In a bold prediction, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has stated that by 2030, up to 10% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could be transacted through blockchain networks. This forecast suggests that over $10 trillion in value could be tokenized or managed via cryptocurrency rails by the end of the decade.
Armstrong made these remarks during Coinbase’s Q4 2024 earnings call, where he emphasized the growing adoption of digital assets and the increasing role of blockchain in global finance. He compared this shift to the early 2000s when businesses rapidly integrated the internet into their operations, coining the phrase, “Onchain is the new online.”
According to Armstrong, cryptocurrency is moving beyond speculative trading and becoming a foundational part of the global economy. He pointed out the rise of stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets, and decentralized finance (DeFi) as key indicators of this transformation.
One of the major drivers behind this predicted shift is the evolving regulatory landscape in the United States. Armstrong highlighted that the country now has “the most pro-crypto Congress we’ve ever seen,” which could lead to clearer regulations and wider adoption of blockchain technology. The CEO also noted that other nations, such as the UAE, Singapore, and parts of Europe, are taking progressive steps to integrate crypto into their financial systems.
Despite Armstrong’s optimism, challenges remain. Cryptocurrency markets have historically been volatile, and regulatory uncertainty continues to loom over the industry. Additionally, the need for better security, scalability, and user-friendly interfaces could impact the pace of mainstream adoption.
Still, with major financial institutions increasingly exploring blockchain solutions and governments warming up to the idea of digital assets, Armstrong’s prediction might not be far-fetched. If crypto-powered finance continues its trajectory, blockchain technology could play a vital role in handling a significant portion of global transactions in the coming years.
As the industry evolves, all eyes will be on how businesses, regulators, and consumers respond to the growing influence of cryptocurrency in the global economy.