Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase is expanding its advocacy for digital asset regulation to Canada after launching similar initiatives in the United States and the United Kingdom. According to an announcement, Coinbase will launch its Stand With Crypto Canada campaign on July 12. The campaign aims to educate Canadians about cryptocurrency and blockchain, and to deepen policymakers’ understanding of the opportunities presented by emerging technologies like blockchain.
In the US, the Stand With Crypto initiative has been actively listing pro- and anti-crypto statements made by candidates for federal, state, and local offices. Additionally, the project launched a political action committee in May to support crypto-friendly candidates in the 2024 election.
Coinbase’s move into Canada comes as the country gears up for its next federal election, which must be held before October 2025. The Stand With Crypto Canada campaign aims to advocate for updated crypto regulations and a modernized financial system, tapping into Canadians’ growing appetite for change.
Lucas Matheson, CEO of Coinbase Canada, told Cointelegraph, “The timing of our push in Canada reflects our broader international strategy to engage with the Canadian community and policymakers proactively.” Matheson added that the campaign will focus on organizing educational workshops and seminars for policymakers, facilitating dialogue between industry leaders and government officials, and supporting the development of research and policy papers.
The initiative is expected to address the current regulatory landscape and highlight the potential benefits of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology for Canada’s economy. By engaging with both the public and policymakers, Coinbase aims to create a more informed and supportive environment for digital assets.
In the US, Stand With Crypto has been encouraging users to support lawmakers voting to overturn President Joe Biden’s veto of a resolution that would rescind the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin 121. The group has also highlighted lawmakers who voted in favor of the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century (FIT21) Act, rating them as pro- or anti-crypto.
Coinbase’s expansion into Canada marks a significant step in its global advocacy efforts, aiming to shape favorable regulatory frameworks and promote the adoption of digital assets worldwide. As the campaign unfolds, it will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and policymakers alike.
