Coinbase calls tokenization the key to wealth access

On January 20, Coinbase co-founder and CEO Brian Armstrong said that tokenization can level the financial playing field and provide access to the world’s most lucrative markets for all people, regardless of location or income. He presented the argument on X, claiming that global wealth creation may finally become more equitable by converting assets into digital tokens.

Armstrong cited a blog post released on Monday that highlighted the widening gap between labor and capital income in the U.S. The blog post revealed that real capital income per capita has increased by 136% since the 1990s. In comparison, labor income has increased by 57%, highlighting that returns on investment significantly exceed profits from employment. 

The data also revealed that economic growth is dominated by wealth creation through capital, stocks, real estate, and other assets, leaving wage earners behind.

Coinbase calls tokenization the key to wealth access

According to Coinbase, the wealth divide is caused by access to financial markets rather than income. The Crypto exchange revealed that approximately 4 billion adults globally lack access to bonds or stocks. Just 17% of the lowest-earning households in the U.S. own equities, compared to 96% of the highest-earning families. 

Coinbase’s report stated stock ownership is often below 10% in many emerging economies, demonstrating that being shut out of the capital markets is a greater obstacle to wealth than low income alone. This lack of access is compounded by other barriers, such as high minimum investment requirements or complex onboarding processes, which prevent many people from taking advantage of wealth-building opportunities. 

The digital asset platform claimed that, in addition to receiving a salary, one must be able to save, invest, and expand with the economy to achieve genuine economic freedom. These barriers limit general prosperity and deepen social differences, creating a structural gap between the capital-rich and the capital-poor.

To address this gap, Coinbase went on to reveal that tokenization is a way to achieve economic freedom through connected payments to international capital markets, giving everyone greater access to opportunities for wealth accumulation. The digital asset platform noted that this approach is meant to expand the benefits of technological breakthroughs to all people, not just financial innovators.

The crypto exchange further stated that the transformative opportunity lies in extending the technological framework to traditional assets themselves, such as tokenizing stocks, bonds, and other assets on permissionless blockchains.

Coinbase also noted that tokenized equities markets may lower investor transaction costs by more than 30% in the near future, with a much bigger long-term advantage. However, the actual effects are greater participation and a wider distribution of wealth rather than just cheaper markets.

Coinbase claimed that tokenization can facilitate easy movement and global access to assets.

In the report, Coinbase mentioned stablecoins as another path to expanding capital. Notably, stablecoins have already demonstrated their usefulness as an inexpensive 24/7 payment rail. However, stablecoins are merely the base, according to Coinbase.

Coinbase also highlighted B2B payments, which increased from under $100 million per month in early 2023 to over $6.4 billion by August of last year, indicating a shift from experimentation to inclusion into fundamental financial operations.

Coinbase identifies technology and policy in financial inclusion

Coinbase described technology as an essential component of addressing the financial gap. Policymakers must also intervene to promote economic freedom and enable more people to build wealth. 

The crypto exchange said technology and policymakers’ intervention should entail a favorable regulatory framework that supports innovation while guaranteeing consumer protection.

To address the financial divide, Coinbase proposed that regulators allow banks to engage with tokenization technology, establishing transparent pathways for tokenizing traditional assets, and preserving the neutrality of public blockchains.

The crypto exchange also noted that establishing an inclusive financial ecosystem will need upgrading market protections and acknowledging the right to self-custody.

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