Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has outlined eight specific areas where the global financial system requires modernization to improve efficiency and access. In a post shared on X on May 24, 2026, the chief executive characterized these priorities as “unfinished work” that demands both new technology and supportive policy. The agenda arrives as the market for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) continues its rapid expansion, recently surpassing a $34.9 billion valuation.
According to data from RWA.xyz, the RWA sector has grown by approximately 200% over the past year. Brian Armstrong identified the tokenization of assets—including real estate, stocks, bonds, and funds—as a primary pillar for the future. He argued that moving these assets on-chain would enable instant settlement and fractional ownership, providing a level of distribution that traditional systems currently struggle to achieve.
The Coinbase CEO also emphasized the need for 24/7 global trading supported by pooled global liquidity. This shift aims to improve capital efficiency and provide broader access to leveraged products. This vision for continuous markets contrasts with the restricted hours of traditional exchanges, which often face resistance at key levels when liquidity is fragmented across different time zones or weekend closures.
Stablecoins and the role of autonomous AI agents
A significant portion of the “financial system update” involves next-generation payments. Brian Armstrong advocated for the use of stablecoins to facilitate near-instant, low-cost global transfers. This isn’t just a theoretical goal; Coinbase’s x402 stablecoin payment protocol has already processed over 75.4 million transactions in the past 30 days. Most of these transactions are settled in USDC.
Beyond human-to-human transfers, the Coinbase CEO highlighted the necessity of supporting payments between autonomous AI agents. As machines begin to handle more complex tasks, they require an efficiently integrated payment rail. This development coincides with broader trends where decentralized exchange activity is increasingly influenced by automated protocols and algorithmic strategies.
Artificial Intelligence also plays a critical role in the internal mechanics of the financial system. Armstrong stated that AI-powered tools can sharpen credit decisions, improve fraud detection, and provide broader access to financial advice. Coinbase has already applied these technologies to its compliance function, reportedly cutting resolution times for account restrictions by 90% while keeping human oversight in the final validation loop.
Legislative support and the pursuit of sound money
For these technological shifts to take root, Brian Armstrong called for innovation-friendly regulation. He urged policymakers to move away from “one-size-fits-all” rules in favor of risk-based oversight. As part of this effort, Coinbase actively supports the CLARITY Act, a legislative proposal designed to modernize the framework for digital assets. The progress of such bills is often monitored closely by investors, as legislative developments in Washington can rapidly shift market sentiment.
The final components of the eight-point plan focus on access and capital formation. Brian Armstrong argued that every smartphone user should have access to financial services through open protocols and self-custody wallets. By reducing reliance on traditional middlemen, he believes the cost of fundraising for new projects and individuals can be significantly lowered.
Finally, the CEO addressed the importance of “sound money.” He defined this as currency that cannot be arbitrarily printed by central banks, serving as a refuge from fiat inflation. Armstrong framed the entire agenda as an essential task for the industry, stating that the job will not be finished until these systems are working for a global audience. The focus remains on bridging the gap between existing financial infrastructure and decentralized technology.