Coinbase is strategically repositioning its Base app into a multi-chain trading platform, moving away from its original focus solely on the Base blockchain. The shift comes under new leadership as Jordan “Cobie” Fish takes over the app, allowing Base creator Jesse Pollak to dedicate his efforts to expanding the underlying blockchain infrastructure and decentralized finance (DeFi) growth.
During an appearance on The Starting Block podcast, Pollak explained that the app will now prioritize offering a comprehensive trading experience rather than pushing growth exclusively on Base. “As it's becoming a trading app, it's just becoming less Base-centric,” Pollak said, emphasizing that assets from nearly every major crypto ecosystem will be tradable on the platform. The team is also rolling out prediction markets and perpetual futures to broaden its offerings.
Fish, who joined Coinbase after the exchange acquired his fundraising platform Echo for approximately $375 million, will focus on building the best trading product while Base competes on technology, liquidity, and execution quality. Pollak stressed that the blockchain must earn its place through performance rather than preferential treatment, creating stronger incentives to improve services.
The Base network already secures nearly $5 billion in DeFi assets and processes over $1 billion in daily trading volume, reflecting robust activity. Pollak welcomed competition from firms like Robinhood and Stripe, viewing their entry into blockchain infrastructure as validation of the industry’s onchain trajectory rather than a threat. He believes the digital asset industry remains in its early stages, with ample opportunity for multiple players to grow simultaneously.
