Coinbase Expands Global Influence with George Osborne's Appointment

Coinbase appoints former British finance minister George Osborne to lead its advisory council, signaling its intent to grow its policy influence globally. Osborne will engage with international policymakers to promote blockchain and stablecoin technologies. This move comes amid increasing lobbying efforts by the crypto industry.

U.S. crypto exchange Coinbase has taken a significant step in its global expansion by appointing George Osborne, former British finance minister, to lead its internal advisory council. The move aims to strengthen Coinbase's influence with international governments beyond American borders.

In recent years, the crypto industry has established itself as a formidable lobbying entity within the U.S. Coinbase's intent to bolster its policy influence extends to Britain and the European Union, as highlighted by the company's chief policy officer, Faryar Shirzad. Osbourne, who became an adviser to Coinbase in January 2024, is now poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the company's policy agenda worldwide from his base in London.

The former finance minister's impressive portfolio includes roles with OpenAI and the British Museum. His leadership on the Global Advisory Council provides a platform to explore blockchain and tokenization's transformative effects on financial systems. The crypto sector, including Coinbase, has actively supported pro-crypto candidates, and Osborne's new role marks a critical juncture in aligning regulatory goals with industry advancements.

(With inputs from agencies.)