Coinbase Retail Customer Fund Safety: One Last Clarification

Anvesh Reddy
June 2, 2022
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CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Coinbase CEO

Weeks after much debate around safety of retail customer funds on Coinbase, there is yet another statement from the exchange. The debate was initiated last month when Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said revealed the truth behind Coinbase fund safety of retail customers.

At the time, Armstrong said the exchange might not be able to recover the customer holdings in case of bankruptcy. He also admitted the company had not disclosed this to its customers until the risk was highlighted in a filing.

A couple of days after Armstrong’s statement, the exchange’s chief financial officer Alesia Haas said all investor assets are ‘absolutely safe’. The CFO was asked if it was possible that courts could force Coinbase to divert customer money to its creditors. In reply, she said if it comes to it, there is very small tail risk that it still could happen.

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Coinbase Legal Officer Chips In

Paul Grewal, Coinbase chief legal officer, on Thursday clarified that the exchange’s fully audited ledger identifies each customer’s account. The customer’s fiat and crypto holdings are identified and account activity is tracked in real time. He added that there is never a situation where customer funds could be confused with corporate assets, asserting Coinbase fund safety.

“Your funds are your funds, and your crypto is your crypto. Coinbase maintains internal systems, like a bank or a broker.”

Grewal also clarified on fears around repurposing customer funds. Coinbase does not lend or take any action with customer assets, unless the customer specifically instructs us to, he explained.

“Coinbase always holds customer assets 1:1. This means that funds are available to our customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.”

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‘Crypto Volatility Is Inevitable’

The chief legal officer reiterated that volatility in crypto or any market is inevitable. “We can’t control it, but we do plan for it.” That is why, through the ups and downs of crypto over the last 10 years, Coinbase has focused on building, scaling through the highs and innovating through the lows, he explained.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Anvesh reports major crypto updates around U.S. regulation and market moving trends. Published over 1400 articles so far on crypto and blockchain. A proud dropout of University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Can be reached at [email protected] or x.com/BitcoinReddy or linkedin.com/in/anveshreddybtc/
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.