- Brian Armstrong says the financing needs eight upgrades including RWA tokenization and 24/7 trading.
- Coinbase CEO says stablecoins could support near-instant, low-cost global payments
- Armstrong says AI can improve risk, credit, compliance, fraud screening and financial advice.
- Self-custodial wallets and open protocols can expand access to anyone with a smartphone.
Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, said the global financial system still needs significant upgrades before it can serve users more efficiently. He listed eight areas that need change, including real-world asset tokenization, 24/7 global trading, Stablecoin paymentsAI-powered finance, self-managing portfolios, and clearer regulation. The next version of financing will be more global, more interconnected and more automated, Armstrong said.
RWA tokenization and 24/7 trading top the list
In the real world, Armstrong said Asset tokenization One major upgrade is still needed. This includes putting real estate, stocks, bonds, funds and other assets on the chain.
Tokenization can support faster settlement and wider distribution. It could also allow fractional ownership, which could give more people access to larger asset classes.
Coinbase CEO: The financial system needs eight upgrades including the RWA token
Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, said the financial system still needs to complete eight major upgrades, including RWA tokenization, 24/7 global trading, stablecoin payments, AI-driven financial services,… pic.twitter.com/VUD9sozkfC
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) May 25, 2026
He also pointed to 24/7 global trading as the change needed. Traditional markets still operate with limited regional schedules and regulations.
Armstrong said future markets should pool global liquidity across assets and users. This would improve capital efficiency and provide broader market access.
Stablecoin payments and AI finance are gaining focus
Armstrong also named stablecoin payments as a key upgrade. Stablecoins can support near-instant, low-cost cross-border transfers.
These systems may also support agent payments, he said. This refers to payments made by automated systems or artificial intelligence agents.
Key areas where the financial system still needs modernization:
1. Tokenization of real world assets – real estate, stocks, bonds, funds, etc. On-chain for instant settlement, fractional ownership, and distribution at scale.
2. Global trading 24/7 – Aggregated global liquidity, every…
– Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) May 24, 2026
Financial services that rely on artificial intelligence were also included in its list. Armstrong said AI can improve risk analysis, credit decisions, compliance checks and financial advice.
Better technology can reduce fraud and expand access to capital, he said. It could also give more users access to solid financial guidance.
Regulation and self-preservation remain key priorities
Armstrong said there is a need for innovation-friendly regulation of the upcoming financial system. He called for risk-based rules rather than one-size-fits-all frameworks.
He said better regulation should support innovation and competition. At the same time, it should help protect users and markets.
Expanded access was another priority on his list. Armstrong pointed to open protocols and self-custodial wallets as important tools.
He said these systems could reduce reliance on intermediaries. They can also expand financial access to anyone with a smartphone.
Capital formation and sound money complete the roadmap
Capital formation also needs to become easier and cheaper, Armstrong said. He said people should have simple tools to raise money for powerful ideas.
Lower barriers could lead to an increase in the number of startups. It could also help more builders access early capital.
He also included sound money as part of Financial promotion road. Armstrong described it as a refuge from inflation when legal discipline weakened.
He said that the work will not be completed until these systems serve everyone. He added that progress will require technology development and political action.
