Coinbase eyeing offshore exchange to escape US regulatory pressure

U.S.-based crypto exchange Coinbase is considering setting up an offshore exchange due to the recent regulatory clampdown on the crypto industry, Bloomberg reported on March 17.

Coinbase reportedly contacted some institutional clients to discuss setting up an alternative marketplace for global users. While the location for this exchange is undecided, Bloomberg reported that the firm is also in contact with market makers about connecting to it.

A Coinbase spokesperson did not confirm if the company had such plans. However, the representative said the exchange continuously assesses options in different regions and meets with government officials to increase global crypto adoption.

Why Coinbase is considering going offshore

Coinbase status as a public company subjects it to higher standards of regulatory oversight than many of its competitors who are based offshore.

For context, rival exchanges like Binance and the bankrupt FTX only have subsidiaries within the U.S., while most of their business operates outside the country’s jurisdiction.

Kraken CEO Jesse Powell pointed out the advantages “offshore exchanges” enjoy. According to Powell, U.S. regulators tend to ignore the illegal activity of these firms because they are outside their jurisdiction.

Although Coinbase operates in over 100 countries, all trades are routed through its U.S. platform. This might change if it establishes an offshore trading platform, enabling it to protect itself from regulatory pressure at home.

US’ lack of crypto regulation hurting firms in the region

Over the years, several crypto stakeholders have criticized the U.S. for its lack of regulatory clarity and the regulation-by-enforcement approach adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

More recently, the failures of crypto-friendly banks have further undermined the ease of doing business for firms in the country. Besides that, several stakeholders have alleged that the government was deliberately making life difficult for these firms.

U.S. lawmaker Tom Emmer said President Biden’s administration was weaponizing the market chaos to kill crypto.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse warned that the lack of regulatory clarity pushed firms to friendlier jurisdictions. Garlinghouse said:

“Crypto moving offshore is not good for American innovation.”

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