Coinbase Launches Stock Trading for US Users: Major Expansion into Traditional Markets

In a significant move blending cryptocurrency and traditional finance, Coinbase announced on December 17, 2025, that stock trading is now rolling out to users in the United States. The brief but impactful post from the official Coinbase X account stated: "Stock trading. Rolling out on Coinbase in the U.S." accompanied by a link directing users to further details.

This development marks a pivotal shift for Coinbase, long known as a leading cryptocurrency exchange, as it ventures deeper into conventional securities trading. The rollout comes amid a flurry of activity from the company, including recent expansions in derivatives, stablecoins, and other financial products. Users across the US can now access stock trading directly through the Coinbase platform, potentially simplifying investment strategies for those already managing crypto portfolios.

Details of the Rollout

The announcement highlights an immediate availability, suggesting that eligible US users can begin trading stocks imminently via the Coinbase app.

While specifics such as supported exchanges, available stocks, commission structures, and minimum requirements were not detailed in the initial post, legal disclosures in related Coinbase communications point to offerings through Coinbase Capital Markets, a member of SIPC and FINRA. This indicates compliance with US regulatory standards for securities trading.

Coinbase has been preparing for such expansions, with recent system updates enabling a unified backend to support diverse assets. The integration aligns with broader platform enhancements, including DEX trading for millions of assets and faster onchain capabilities already live for US users excluding New York in some cases.

Strategic Context and Timing

The timing of this launch coincides with heightened market interest in extended trading hours. Nasdaq, home to Coinbase's own stock (COIN) and other crypto-related firms like Robinhood (HOOD) and MicroStrategy (MSTR), recently filed for 23-hour daily trading to meet crypto-era demands. This could enhance accessibility for Coinbase's stock trading feature, allowing near-continuous market engagement.

Analysts view this as part of Coinbase's pivot towards a comprehensive fintech powerhouse. Deutsche Bank initiated coverage with a Buy rating, projecting 40 percent upside to $340 per share, citing growth in derivatives and stablecoins alongside spot trading. Despite a recent 18.5 percent slide in COIN stock over three months, opportunities in new verticals like prediction markets and tokenized stocks are estimated to unlock $550 million in revenue by some projections.

• Key Features Expected: Seamless integration with existing crypto wallets, potential for 24/7 trading elements via Nasdaq's proposals, and bundled services with staking ETFs now powered by Coinbase.
• Regulatory Compliance: Backed by FINRA and SIPC membership, ensuring investor protections.
• Geographic Scope: Initially US-focused, with expansions to other regions anticipated based on prior rollouts like DEX trading.

Market Implications

This entry pits Coinbase directly against established brokers like Robinhood, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab. By leveraging its 100 million-plus user base, many of whom hold crypto, Coinbase aims to capture cross-asset trading flows. Posts on X reflect excitement, with the announcement garnering thousands of views within hours, alongside teases of a livestream for further reveals including prediction markets and tokenized equities.

Competitors are responding swiftly. Gemini recently beat Coinbase to prediction markets, while tokenized assets gain traction globally. Coinbase's move into native stock trading could accelerate hybrid products, such as crypto-collateralized stock positions or bundled portfolios.

Challenges and Investor Sentiment

Not all news is bullish. COIN stock faces a $250 test amid S&P 500 inclusion speculation, with technical bearishness tempered by catalysts like this rollout. Past incidents, such as a New York impersonation scam costing $6.5 million, underscore the need for robust security as trading volumes grow.

Investors should note risks: trading involves potential capital loss, and not all features may be available in states like New York initially. Coinbase emphasizes research and cautions against treating announcements as investment advice.

Looking Ahead

As Coinbase hosts a livestream on December 17 for more announcements, expectations include details on prediction markets, tokenized stocks, and global expansions using Chainlink's CCIP for wrapped assets. Staking ETFs through partnerships further solidify its infrastructure role.

This stock trading rollout positions Coinbase as a one-stop financial hub, potentially reshaping how retail investors approach diversified portfolios in a crypto-integrated world.

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