Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong recently shared significant insights about the growing role of cryptocurrency at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Armstrong revealed that top executives from major financial institutions, including one from a bank among the world’s ten largest, now consider crypto an “existential” issue. The shift represents a major pivot in how traditional banks view the role of digital assets.
BIG BANKS NOW SEE CRYPTO AS AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT
According to Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, big banks no longer view crypto as a curiosity or niche — they see it as a threat to their core business.
Armstrong says:
Banks aren’t just cautious — they’re actively pushing back… pic.twitter.com/PtApBmC3Ou
— CryptosRus (@CryptosR_Us) January 24, 2026
Armstrong’s comments underline the increasing urgency for legacy financial institutions to adapt to the expanding crypto sector. Many executives he met were no longer simply open to crypto; instead, they are actively exploring how to engage with it as a strategic opportunity.
Armstrong’s remarks emphasize that banks are not just observing the crypto space anymore; they are now prioritizing it. According to Armstrong, a top executive from one of the largest global banks described crypto as their “number one priority.” The growing recognition of crypto’s potential has led these institutions to explore ways to integrate digital assets into their operations, hoping to avoid being left behind by emerging technologies.
Crypto is seen as both a challenge and an opportunity. For banks that rely on traditional payment systems, the rapid rise of digital assets presents a threat. Armstrong noted that tokenization of assets such as equities and credit is one of the biggest trends in finance right now, and it could disrupt legacy systems by enabling faster and more direct value transfers without intermediaries.
As the conversation shifts towards adapting to these changes, Armstrong pointed out that tokenization could have a broad impact on financial markets. He highlighted the potential for assets like equities and bonds to be tokenized, offering more people access to high-quality investments, especially in emerging markets where many lack access to traditional investment opportunities.
Armstrong also discussed the regulatory environment for cryptocurrency, particularly in the United States. He noted that the Trump administration had been one of the most supportive when it came to advancing crypto legislation, including efforts like the CLARITY Act.
This bill aims to create a clear regulatory framework for digital assets, something Armstrong believes is crucial for maintaining the U.S.’s competitive edge in the global financial landscape.
As countries like China continue to heavily invest in stablecoin infrastructure, Armstrong stressed the importance of clear regulation in keeping the U.S. at the forefront of the digital asset space. He argued that regulatory clarity is necessary not just for market participants but also for maintaining confidence in the U.S. financial system.
Artificial intelligence (AI) was another major theme at Davos. Armstrong pointed out the close relationship between AI and crypto, particularly in how AI agents could use stablecoins for payments. This could enable transactions outside of traditional banking systems, bypassing conventional identity checks and banking restrictions.
Stablecoins, which are pegged to fiat currencies, could become a preferred method for AI agents to make payments, Armstrong suggested. This would allow for faster, more efficient transactions, offering a way to make global payments without relying on banks.
The growth of AI and crypto infrastructure presents a unique opportunity for financial innovation, with both technologies complementing each other in ways that could disrupt traditional financial services.
The post Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Reveals Crypto’s Growing Priority for Banks appeared first on CoinCentral.
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