Coinbase now custodies 81 percent of the $140 billion in crypto assets held by US ETFs, cementing its lead in institutional digital asset security.

Key Takeaways

  • 1Coinbase holds custody of 81 percent of $140 billion in crypto assets managed by US-based ETFs.
  • 2Eight of the top ten bitcoin-holding public companies use Coinbase Prime for asset custody.
  • 3CEO Brian Armstrong highlighted institutional growth during a quarterly review on June 27.
  • 4Coinbase’s role supports growing investor confidence and mainstream crypto adoption.

Coinbase has secured its position as the top custodian for digital assets held in US exchange-traded funds. With $113 billion of the $140 billion in ETF-held crypto now under its care, the platform is proving indispensable to the rise of institutional crypto investing.

Coinbase Commands ETF Custody Market

Coinbase’s institutional arm is now responsible for securing a staggering 81 percent of the total crypto assets held by US-based ETFs. The news, announced by CEO Brian Armstrong on June 27 following the company’s quarterly business review, highlights the growing trust large-scale investors place in Coinbase Prime.

Armstrong shared via social media, “Our institutional team is crushing it,” citing two major wins:

  • Eight of the ten largest publicly traded bitcoin-holding firms rely on Coinbase Prime.
  • 81 percent of crypto assets held in US ETFs are now stored with Coinbase.

This substantial custody share translates to approximately $113 billion in digital assets, placing Coinbase well ahead of its competitors in institutional crypto infrastructure.

Backed by Industry Giants

Coinbase’s dominance in crypto custody is reinforced by its partnerships with financial powerhouses like Blackrock and Strategy. Blackrock’s Ishares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Strategy’s bitcoin reserves are both secured by Coinbase, reflecting a broader trend toward institutional-grade custody services.

Recent ETF filings further underscore this momentum:

  • More than 50 ETF applications have been submitted in 2024 alone.
  • Coinbase remains the preferred custodian for new digital asset investment vehicles.

This wave of filings is seen as a sign of growing demand for regulated, secure crypto exposure, especially among traditional investors.

Riding a Market Rally

Coinbase’s prominence comes amid a surge in the broader cryptocurrency market. On June 26, Coinbase’s stock (Nasdaq: COIN) reached a new all-time high of $382.00, closing at $375.07. This performance reflects not only crypto’s market recovery but also investor optimism over legislative advances such as the potential GENIUS Act, which would establish clearer frameworks for stablecoins.

The trust Coinbase has earned from ETF managers and public companies alike signals a shift in how digital assets are viewed at the highest levels of finance.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

Coinbase is no longer just a crypto exchange. It has become a pillar of institutional crypto infrastructure, trusted by major firms to secure billions in digital assets. As traditional finance deepens its crypto exposure, Coinbase’s role as a custodian will only grow more vital.

Kathleen Kinder

Kathleen Kinder

Senior Editor


Kathleen Kinder brings over 11 years of experience in the research industry, with deep expertise in finance, cryptocurrency, and insurance. At CoinLaw, she writes timely, reader-focused news articles and also serves as a senior editorial reviewer. Drawing on her background in B2B research, consumer insights, and executive interviews, she ensures every piece delivers clarity, accuracy, and real-world relevance.
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