone regardless of income level.
- He explained that people can start using crypto with just a few dollars and an internet connection.
- Armstrong stated that decentralized finance helps people manage money even without a bank account.
- He confirmed that Coinbase is creating easy-to-use products to support small investors.
- Armstrong emphasized that crypto will become as common and natural as using the internet.
Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase, has dismissed the belief that cryptocurrency is exclusive to the wealthy. He said people can start with just a few dollars and still participate in the digital economy. Armstrong emphasized that crypto is for everyone, not just institutional investors or high-income traders.
Brian Armstrong Says Crypto Empowers Small Investors
Brian Armstrong stated that cryptocurrency allows small investors to buy, save, and trade without needing large amounts of capital. He added that users only need a phone and internet connection to start managing money through digital assets. According to him, “It’s never too late” for anyone to enter the crypto space.
A common misconception is that crypto is too expensive for new people.
You don’t need to buy a full Bitcoin or ETH to get started. You can start buying and holding crypto with a few dollars.
It’s never too late.
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) October 19, 2025
He noted that billions globally still lack access to banks, which crypto can help fix with decentralized finance systems. Armstrong explained that DeFi makes lending, borrowing, and saving more affordable and accessible. This allows users in remote or underbanked regions to gain financial independence.
Brian Armstrong said DeFi is especially helpful in countries where banks charge high fees or are hard to reach. He pointed out that a user in a small town can access the same services as someone in a city. This, he said, removes borders and gives global financial access to everyone.
Coinbase Simplifies the Crypto Experience
Brian Armstrong confirmed Coinbase is building tools that make crypto simpler and more useful for ordinary users. The platform supports DEX trading, lending, and borrowing while handling the complex technical processes. These services aim to make the platform user-friendly and reduce confusion for new participants.
He said most people want easier ways to manage money, and Coinbase’s products aim to meet this demand. He also shared that users can earn rewards, lend assets, or take loans directly within the app. Armstrong added that the goal is to make cryptocurrency feel like money, not just a technology.
Brian Armstrong compared cryptocurrency to the early internet, which initially confused many before it became mainstream and user-friendly. He believes that crypto will follow a similar path and become an integral part of daily life. He said people will use it without even realizing it, just as they do with the internet today.
Regulations and Big Banks Add Legitimacy
Brian Armstrong acknowledged that clear regulations are now helping crypto gain trust and stability worldwide. He highlighted the GENIUS Act in the U.S. and the MiCA framework in the European Union as key examples. These laws, he said, give companies confidence to build and innovate legally.
He stated that traditional banks are also entering the crypto space through partnerships and product launches. Institutions like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs have released services via Coinbase and other platforms. This move shows traditional finance is embracing crypto tools.
Brian Armstrong predicted that Bitcoin might reach $1 million by 2030, due to its limited supply and rising institutional demand. However, he emphasized that the primary value lies in giving people control over their finances. He concluded by saying Coinbase’s mission is to create equal access to finance for all.