Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has publicly dismissed the notion that quantum computing poses an existential threat to blockchain technology, calling it "a very solvable problem". Armstrong made the remarks during a CNBC interview at the World Liberty Forum at Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday, directly responding to journalist Sara Eisen's question about the potential risk.
Armstrong revealed that Coinbase has formed an independent quantum advisory council to proactively address the issue. The council includes leading cryptographers such as Professor Scott Aaronson from the University of Texas, Stanford's Dan Boneh, Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake, and Coinbase's own Head of Cryptography, Yehuda Lindell. The group plans to publish research on quantum risks and migration strategies for the crypto ecosystem.
The CEO emphasized that Coinbase maintains regular contact with leading blockchain networks to chart a path toward post-quantum cryptography. He stated the company has been "very proactive on this issue," framing it as a long-term engineering challenge rather than an immediate crisis. Armstrong suggested that practical quantum threats remain years away, giving the industry sufficient time to coordinate defensive upgrades.
Industry efforts are already underway. The Ethereum Foundation elevated post-quantum security to a strategic priority in January 2026, while the Solana Foundation has begun testing quantum-resistant digital signatures on a test network. Bitcoin developers are working with proposals like BIP 360, aimed at reducing exposed key paths.
Pranav Agarwal, independent director of Jetking Infotrain India, noted that the primary quantum risk for Bitcoin lies in the breaking of private keys within SHA-256 encryption but clarified that "there is enough time" to upgrade encryption standards across major networks.
During the same interview, Armstrong also addressed regulatory matters, discussing Coinbase's withdrawal of support for an earlier draft of the CLARITY Act. He acknowledged the company had "some issues" with the legislation, particularly regarding the treatment of stablecoin rewards, but rejected the idea that Coinbase "blocked" the bill. Instead, he argued the objections brought legislators "back to the table" for negotiations, expressing confidence a deal could be reached in the coming months.
