Crypto Today: Bitcoin Struggles, Coinbase Expands, and U.S. Industry Looks Ahead
1. Bitcoin and Major Cryptos Still Struggling
Bitcoin is trading around $87,348, slightly up in the last 24 hours but still well below October’s highs and down for the month. Ethereum and XRP also showed slight declines, reflecting ongoing price pressure in the broader market. Barron's
2. Coinbase Appoints George Osborne as Global Advisory Lead
Coinbase has appointed former UK finance minister George Osborne to lead its advisory council, part of its effort to shape global crypto policy. Osborne will focus on expanding Coinbase’s influence in the UK and EU regulatory landscapes. Reuters
3. Coinbase Expands Services Beyond Crypto Trading
In another major strategic shift, Coinbase is pushing into stock trading and prediction markets, allowing users to trade equities and outcome-based contracts alongside crypto. This diversification intensifies competition with platforms like Robinhood and reflects broader fintech convergence. Investors
4. U.S. Crypto Industry Cheers 2025 But Eyes 2026 Risks
The U.S. crypto sector had a strong 2025 with favorable regulatory steps — including eased banking rules and federal stablecoin legislation — but critical crypto bills remain stalled in the Senate, raising uncertainty around next year’s policy environment. Reuters
Takeaway
Price action remains sideways and choppy, reminding traders that volatility hasn’t fully returned. Yet the bigger narrative isn’t just price — it’s regulatory influence and platform evolution. Coinbase is clearly positioning itself as a broader financial ecosystem, and the industry’s mixed outlook for 2026 could shape next year’s cycles.
