Coinbase trading in equities, ETFs as it broadens product line beyond crypto

CoinDesk

by Helene Braun

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Coinbase has expanded its offerings by introducing stock and ETF trading for all U.S. customers, marking a significant shift in its strategy to become an "everything exchange." This move positions the company directly against competitors like Robinhood, which has also been expanding its crypto-focused services. The new feature allows users to trade U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs on the same platform as they do for cryptocurrencies, with 24-hour trading hours (Monday through Friday) and no commission fees. Customers can fund their trades using U.S. dollars or USDC, purchase fractional shares starting at $1, and access real-time data provided by Yahoo Finance. The decision to expand into traditional financial markets reflects Coinbase's broader goal of diversifying its business model beyond crypto. By integrating multiple asset classes under one roof, the company aims to reduce its reliance on cryptocurrency prices, which have been volatile this year. Both Coinbase (COIN) and Robinhood (HOOD) have seen their shares decline by about 35% in 2026 as digital assets face challenges. This strategic pivot could help Coinbase insulate itself from crypto market downturns and appeal to a broader audience of investors. The partnership with Yahoo Finance further enhances the user experience, allowing customers to seamlessly transition from researching stocks on the platform to executing trades on Coinbase. Additionally, Coinbase has teamed up with Apex Fintech Solutions for clearing, custody, and execution services to support its new offering. The company plans to expand 24/5 trading to more stocks in the coming months and explore tokenized stock offerings, which could enable equities to be traded on blockchain networks beyond traditional market hours. This expansion underscores a broader trend among crypto firms to blend digital assets with traditional financial products. By doing so, Coinbase is not only competing with established retail brokerages but also signaling its ambition to become a versatile financial services provider. The integration of stock and ETF trading could attract new customers and diversify Coinbase's revenue streams, potentially making it less dependent on the volatile crypto market. For readers interested in crypto, this move highlights how companies are evolving to stay relevant beyond their core offerings. By expanding into traditional markets, Coinbase is positioning itself as a more diversified tech company rather than just a cryptocurrency exchange. This strategy could help stabilize its share price and appeal to investors seeking exposure to both digital assets and traditional finance.

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Originally published on CoinDesk on 2/24/2026