COIN Stock Holds Gains as Coinbase Targets Australia

Coinbase secured an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), which allows it to expand its offerings in Australia beyond just crypto trading.

Coinbase

The company plans to initially launch crypto and equity perpetual products, with potential future support for futures and options. The move places Coinbase under Australia’s traditional financial regulatory framework. At the same time, Coinbase’s stock (COIN) is trading around $175, showing a modest 24-hour gain of about 0.22% after recovering from earlier lows.

Coinbase Expands in Australia

Coinbase is accelerating its expansion in Australia after securing an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL). With this license, the company plans to introduce derivatives, equities, and payment solutions, to become a direct challenge to traditional financial institutions. 

According to APAC regional managing director John O'Loghlen, Coinbase will initially roll out crypto and equity perpetual products, while laying the groundwork for more advanced offerings like futures and options. This strategic move forms part of the company’s ambition to merge the efficiency and speed of crypto infrastructure with the functionality of traditional finance.

Obtaining an AFSL is a big milestone, as it places Coinbase under the same regulatory framework as traditional financial services providers in Australia. This includes strict requirements around governance, disclosure, conduct, and consumer protection, which are expected to enhance trust and credibility among users. 

Australia’s crypto market is showing steady growth, with around 33% of the population now having exposure to digital assets, according to Independent Reserve. This is an increase from the previous year and indicates that there is rising adoption across the country. Additionally, more Australians are beginning to use cryptocurrencies for everyday transactions, which suggests a shift from speculative investment toward practical utility.

To support its expansion, Coinbase has been actively strengthening its local presence by hiring talent across legal, compliance, marketing, and operations. Coinbase clearly intends to operate fully within Australia’s regulatory environment while also scaling its offerings.

The expansion also builds on earlier initiatives, including the introduction of crypto investment options for self-managed superannuation funds in partnership with other exchanges. With Australia’s superannuation pool estimated at around 4.5 trillion Australian dollars by late 2025, the integration of crypto into retirement savings presents a massive long-term opportunity. 

Stock price

COIN price action over the past 24 hours (Source: CoinCodex)

Over the past 24 hours, Coinbase’s stock (COIN) showed relatively stable but slightly bullish price action. The stock is trading around $175, which is a modest gain of approximately 0.22% on the day. Price movement during this period indicates early volatility, with a dip toward the lower $168–$170 range before recovering. Momentum picked up later in the session. This suggests buyers regained short-term control, although the relatively tight range near the top indicates a potential pause.