Coinbase

**16 years ago today**, someone made crypto history by establishing Bitcoin's first real-world price point. On October 5, 2009, **1 USD could buy 1,309 BTC** - setting Bitcoin's initial market value at roughly $0.0008 per coin. This pivotal moment marked: - Bitcoin's transition from theoretical concept to tradeable asset - The foundation for all future cryptocurrency valuations - A reference point that would become legendary in crypto circles **The contrast is staggering**: What cost $1 then would be worth millions today, highlighting Bitcoin's unprecedented journey from experimental digital currency to global financial asset. This anniversary serves as a reminder of how far cryptocurrency has evolved since those early pioneering days.

A crypto exchange is making moves at the Valorant Champions Finals in Paris, connecting gaming with digital finance. Fans at the esports arena can participate in something called **"Future Shot"** - an experience that bridges competitive gaming with cryptocurrency. The initiative targets the intersection of: - Gaming precision and skill - Digital money innovation - Fan engagement at live events This represents another step in crypto's push into mainstream entertainment, using esports as a gateway to introduce digital assets to gaming audiences.

**Coinbase has applied for a national trust charter** from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), seeking federal regulatory oversight for its operations. The exchange cites the need for **uniform national rules** to protect consumers as the crypto market continues evolving globally. Key points: - Application provides federal regulatory clarity - Aims to strengthen commitment to innovation and oversight - Part of broader push for consistent crypto regulation The move represents Coinbase's effort to operate under **clearer federal guidelines** rather than navigating varying state-by-state requirements. [Read full details](https://www.coinbase.com/blog/Coinbase-Strengthens-Commitment-to-Innovation-and-Oversight-with-National-Trust-Charter-Application)

Coinbase Pay now makes sending **USDC globally** as easy as sharing memes. **Key features:** - Send instantly using phone numbers, emails, wallet addresses, ENS, or pay links - **No limits, no fees, no borders** - Offchain USDC transfers are completely free - Onchain sends via Base are free for up to 20 transactions monthly This builds on similar moves by Binance Pay, which also offers zero-fee USDC transfers and has made USDC the default currency for new users. Both platforms are **simplifying crypto payments** and making digital money transfers more accessible worldwide.

**Coinbase has open-sourced its Design System**, making it freely available to developers and designers worldwide. The system has been **developed internally for years** and represents Coinbase's accumulated design expertise and standards. **Key benefits:** - Faster development cycles - Consistent design patterns - Battle-tested components - Professional-grade resources The move follows a **growing trend** of major crypto platforms open-sourcing their design systems, with dYdX previously releasing theirs in 2023. Developers can now access Coinbase's design language, components, and guidelines to build applications with the same polish as one of crypto's most trusted platforms. **Explore the system:** [cds.coinbase.com](http://cds.coinbase.com)

**Coinbase partners with Samsung** to bring crypto access to over 75 million Galaxy users in the U.S. **Key features:** - Extended Coinbase One trial for eligible Samsung users - Direct crypto purchases through Samsung Pay integration - Streamlined onboarding for first-time crypto buyers The partnership aims to **simplify crypto adoption** by leveraging Samsung's massive mobile user base and familiar payment infrastructure. [Read full details](https://www.coinbase.com/blog/Samsung-taps-Coinbase-to-bring-crypto-to-more-than-75-million-Galaxy-users)

**Coinbase** is backing a pilot program called **Future First** that distributes cryptocurrency aid to low-income New Yorkers through partnership with **@GiveDirectly**. Key details: - Program hands out **$12,000 in crypto** to eligible recipients - Uses **USDC stablecoin** for direct financial assistance - Targets young adult residents in New York - Explores how crypto can improve traditional aid distribution The initiative demonstrates practical applications of digital currencies for social welfare programs. By using USDC, recipients receive stable, dollar-backed cryptocurrency that can be easily converted or spent. This pilot could influence how government and nonprofit organizations approach financial assistance in the digital age. [Read full details](https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2025/10/02/coinbase-backed-pilot-program-hands-out-usd12-000-in-crypto-to-low-income-new-yorkers)

**Coinbase's DeFi lending feature is now fully operational** across all launch markets, offering users up to 10% APY on USDC lending. **Key Features:** - Powered by Morpho Labs and Steakhouse Finance - Built on Base network - No lockup period for funds - Available in US (excluding NY) and select international markets **Important Notes:** - Rates subject to change - Potential withdrawal delays during high-demand periods - Users should review terms before participating This marks the completion of Coinbase's gradual rollout that began in September, bringing institutional-grade DeFi yields to retail users through a simplified interface. [Learn more about the lending program](https://www.coinbase.com/blog/earn-competitive-yields-by-lending-your-usdc)

Major banking associations are lobbying the Senate to **repeal key provisions** of stablecoin legislation that could impact their business operations. The push comes through amendments to another crypto bill currently under congressional debate. Banks view certain stablecoin regulations as threatening to their traditional financial services. **Key concerns:** - Stablecoin laws may reduce bank control over digital payments - New regulations could limit traditional banking revenue streams - Industry groups seeking legislative changes before implementation The banking lobby's efforts highlight ongoing tension between traditional finance and crypto regulation. Consumer advocacy groups oppose these changes, arguing they protect user rights to crypto rewards and prevent further bank bailouts. [Take action here](https://nomorebailouts.org)

**Coinbase hits $1 billion milestone** in onchain Bitcoin-backed loans powered by MorphoLabs. Key developments: - $1B total in BTC-collateralized loans generated - Loan limits increasing to **$5M in USDC** against Bitcoin - Enhanced lending capacity rolling out soon - Built on Base network with MorphoLabs integration This milestone reflects growing adoption of DeFi lending infrastructure. Users can access liquidity without selling their Bitcoin holdings, maintaining crypto exposure while accessing traditional currency. The expansion from previous $1M limits to $5M represents significant scaling of institutional-grade lending services in the onchain economy.