Coinbase: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters in Crypto
When you think about buying Bitcoin or Ethereum, Coinbase, a regulated cryptocurrency exchange that lets individuals buy, sell, and store digital assets. Also known as Coinbase Global, it was one of the first platforms to make crypto simple enough for someone with no tech background to use. Unlike shady DeFi platforms or dead exchanges like TombSwap or Flybit, Coinbase built its reputation on compliance, security, and ease of use. It’s not just a trading site—it’s a gateway for millions who don’t want to deal with private keys or smart contract risks.
Coinbase doesn’t just list coins. It actively shapes the market. It’s the exchange that brought Bitcoin to mainstream attention in the U.S., and it’s the one that still handles over half of all retail crypto trades in America. It supports Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and dozens of others—but it’s also the reason you can’t trade certain tokens like PARA or JF if they’re deemed too risky. That’s because Coinbase follows strict regulatory rules, unlike unregulated platforms in India or Bangladesh where users bypass bans to trade on Binance. It’s a trade-off: safety over choice. You won’t find wild memecoins like Ustream Coin or Sui Monster on Coinbase, but you also won’t get rug-pulled.
Behind the scenes, Coinbase runs its own wallet, custody services, and even a blockchain research team. It’s the reason why institutions trust crypto. When the Central Bank of Nigeria shifted from banning crypto to regulating it, Coinbase was one of the first platforms they approved. When Iceland’s power limits forced miners out, Coinbase kept trading going for regular users. It’s not perfect—fees are high, customer support is slow, and it’s not available everywhere—but it’s the most reliable option for most people. It’s also the exchange that made crypto feel legal, even when the rules were still being written.
What you’ll find below isn’t a list of Coinbase reviews. It’s a collection of real stories about what happens when crypto meets regulation, risk, and reality. From Thodex’s $2 billion scam to how OFAC sanctions block Iranian users, these posts show why platforms like Coinbase matter. They’re the difference between a functioning market and chaos. You’ll see how DePIN tokens like Helium HNT work differently from exchange-native assets, how airdrops like QBT or NBOX can be legitimate or fake, and why jurisdiction matters more than you think. Whether you’re holding Bitcoin or just starting out, understanding Coinbase helps you understand the whole system.
- By Eva van den Bergh
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- 4 Dec 2025
CEO Global Crypto Exchange Review: Who’s Leading in 2025 and Why It Matters
In 2025, crypto exchange leaders like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken are defined by compliance, not volume. Learn who’s winning the regulatory race and how to pick the right exchange for your needs.