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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 |
OR |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to |
Commission file number 001-40289
Coinbase Global, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware |
One Madison Avenue Suite 2400 New York, NY |
10010 |
46-4707224 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Address of principal executive offices)1 |
(Zip Code) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
Not Applicable
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)1
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class |
Trading Symbol(s) |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
Class A common stock, $0.00001 par value per share |
COIN |
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer ☒ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2024, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $44.6 billion based on the closing sales price of the registrant’s Class A common stock as reported on Nasdaq Global Select Market on that date.
As of February 6, 2025, the number of shares of the registrant's Class A common stock outstanding was 210,155,374 and the number of shares of the registrant's Class B common stock outstanding was 43,724,093.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or Proxy Statement, to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are incorporated by reference in Part III. Except with respect to information specifically incorporated by reference in this Annual Report, the Proxy Statement shall not be deemed to be filed as part hereof.
1 We are a remote-first company. Accordingly, we do not maintain a headquarters. We are including this address solely for the purpose of satisfying the Securities and Exchange Commission’s request. Stockholder communications may also be sent to the email address: secretary@coinbase.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Glossary to the Cryptoeconomy
Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we use a number of industry terms and concepts which are defined as follows:
•Address: An alphanumeric reference to where crypto assets can be sent or stored.
•Bitcoin: The first peer-to-peer electronic cash system of global, decentralized, scarce, digital money as initially introduced in a white paper titled Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System by Satoshi Nakamoto.
•Block: Synonymous with digital pages in a ledger. Blocks are added to an existing blockchain as transactions occur on the network. Miners are rewarded for “mining” a new block.
•Blockchain: A cryptographically secure digital ledger that maintains a record of all transactions that occur on the network and follows a consensus protocol for confirming new blocks to be added to the blockchain.
•Cold storage: The storage of private keys in any fashion that is disconnected from the internet. Common cold storage examples include offline computers, USB drives, or paper records.
•Crypto: A broad term for any cryptography-based market, system, application, or decentralized network.
•Crypto asset or token: Any digital asset built using blockchain technology, including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and security tokens.
•Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin and alternative coins, or “altcoins,” launched after the success of Bitcoin. This category of crypto asset is designed to work as a medium of exchange, store of value, or to power applications and excludes security tokens.
•Cryptoeconomy: A new open financial system built upon crypto.
•Dapps: Decentralized applications, or Dapps, are applications that run on a decentralized network, typically using blockchain technology.
•DeFi: Short for Decentralized Finance. Peer-to-peer software-based network of protocols that can be used to facilitate traditional financial services like borrowing, lending, trading derivatives, insurance, and more through smart contracts.
•Ethereum: A decentralized global computing platform that supports smart contract transactions and peer-to-peer applications, or “Ether,” the native crypto assets on the Ethereum network.
•Fork: A fundamental change to the software underlying a blockchain which results in two different blockchains, the original, and the new version. In some instances, the fork results in the creation of a new token.
•Hot wallet: A wallet that is connected to the internet, enabling it to broadcast transactions.
•Layer 1 (L1) Blockchain: The foundational blockchain that provides essential services like recording transactions and ensuring security.
•Layer 2 (L2) Blockchain: This refers to network protocols layered on top of a L1 Blockchain. L2 Blockchains utilize the infrastructure of L1 Blockchains but offer greater flexibility in scaling, transaction processing and improving overall network throughput.
•Miner: Individuals or entities who operate a computer or group of computers that add new transactions to blocks and verify blocks created by other miners. Miners collect transaction fees and are rewarded with new tokens for their services.
•Mining: The process by which new blocks are created, and thus new transactions are added to the blockchain.
•Network: The collection of all nodes that use computing power to maintain the ledger and add new blocks to the blockchain. Most networks are decentralized, reducing the risk of a single point of failure.
•Node: A computer or group of computers that supports the operations of a blockchain network, by validating blocks, executing smart contracts, or storing copies of the blockchain available for other nodes in the network to establish consensus.
•Onchain: Onchain typically refers to activities or processes that occur directly on a blockchain. It involves transactions, smart contracts, or any other operations that are recorded and executed within the blockchain network itself, as opposed to offchain activities that might occur outside the blockchain system.
•Protocol: A type of algorithm or software that governs how a blockchain operates.
•Public key or private key: Each public address has a corresponding public key and private key that are cryptographically generated. A private key allows the recipient to access any funds belonging to the address, similar to a bank account password. A public key helps validate transactions that are broadcasted to and from the address. Addresses are shortened versions of public keys, which are derived from private keys.
•Security token: A crypto asset that is a security under the U.S. federal securities laws. This includes digital forms of traditional equity or fixed income securities, or may be assets deemed to be a security based on their characterization as an investment contract or note.
•Self-custodied Wallet: A self-custodied wallet, also known as a self-hosted wallet, is a type of cryptocurrency wallet where the user holds the private keys, instead of a third-party.
•Smart contract: Software that digitally facilitates or enforces a rules-based agreement or terms between transacting parties.
•Stablecoin: Crypto assets designed to minimize price volatility. A stablecoin is designed to track the price of an underlying asset such as fiat money or an exchange-traded commodity (such as precious metals or industrial metals), while other stablecoins utilize algorithms that are designed to maintain a relative stable price of the asset. Stablecoins can be backed by fiat money, physical commodities or other crypto assets.
•Staking: An energy efficient equivalent of mining. Stakers use their tokens to validate transactions and create blocks. In exchange for this service, stakers earn a reward.
•Supported crypto assets: The crypto assets we support for trading and custody on our platform, which include crypto assets for trading and crypto assets under custody.
For additional information regarding our key business metrics, which include Monthly Transacting Users, Assets on Platform, and Trading Volume as well as our use of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Key Business Metrics” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measure” in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. All statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our future operating results and financial position, our business strategy, and plans, market growth, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include, but are not limited to, statements about:
•our future financial performance, including our expectations regarding our net revenue, operating expenses, and our ability to achieve and maintain future profitability;
•our business plan and our ability to effectively manage any growth;
•anticipated trends, growth rates, and challenges in our business, the cryptoeconomy, the price, and market capitalization of crypto assets and in the markets in which we operate;
•market acceptance of our products and services;
•beliefs and objectives for future operations;
•our ability to maintain, expand, and further penetrate our existing customer base;
•our ability to develop new products and services and grow our business in response to changing technologies, customer demand, and competitive pressures;
•our expectations concerning relationships with third parties;
•our ability to maintain, protect, and enhance our intellectual property;
•our ability to continue to expand internationally;
•the effects of increased competition in our markets and our ability to compete effectively;
•future acquisitions of or investments in complementary companies, products, services, or technologies and our ability to successfully integrate such companies or assets;
•our ability to stay in compliance with laws and regulations that currently apply or become applicable to our business both in the United States and internationally given the highly evolving and uncertain regulatory landscape;
•general macroeconomic conditions, including interest rates, inflation, instability in the global banking system, economic downturns, and other global events, including regional wars and conflicts and government shutdowns;
•economic and industry trends, projected growth, or trend analysis;
•trends in revenue;
•trends in operating expenses, including technology and development expenses, sales and marketing expenses, and general and administrative expenses, as well as certain variable expenses, and expectations regarding these expenses as a percentage of revenue;
•our key business metrics used to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, and make strategic decisions;
•our plans with respect to the Share Repurchase Program; and
•other statements regarding our future operations, financial condition, and prospects and business strategies.
We caution you that the foregoing list may not contain all of the forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including those described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We cannot assure you that the results, events, and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur, and actual results, events, or circumstances could differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements.
Neither we nor any other person assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Moreover, the forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, restructurings, joint ventures, partnerships, or investments we may make.
In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.
RISK FACTORS SUMMARY
Consistent with the foregoing, our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those risks discussed at length below. These risks include, among others, the following, which we consider our most material risks:
•Our operating results have and will significantly fluctuate, including due to the highly volatile nature of crypto;
•Our total revenue is substantially dependent on the prices of crypto assets and volume of transactions conducted on our platform. If such price or volume declines, our business, operating results, and financial condition would be adversely affected and the price of our Class A common stock could decline;
•Our net revenue may be concentrated in a limited number of areas. Within transaction revenue and subscription and services revenue, a meaningful concentration is from transactions in Bitcoin and Ethereum and stablecoin revenue in connection with USDC, respectively. If revenue from these areas declines and is not replaced by new demand for crypto assets or other products and services, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected;
•We have in the past, and may in the future, enter into partnerships, collaborations, joint ventures, or strategic alliances with third parties. If we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining strategic relationships with these third parties or if these third parties fail to deliver certain operational services, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected;
•Interest rate fluctuations could negatively impact us;
•The future development and growth of crypto is subject to a variety of factors that are difficult to predict and evaluate. If crypto does not grow as we expect, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected;
•Cyberattacks and security breaches of our platform, or those impacting our customers or third parties, could adversely affect our brand, reputation, business, operating results, and financial condition;
•We are subject to an extensive, highly-evolving and uncertain regulatory landscape and any adverse changes to, or our failure to comply with, any laws and regulations could adversely affect our brand, reputation, business, operating results, and financial condition;
•We operate in a highly competitive industry and we compete against unregulated or less regulated companies and companies with greater financial and other resources, and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected if we are unable to compete effectively;
•We compete against a growing number of decentralized and noncustodial platforms and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected if we fail to compete effectively;
•As we continue to expand and localize our international activities, our obligations to comply with the laws, rules, regulations, and policies of a variety of jurisdictions will increase and we may be subject to inquiries, investigations, and enforcement actions by U.S. and non-U.S. regulators and governmental authorities, including those related to sanctions, export control, and anti-money laundering;
•We are, and may continue to be, subject to material litigation, including individual and class action lawsuits, as well as investigations and enforcement actions by regulators and governmental authorities. These matters are often expensive and time consuming, and, if resolved adversely, could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition;
•If we cannot keep pace with rapid industry changes to provide new and innovative products and services, the use of our products and services, and consequently our net revenue, could decline, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition;
•A particular crypto asset, product or service’s status as a “security” in any relevant jurisdiction is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and if we are unable to properly characterize a crypto asset or product offering, we may be subject to regulatory scrutiny, inquiries, investigations, fines, and other penalties, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition;
•We currently rely on third-party service providers for certain aspects of our operations, and any interruptions in services provided by these third parties may impair our ability to support our customers;
•Loss of a critical banking or insurance relationship could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition;
•Any significant disruption in our products and services, in our information technology systems, or in any of the blockchain networks we support, could result in a loss of customers or funds and adversely affect our brand, reputation, business, operating results, and financial condition;
•Our failure to securely store and manage our and our customers’ fiat currencies and crypto assets could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition; and
•The theft, loss, or destruction of private keys required to access any crypto assets held in custody for our own account or for our customers may be irreversible. If we are unable to access our private keys or if we experience a hack or other data loss relating to our ability to access any crypto assets, it could cause regulatory scrutiny, reputational harm, and other losses.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Coinbase Overview
Our mission is to increase economic freedom in the world.
We are working to update the century-old financial system by providing a trusted platform that makes it easy for our customers to engage with crypto assets. We also provide critical infrastructure for the onchain economy and support builders who share our vision of bringing the world onchain. Onchain activities are interactions with the blockchain that take place in a broad category of blockchain-powered technologies, including self-custody wallets, decentralized apps and services, and open community engagement platforms. Together with the crypto community, we advocate for responsible rules to make the benefits of crypto available around the world.
We differentiate ourselves from our competition with:
•Trust: We are deeply invested in building the most secure and compliant platform. We hold customer assets one-to-one at all times. We do not act on customer assets, including staking, lending, rehypothecating, or engaging in fractional reserve banking, without customer consent.
•Ease of use: We strive to build products that are easy to use and that our customers love. We obsess over quality and craft in our products. We strive to make buying, storing, and using crypto easy.
Our Business
We offer products and services to three customer groups:
•Consumers: Retail customers seeking to invest in or trade crypto assets and engage onchain.
•Institutions: Businesses that include market makers, asset managers, hedge funds, banks, wealth platforms, registered investment advisors, payment platforms, and public and private corporations.
•Developers: Entrepreneurs, creators, merchants, crypto asset issuers, organizations and financial institutions, and other groups building decentralized protocols, applications, products, or other services onchain.
Our platform serves as a trusted and compliant on-ramp to the onchain economy and enables our users to engage in a wide variety of activities with their crypto assets in both our own proprietary and third-party product experiences enabled by access to decentralized applications. Our business consists of products that we monetize through transaction fees, such as our consumer trading product suite, as well as subscription products and services, such as our stablecoin products.
We describe these products below. Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we will refer to our full suite of products and offerings as our platform or platforms.
Transaction products
Consumer trading
Our platform is designed to serve a wide variety of consumers, whether they are buying their first crypto asset or are advanced traders. We offer two trading experiences:
•Simple trade: Our simple trading experience offers customers the ability to buy, sell, and convert crypto assets using the basic interface of our platform, and includes value-added services such as fixed price quotes and recurring trades. Simple trading focuses on consumers of all experience levels who are prioritizing ease of use.
•Advanced trade: Our advanced trading experience offers traders access to spot and derivatives order books, real-time market information through interactive charts, a live trade history on the advanced trade view, and other trading tools. Advanced trading focuses on sophisticated traders who are prioritizing a robust set of features to meet their more complex needs and higher volume.
We generate fees from consumers trading on our platform, including through volume-based transaction fees and a spread depending on the type of trade. Simple trading and advanced trading fees differ due to both the typical nature of the transactions and unique benefits of each offering. Generally, simple trading fees are higher than those on advanced trading because advanced traders typically trade at higher volumes than simple traders.
Prime Trading
Coinbase Prime is our full-service prime brokerage platform, where our institutional customers can access deep pools of liquidity across a network of trading venues. We offer volume-based pricing and charge a transaction fee for executed trades.
Markets
We provide market infrastructure in the form of trading venues for customers to trade spot and derivatives. We currently provide access to three trading venues: the Coinbase Exchange, the Coinbase International Exchange, and the Coinbase Derivatives Exchange. These markets generate revenue by charging a transaction fee for executed trades.
Base Protocol
Base is an L2 Ethereum blockchain offering fast, cheap, global onchain transactions. In 2024, Base reduced median transaction fees by more than 90% to enable sub-one cent median transactions. Base’s goal is to bring one million developers and one billion users onchain to build a global economy. Base aspires to be the best place to build applications, create content, and earn money onchain. Coinbase generates revenue from sequencer fees paid each time a transaction is processed on the Base blockchain.
Coinbase Wallet
Coinbase Wallet is a self-custodial wallet software product, which we offer globally. Coinbase Wallet enables users to engage and transact with the full universe of Dapps and actively engage in the onchain economy without the need for a centralized intermediary. Customers can also link their Coinbase account to their Coinbase Wallet to more easily transfer assets between the two. In 2024, Coinbase launched “smart wallet,” which is an improved self-custody technology that enables instant onboarding with no separate app or extension, and no need to memorize a seed phrase. Coinbase Wallet now includes smart wallet compatibility.
A benefit of Coinbase Wallet is that consumers have sole control over their private keys and/or seed phrase, which are stored directly on their mobile devices or personal storage accounts and not with a centralized entity. Because the private key is unilaterally controlled by the user, Coinbase is unable to assist in recovery in the event a user loses their key or seed phrase.
Subscription products and other services
Stablecoins
Stablecoins play a key role in updating the financial system and advancing economic freedom by combining the benefits of crypto rails, which are global, cheap, and fast, with an asset that is stable relative to fiat currencies. We offer a variety of stablecoins denominated in multiple fiat currencies on our platform, and we continue to explore partnerships with a number of stablecoin issuers to expand our offerings.
In 2018, we partnered with Circle Internet Financial, LLC (“Circle”) to launch USDC, with the goal of driving global, mainstream adoption of stablecoins. Circle and its affiliate, Circle Internet Financial Europe SAS, are the issuers of USDC, a stablecoin redeemable on a one-to-one basis for U.S. dollars, and Circle Internet Financial Europe SAS is the issuer of EURC, a stablecoin redeemable on a one-to-one basis for Euros. In August 2023, we entered into an updated arrangement with Circle to (i) support USDC; (ii) help drive long-term success of the stablecoin ecosystem; and (iii) share in the economics of the reserves backing stablecoins in circulation both on and off our platform (the “Circle Agreement”). Pursuant to the Circle Agreement, Circle pays us for our role in the growth of USDC: the greater the proportion of USDC in circulation generally and on our platform, the greater our revenue generated under the Circle Agreement. The Circle Agreement has an initial three-year term. Upon completion of the initial term, we and Circle will discuss in good faith whether any modifications to the Circle Agreement are warranted. If such modifications are not agreed upon, the Circle Agreement will automatically renew for additional three-year terms unless we or Circle fail to meet ongoing obligations under the Circle Agreement.
We and Circle may, from time to time, enter into arrangements with third parties approved by both us and Circle (such third parties, “approved participants”) that provide for fees to be paid to such approved participants to increase the circulation of stablecoins subject to the Circle Agreement. In anticipation of such arrangements, in November 2024, we and Circle entered into a supplement to the Circle Agreement, pursuant to which we and Circle will agree upon the fees that such third parties are eligible to receive and the undertakings to be required of them upon becoming an approved participant. We have filed a copy of the Circle Agreement and its 2024 supplement as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K in order to provide investors with additional information about this partnership.
Historically, we have observed that customers holding USDC on our platform are more likely to use other products such as trading. Therefore, where permitted, we pay rewards to both consumer and institutional customers who hold USDC to incentivize on-platform balances and deeper engagement with our product suite. In 2024, we began paying rewards onchain to customers holding USDC balances in Coinbase Wallet.
Staking
Staking is one of our most popular services. Certain blockchain protocols, such as Ethereum and Solana, rely on staking to validate blockchain transactions, an essential operation to these protocols’ operations and an alternative consensus mechanism to mining. Network participants can designate a certain amount of their crypto assets on the network to validate transactions and earn rewards. Today, many users choose to outsource the technical processes involved in staking by staking through a service provider.
We provide an onchain staking service, which allows our customers to stake their assets with a few clicks. Our customers maintain full ownership of their crypto assets while earning staking rewards. Customers who stake their assets receive compensation, paid out by applicable blockchain protocols, in the form of the network’s crypto asset.
The rewards rates, expressed as an annual percentage yield, vary by asset. In return for the services we provide, we earn a fixed percentage commission on all staking rewards received.
Because staking rewards depend on the relevant protocol and network conditions, the estimated rewards rate for each asset made available for staking is displayed on our website and through our platform, and is calculated by periodically consulting onchain data to determine the total amount. We only facilitate staking of a consumer’s crypto assets in response to a direct instruction from that consumer, and the staked crypto assets remain the property of the consumer and in our custody while staked. According to certain protocol rules, staked crypto assets cannot be sold or transferred while they remain staked, and we do not use or allocate consumers’ staked crypto assets for any other purpose.
Subject to jurisdiction, we support eight staking assets through our platform for consumers as of December 31, 2024: Cardano (ADA), Avalanche (AVAX), Cosmos (ATOM), Polkadot (DOT), Ethereum (ETH), MATIC (POL), Solana (SOL), and Tezos (XTZ). As of December 31, 2024, approximately $15.2 billion worth of these assets were held on behalf of individual consumers staked through our platform, as adjusted to USD.
For our institutional customers, our staking process varies by customer. In addition to operating our own validator nodes to provide staking services, we utilize third-party service providers to operate validator nodes on our customers’ behalf. Institutional customers receive rewards directly from the protocol as we do not stake on behalf of these customers. The fees we charge to institutional customers depend on the customer agreement and the selected service. As of December 31, 2024, over $8.1 billion worth of assets were staked by institutional customers through Coinbase Prime, as adjusted to USD.
We also operate a cbETH token wrapping service. cbETH is an Ethereum-based “wrapped staking token” that represents ownership of ETH staked through our platform. Eligible customers can obtain cbETH tokens by wrapping their staked ETH or by purchasing cbETH tokens on our exchange or on third-party exchanges. A cbETH holder can sell or transfer their cbETH within the Coinbase app or send cbETH to a self-custody wallet or to other addresses on the Ethereum blockchain. Selling or otherwise transferring cbETH automatically transfers ownership of the underlying staked ETH, along with any rewards earned.
There are risks associated with our staking services, which are described in the risk factor in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: “We may suffer losses due to staking, delegating, and other related services provided to our customers.”
Custody
We offer an institutional-grade custody platform with a highly secure cold storage solution both within the United States and globally. We charge institutions a separate fee based on the total assets stored in custody on our platform. For example, we serve as a custodian for several Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF issuers. In 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) approved 11 spot Bitcoin ETF applications, nine of which partner with Coinbase, and nine Ethereum ETF applications, eight of which partner with Coinbase. We do not charge our consumers a separate fee to safely store their crypto assets on our platform. We discuss our custodial practices for both institutions and consumers in further detail below.
Coinbase One
Coinbase One is a consumer subscription product for which consumers pay a monthly or annual fee to unlock a variety of benefits, including limited reduced transaction fee trading, higher staking and USDC rewards than non-Coinbase One subscribers, priority customer service support, and offers from third-party partners. In 2024, we launched an additional subscription tier, Coinbase One Premium, offering consumers enhanced benefits, including unlimited zero trading fees on simple trading and concierge support for a higher subscription fee.
Institutional financing
Financing is an increasingly important offering to our institutional customers. We offer integrated financing products and services to institutional customers that meet our credit criteria to access liquidity for their hedging, trading, and working capital needs.
Our lending product set includes tools to allow clients to trade in real time, products that enable leverage and short access across our Prime and Markets offerings, and structured loans supporting client working capital and other needs.
In addition to lending, we borrow fiat and crypto assets, including USDC, from third parties, including eligible institutional customers, to facilitate our financing products. We also offer a managed lending product for eligible institutional customers under our Agency Lending offering.
The terms of our lending and borrowing arrangements may vary modestly from customer to customer. For additional information, see Note 4. Collateralized Arrangements and Financing, of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and Risk Factors—We provide secured loans to our customers, which exposes us to credit risks and may cause us to incur financial or reputational harm included in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Coinbase developer platform
Our developer platform combines a suite of developer tools to enable crypto developers to build in the onchain ecosystem. We offer APIs to simplify a variety of key activities, including crypto payments and trading, data access, staking, and more. Coinbase Developer Platform enables developers to build crypto into their products faster and to simplify how they interact with blockchains.
Trusted crypto platform
Coinbase is the most trusted crypto platform.
We place great importance on securely storing crypto assets, and we have policies and procedures to help ensure the proper storing of the crypto assets we hold on behalf of our customers and for our own investment and operating purposes. When customers use our platform, their assets remain their assets. We store crypto assets using proprietary technology and operational processes. Crypto assets are not insured or guaranteed by any government or government agency; however, we have worked hard to securely store our customers’ crypto assets and our own crypto assets for investment and operational purposes with legal and operational protections.
Further, we appropriately ledger, properly segregate, and maintain separate accounts for our corporate crypto assets and customers’ crypto assets. Additionally, with respect to Coinbase entities that provide cold storage custody services, such as Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC (“CCTC”) and Coinbase Custody International Limited, crypto assets are held separately in dedicated addresses and ledgered using a proprietary combination of hardware security modules. For Coinbase entities that provide crypto trading services, such as Coinbase, Inc., crypto assets are held in an omnibus manner on the blockchain and separately recorded using a ledger system. Additionally, as a U.S. public company, we are required to undergo annual audits and quarterly reviews, which, among other things, require that our independent registered public accounting firm reviews and audits our internal controls and reconciliation processes. Moreover, our various user, custody, and client agreements outline the applicability of Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”) Article 8 to custodied crypto assets. UCC Article 8 provides that financial assets held by Coinbase for its customers are not property of Coinbase and not subject to claims of our general creditors.
New customers must meet some minimum criteria to engage on our platforms. When signing up for an account on our platform, among other requirements, consumer, and institutional customers must certify that they are at least eighteen (18) years of age (if a natural person), agree to a user agreement and privacy policy, and satisfy the requirements of our robust know-your-customer (“KYC”) program.
Our products, services and educational offerings incorporate a holistic, customer-centric set of digital engagement practices, including educational content and notifications, which are designed, in part, to promote financial literacy and awareness and to provide customers with guidance and information to help them make better informed decisions about their crypto activity. Examples of these offerings include, among others: (i) educational materials, including but not limited to an online collection of how-to guides and tutorials, a crypto developments newsletter, Coinbase Bytes, and our learning rewards program, a video content-driven educational platform available on our Coinbase app and our website, through which customers can earn small rewards, paid out in cryptocurrency, upon successful completion of a video and a short quiz on a range of topics related to the cryptoeconomy, (ii) in-app engagement, including features designed to enable consumers to start small and build crypto asset holdings with confidence over time, including through rewards to customers in connection with the completion of certain milestones, (iii) sweepstakes, and (iv) differentiated marketing, including paid digital and social media marketing campaigns, as well as email campaigns, search engage optimization, in-app banners, push and pop-up notifications, paid search marketing, and affiliate marketing.
For additional information, see Risk Factors—Laws and regulations regarding conflicts of interest associated with the use of predictive data analytics, digital engagement practices, and similar technologies, if adopted and found to be applicable to our business, may require us to modify, limit, or discontinue our use of certain technologies and features contained within our products and services and may impact the way that we interact with existing and prospective customers, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition included in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Custodial practices
We utilize both hot wallets and cold wallets in our custodial solutions. We actively manage wallet balances and generally seek to hold no more than 2% of custodied assets in hot wallets at any given time. Cold wallet private key materials are stored and secured at facilities within the United States and internationally. We store the substantial majority of our own crypto asset holdings utilizing the same storage solutions that we provide to our customers. In limited cases, we use storage solutions not offered to our customers to store immaterial amounts of crypto held for corporate purposes outside of our core custodial product offerings. Additionally, our Coinbase Asset Management offering utilizes both Coinbase and third parties as custodians.
As part of our risk mitigation efforts, wallet private keys are not stored in plaintext format in any location and the cryptographic consensus of multiple human operators is required to decrypt a private key for both hot and cold wallets. No single individual has control of Coinbase’s wallet private keys. To the extent a customer withdrawal requires movement of assets from a cold wallet, authority to release proceeds from such wallet resides with a geographically distributed team of professionals, all of whom are subject to background checks as part of the onboarding process.
We perform internal audits of the private key management process and reconciliations between Coinbase wallets and third-party blockchain data. Coinbase, Inc. and CCTC, the two subsidiaries that custody the majority of crypto assets on platform, are also periodically examined by a variety of regulators, including the New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYDFS”) and various states in which such entities hold money transmission licenses. In the event of an insurable loss of assets for which we file a claim, we may be expected to allow our insurance providers to inspect custodied assets in the course of their investigation of such claim.
We do not use third-party sub-custodians, where one custodian holds assets on behalf of another custodian, in connection with the storage of digital assets. In accordance with applicable state money transmitter laws, we hold U.S. customers’ cash at FDIC-insured depository institutions, NCUSIF-insured credit unions, and in money market funds in accounts explicitly named to further demonstrate that we are holding the funds as custodian.
We believe the terms of the relevant account agreements to be comparable to those offered to similar companies.
Other policies and procedures
We also have policies in place to help us govern accounting controls, including customer account initiations and reconciliations, and to help prevent improper self-dealing and other conflicts of interest between us and our customers on our platform. When we make investments in crypto assets, we execute investment trades away from our platform to avoid any conflict of interest with our customers. Additionally, Coinbase is committed to providing a fair, transparent, and equitable experience across our suite of trading products. Crypto assets and use cases are rapidly expanding and Coinbase seeks to offer our customers access to all assets and use cases where it is safe and legal to do so. For example, we take a number of steps to mitigate conflicts in our digital asset listing process. We have a digital asset support group that is composed of senior leaders from our product, legal, compliance, and finance departments. The digital asset support group reviews the relevant aspects of any asset escalated to it in connection with a listing on our platform in accordance with our digital asset support policies and procedures that are designed to mitigate conflicts. Only the digital asset support group decides which of these escalated assets we can and cannot list on our platform, and it does not coordinate such decisions with anyone outside of the committee. We also have policies and procedures that require committee members to recuse themselves from asset listing decisions where a committee member may have a conflict of interest. We have seen an increase in the rate of assets created and increased demand for listings, and we continue to evaluate our processes to meet this increased demand.
Further, we carefully handle and keep customer data confidential through security and encryption as well as policies, training, and monitoring. Moreover, we invest heavily in compliance tools. For example, in addition to robust KYC and anti-money laundering programs, we employ an industry leading third-party trade surveillance software platform that helps us monitor and detect problematic trading activities on our platform, as further discussed below. We have also invested in a range of technologies that are designed to help identify and prevent harmful activity on our platform, including fraud or account takeovers.
As we maintain, grow, and expand our product and services offerings we also must scale and strengthen our internal controls and processes, and monitor our third-party partners’ and vendors’ ability to similarly scale and strengthen in order for us to remain an industry leader and a trusted platform. Additionally, we have procedures to process redemptions and withdrawals expeditiously, subject to the terms of applicable user agreements. For additional information, see Risk Factors—Our failure to securely store and manage our and our customers’ fiat currencies and crypto assets could adversely impact our business, operating results, and financial condition and Risk Factors—Depositing and withdrawing crypto assets into and from our platforms involve risks, which could result in loss of customer assets, customer disputes and other liabilities, which could adversely impact our business, operating results, and financial condition included in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Competition
The crypto industry is highly innovative, rapidly evolving, and characterized by healthy competition, experimentation, changing customer needs, frequent introductions of new products and services, and is subject to uncertain and evolving industry and regulatory requirements. We face significant competition from a variety of companies around the world – ranging from crypto-native companies, including decentralized exchanges, to large traditional financial services incumbents and financial technology providers.
Our main competition falls into the following categories:
•traditional financial technology and brokerage firms that have entered the crypto asset market in recent years and offer overlapping features targeted at our customers;
•companies focused on the crypto asset market, some of whom adhere to local regulations and directly compete with our platform, and others who choose to operate outside of local rules and regulations or in jurisdictions with less stringent local rules and regulations and are potentially able to more quickly adapt to trends, support a greater number of crypto assets, and develop new crypto-based products and services due to a different standard of regulatory scrutiny;
•crypto-focused companies and traditional financial incumbents that offer point or siloed solutions specifically targeted at institutional customers;
•decentralized and non-custodial platforms; and
•stablecoins, other than USDC, and fiat currencies globally.
The competitive landscape varies significantly by geography, and many offerings are global in nature. The traditional financial services and financial technology companies we compete against are largely U.S. and European based and operate under the same evolving regulatory landscape that we do. However, we also face competition from companies, in particular those located outside the United States, who are subject to significantly less stringent regulatory and compliance requirements in their local jurisdictions. Their business models rely on being unregulated or only regulated in a small number of lower compliance jurisdictions, while also offering their products in highly regulated jurisdictions, including the United States, without necessarily complying with the relevant regulatory requirements in such jurisdictions. As regulations and compliance requirements in the United States become clearer, we may face increased competition from U.S.-based companies.
Our ability to quickly and continuously innovate to support additional blockchains, provide products and services to our customers that are native to the cryptoeconomy, such as staking and governance, and launch additional products and services further separates us from our competition. See the section titled “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more comprehensive description of risks related to competition.
Human Capital
Powering the cryptoeconomy is no small task, and requires hiring, developing, and retaining the most talented individuals who are deeply passionate about our mission to increase economic freedom and who are excited to build new products and services.
We work incredibly hard in pursuit of ambitious goals. We signal who will thrive at Coinbase by being transparent about our culture on our website. Our culture has and will continue to evolve but, at our core, we prioritize the following tenets:
•Clear communication
•Efficient execution
•Act like an owner
•Top talent
•Championship team
•Continuous learning
•Customer focus
•Repeatable innovation
•Positive energy
•Mission first
We are a remote-first company. We believe that allowing our employees to work in the location that best suits them provides us access to a large talent pool and a sustained advantage in hiring and retaining employees in the United States and worldwide.
We offer competitive, transparent compensation and unique learning. We conduct an annual market review to ensure our compensation continues to be consistent with our competitive compensation philosophy. We have single, transparent pay targets for the vast majority of our roles – eliminating most compensation negotiations – and provide one-year equity grants for the vast majority of employees. We have also made meaningful investments in learning and development, including offering an annual learning stipend and in-house crypto learning curriculum.
We continuously improve our people programs and practices. We regularly monitor engagement through semi-annual pulse surveys to continuously optimize our culture, employee engagement, risk management, and productivity. We invest in these surveys and associated action planning at the executive level, as we believe our people and culture are key drivers of business success.
As of December 31, 2024, we had 3,772 employees.
Government Regulation
We operate globally in a complex and rapidly evolving regulatory environment and are subject to a wide range of laws and regulations enacted by U.S. federal, state, and local and foreign governments and regulatory authorities. The breadth of laws, rules, and regulations we are subject to include financial services and banking, consumer protection, money transmission, stored value and prepaid access, electronic payments, payment services, securities, commodities, derivatives, and unclaimed property, as well as bespoke digital asset and cryptocurrency laws that have been promulgated in some jurisdictions. These laws, rules, and regulations evolve frequently and may be modified, interpreted, and applied in an inconsistent manner from one jurisdiction to another, and may conflict with one another. Moreover, the complexity and evolving nature of our business and the significant uncertainty surrounding the regulation of the cryptoeconomy, require us to exercise our judgment as to whether certain laws, rules, and regulations apply to us, and it is possible that regulators may disagree with our conclusions. We are not supervised by any federal banking agency, such as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the Federal Reserve Board. In addition, our trading platform is not an SEC-regulated national securities exchange or alternative trading system.
Globally, we are subject to strict legal and regulatory requirements relating to the detection and prevention of terrorist financing, money laundering, fraud, tax evasion, and other illicit activity, the regulation of competition, economic, and trade sanctions, privacy, cybersecurity, information security, and data protection. These descriptions are not exhaustive, and these laws, regulations, and rules (and the interpretations thereof) frequently change and are increasing in number.
The laws and regulations to which we are subject, including those pertaining to digital assets and crypto assets, are rapidly evolving and increasing in scope. Therefore, we monitor these areas closely and invest significant resources in our legal, compliance, product, and engineering teams to ensure our business practices evolve to help us comply with the current laws, regulations, and legal standards to which we are subject, as well as to plan and prepare for changes in interpretations thereof, as well as additional laws, regulations, and legal standards that are introduced in the future.
Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing
We are subject to various anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws, including the Bank Secrecy Act (the “BSA”) in the United States, and similar laws and regulations abroad. In the United States, as a money services business registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), we are required under the BSA to among other things, develop, implement, and maintain a risk-based anti-money laundering program, provide an anti-money laundering-related training program, report suspicious activities and transactions to FinCEN, comply with certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements, and collect and maintain information about our customers.
In addition, the BSA requires us to comply with certain customer due diligence requirements as part of our anti-money laundering obligations, including developing risk-based policies, procedures, and internal controls reasonably designed to verify a customer’s identity. Many states and other countries impose similar and, in some cases, more stringent requirements related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. Our compliance program is designed to prevent and detect instances of money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activity on our platform. It is also designed to prohibit the use of Coinbase in sanctioned jurisdictions, or by sanctioned persons or entities, as determined by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), and equivalent foreign authorities. It includes policies, procedures, reporting protocols, and internal controls, and is designed to address legal and regulatory requirements as well as to assist us in managing risks associated with money laundering and terrorist financing. As part of our compliance program, we limit the use of our products and services to jurisdictions where we are legally able to offer our products and services, and customers can only use our products and services in the specific jurisdictions we have approved. We enforce such geographic restrictions though various onboarding and login controls to limit a customer from accessing products or services outside of their jurisdiction-based permissions. Additionally, we have a robust KYC program, which is a central part of our anti-money laundering program. Our KYC program is governed by our Global KYC Policy that covers customer onboarding, and includes customer due diligence; calculation and assessment of customer risk rating; application of enhanced due diligence on high risk customers; and screening customers against global sanctions lists. Following the customer onboarding process, we perform ongoing monitoring of customers and transaction activity to ensure that potentially suspicious activity is appropriately detected, and when appropriate, reported. Anti-money laundering regulations are constantly evolving and vary from jurisdiction-to-jurisdiction. We continuously monitor our compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations and industry standards and implement policies, procedures, and controls in light of the most current legal requirements.
For a description of the risks we may face from (i) unauthorized or impermissible customer access to our products and services outside of jurisdictions where we have determined to make such products and services available or (ii) an assertion of jurisdiction over our operations or the crypto assets we offer by U.S. and foreign regulators and other government entities, see the following risk factors in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: (i) “We are subject to an extensive, highly-evolving and uncertain regulatory landscape and any adverse changes to, or our failure to comply with, any laws and regulations could adversely affect our brand, reputation, business, operating results, and financial condition”; (ii) “As we continue to expand and localize our international activities, our obligations to comply with the laws, rules, regulations, and policies of a variety of jurisdictions will increase and we may be subject to inquiries, investigations, and enforcement actions by U.S. and non-U.S. regulators and governmental authorities, including those related to sanctions, export control, and anti-money laundering”; and (iii) “A particular crypto asset, product or service’s status as a “security” in any relevant jurisdiction is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and if we are unable to properly characterize a crypto asset or product offering, we may be subject to regulatory scrutiny, inquiries, investigations, fines, and other penalties, which may adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.”
Money transmission, stored value, and virtual currency business activity
In the United States, we have obtained licenses to operate as a money transmitter or the equivalent in the states where such licenses or equivalent are required to conduct our business, as well as in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In addition, we have obtained a BitLicense from NYDFS and a Virtual Currency Business License from Louisiana. As a licensed money transmitter and an entity subject to the BitLicense regulatory regime, we are subject to, among other things, the BSA, restrictions, and requirements with respect to the investment of customer funds and use and safeguarding of customer funds and crypto assets, and bonding, minimum capital and net worth requirements, prudential compliance obligations associated with customer notice and disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping requirements applicable to the company, as well as requirements relating to the screening of control persons and inspection and examination by state regulatory agencies.
These state licensing laws also cover matters such as regulatory approval of controlling stockholders, directors, and senior management of the licensed entity.
Outside the United States, we have obtained licenses to provide crypto-asset custody and trading from the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). In Singapore, we hold a major payment institution license issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In Australia, we are registered as a digital currency exchange provider with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre. We are also registered as a Money Services Business with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, and we have registered as a Restricted Dealer by the Canadian Securities Administrators, with the Ontario Securities Commission as its Principal Regulator. In Bermuda, we have obtained a ‘Class ‘F’ (Full) Digital Asset Business License from the BMA enabling us to service consumer trading in numerous approved jurisdictions. In addition, we have obtained Virtual Asset Service Provider registrations in Argentina, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom through which we offer crypto custody and trading services in these countries. Under these licenses and registrations, we are subject to a broad range of rules and regulations including in respect of anti-money laundering, safeguarding of customer assets and funds, regulatory capital requirements, fit and proper management, operational controls, corporate governance, customer disclosures, reporting, and record keeping.
Electronic money and payment institution
We serve our customers through Electronic Money Institutions authorized by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority and the Central Bank of Ireland. We comply with rules and regulations applicable to the European e-money industry, including those related to funds safeguarding, corporate governance, anti-money laundering, disclosure, reporting, and inspection. We are, or may be, subject to banking-related regulations in other countries now or in the future related to our role in the financial industry.
New York State trust company
Our subsidiary, CCTC, operates as a New York State-chartered limited purpose trust company, which is subject to regulation, examination, and supervision by the NYDFS. NYDFS regulations impose various compliance requirements including, without limitation, operational limitations related to the nature of crypto assets we can hold under custody, capital requirements, BSA and anti-money laundering program requirements, affiliate transaction limitations, and notice and reporting requirements.
Economic and trade sanctions
We are required to comply with economic and trade sanctions administered by the United States, the European Union (“E.U.”), relevant E.U. member states, and other jurisdictions in which we operate. Economic and trade sanctions programs administered by OFAC and by certain foreign jurisdictions prohibit or restrict transactions to or from (or dealings with or involving) certain countries, regions, governments, and in certain circumstances, specified individuals and entities such as narcotics traffickers, terrorists, and terrorist organizations, as well as certain digital currency addresses.
Securities
In recent years, the SEC and U.S. state securities regulators have stated that certain digital assets or digital asset products may be classified as securities under U.S. federal and state securities laws, and in the case of the SEC, has made public statements on this topic – however, these statements are not binding or definitive guidance. A number of enforcement actions and regulatory proceedings have since been initiated against digital assets and digital asset products, as well as against trading platforms that support digital assets. The SEC has characterized a number of crypto assets, products, and services as securities in these regulatory proceedings and enforcement actions, including an enforcement action brought against us. The SEC has stated more recently that a crypto asset itself is not a security, but there is uncertainty and inconsistency in the courts that have grappled with the issue of whether or how certain crypto asset transactions could be deemed securities.
Several foreign governments have also issued similar warnings cautioning that digital assets may be deemed to be securities or other similarly regulated financial instruments under the laws of their jurisdictions.
We have established policies and practices to evaluate each crypto asset we consider for listing, delisting, or for custody. We also evaluate all other products and services prior to launch under U.S. federal and applicable international securities laws.
Commodities and derivatives
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) has stated, and CFTC enforcement actions have confirmed, that at least some crypto assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, fall within the definition of a “commodity” under the U.S. Commodities Exchange Act of 1936 (the “CEA”). Under the CEA, the CFTC has broad enforcement authority to police market manipulation and fraud in spot commodity markets, including the spot crypto markets. We are subject to such authority with respect to improper trading on our platform. In addition, CFTC regulations and CFTC oversight and enforcement authority apply with respect to futures, swaps, other derivative products, and certain retail leveraged commodity transactions involving crypto assets, including the markets on which these products trade. Separately, security-based swaps are subject to SEC regulation and oversight. In general, we seek to ensure that crypto asset transactions on our crypto asset trading platform do not constitute futures, swaps, security-based swaps, other derivative products, or retail leveraged commodity transactions. In August 2023, our subsidiary, Coinbase Financial Markets, Inc. secured regulatory approval from the National Futures Association to operate as a futures commission merchant (“FCM”), in September 2023, Coinbase International Exchange secured regulatory approval from the BMA to enable perpetual futures for eligible non-U.S. customers, and in February 2022, we acquired LMX Labs, LLC, a designated contract market (“DCM”) regulated by the CFTC which now operates as the Coinbase Derivatives Exchange, in connection with our acquisition of FairXchange, Inc. FCMs and DCMs are subject to the rules of the National Futures Association as well as numerous regulatory requirements, including strict capital requirements.
Prohibitions on bribery and anti-corruption
We are subject to regulations imposed by the FCPA in the United States and similar laws in other countries, such as the Bribery Act 2010 in the United Kingdom (the “Bribery Act”), which generally prohibit companies and those acting on their behalf from making improper payments to foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Some of these laws, such as the Bribery Act, also prohibit improper payments between private entities and persons.
Privacy and protection of user data
We are subject to a number of laws, rules, directives, and regulations relating to the collection, use, retention, security, processing, and transfer of personally identifiable information about our customers and employees in the countries where we operate. Our business relies on the processing of personal data in many jurisdictions and the movement of data across national borders. As a result, much of the personal data that we process, which may include certain financial information associated with individuals, is regulated by multiple privacy and data protection laws and, in some cases, the privacy and data protection laws of multiple jurisdictions. In many cases, these laws apply not only to third-party transactions, but also to transfers of information between or among us, our subsidiaries, and other parties with which we have commercial relationships.
Consumer protection
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), and other U.S. federal, state, and local and foreign regulatory agencies regulate financial products, including money transfer services related to remittance or peer-to-peer transfers. These agencies, as well as certain other governmental bodies, including state attorneys general, have broad consumer protection mandates and discretion in enforcing consumer protection laws, including matters related to unfair or deceptive, and, in the case of the CFPB, abusive acts or practices (“UDAAPs”), and they promulgate, interpret, and enforce rules and regulations that affect our business.
The CFPB has enforcement authority to prevent an entity that offers or provides consumer financial services or products in the United States from committing or engaging in UDAAPs or violating other federal consumer financial laws, including the ability to engage in joint investigations with other agencies, issue subpoenas and civil investigative demands, conduct hearings and adjudication proceedings, commence a civil action, grant relief (e.g., limit activities or functions; rescission of contracts), and refer matters for criminal proceedings. Market disruptions have led to certain attempts by consumer protection focused agencies, including the CFPB, to directly regulate the crypto industry. New laws or regulations, or changes in enforcement of existing laws or regulations could require us to change certain business practices related to consumer disclosures, marketing and operational features related to payments and remittance regulations and other laws that may impact our business.
Escheatment and unclaimed property regulations
We are subject to unclaimed property laws in the United States and in certain other jurisdictions where we operate. These laws may require us to turn over to certain government authorities the property of others held by us that has been unclaimed for a specified period of time, including airdropped tokens and forked crypto assets. These laws may also require us to liquidate that property prior to turning it over. We hold property subject to unclaimed property laws; however, there is significant regulatory uncertainty with how certain states and foreign jurisdictions treat crypto assets under unclaimed property rules.
Lending law
We originate secured commercial loans in certain states in the United States. As a result, our lending activities are subject to various state lending laws and licensure requirements with respect to lending activities within such state. These state lending laws may be enforced by state attorneys general, state financial regulators, and private litigants, among others. Given our novel business model and uncertainty regarding application of some of these laws and regulations, we may become subject to regulatory scrutiny or legal challenge with respect to our compliance with these requirements.
Interchange fees
Interchange fees associated with four-party payments systems are being reviewed or challenged in various jurisdictions. For example, in the E.U., the Multilateral Interchange Fee Regulation caps interchange fees for credit and debit card payments and provides for business rules to be complied with by any company dealing with card transactions, including us. As a result, the fees that we collect in certain jurisdictions may become the subject of regulatory challenge.
Legal requirements for prepaid cards
Prepaid card programs are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations, including consumer financial protection regulations such as the CFPB's Regulation E, which imposes requirements on issuers of prepaid cards. The laws and regulations impose compliance obligations and costs on our business, and failure to comply could result in litigation, enforcement actions, and penalties.
Card association and payment network rules
In addition to the federal and state laws and regulations governing prepaid cards, we, as well as the bank that issues our Coinbase Card, are subject to and required to comply with card association and payment network rules and guidelines which apply to prepaid cards. The card association and payment network rules govern a variety of areas, including how consumers and merchants may use their cards and data security, and may be changed periodically. Noncompliance with these rules could result in fines or penalties levied by the card association or payment network for certain acts or omissions, or the termination of our ability to offer prepaid cards.
Association and network rules
The bylaws and agreements between clearing house participants and bankcard companies impose specific responsibilities and liabilities for issuers of debit cards. We, as well as the bank that issues our Coinbase Card, are required to comply with the appropriate National Automated Clearing House Association (“NACHA”), bylaws, operating rules, and agreements, as well as card network rules and guidelines. Additional new products and services that we offer may also impose additional obligations on us to comply with NACHA and card network obligations related to preventing fraud, money laundering, and IT security breaches.
Intellectual Property
The protection of our technology and intellectual property is an important aspect of our business. We rely upon a variety of protections, including a combination of patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, confidentiality procedures, and contractual commitments. We co-founded the Crypto Open Patent Alliance, and pledged to only use our crypto technology patents defensively. We may also in the future agree to license our patents to third parties as part of various patent pools and open patent projects.
Corporate Information
We were initially incorporated in May 2012 as Coinbase, Inc., a Delaware corporation. In January 2014, Coinbase Global, Inc. was incorporated as a Delaware corporation to act as the holding company of Coinbase, Inc. and our other subsidiaries. In April 2014, we completed a corporate reorganization whereby Coinbase, Inc. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coinbase Global, Inc. Coinbase Global, Inc.’s principal assets are its interests in the equity of Coinbase, Inc. In addition to Coinbase, Inc., Coinbase Global, Inc. is the parent company of a number of other operating subsidiaries. We are a remote-first company, meaning the majority of our employees work remotely. Due to this, we do not maintain a headquarters.
Coinbase, the Coinbase logo, and other registered or common law trade names, trademarks, or service marks of Coinbase included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are the property of Coinbase. Other trademarks, service marks, or trade names included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are the property of their respective owners.
Available Information
We file our annual, periodic and current reports, and other required information, electronically with the SEC and this information is available at www.sec.gov. We also make available on our website at www.coinbase.com, free of charge, copies of these reports and other information as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
We use our Investor Relations website (investor.coinbase.com), our blog (blog.coinbase.com), press releases, public conference calls and webcasts, our X feed (@coinbase), Brian Armstrong’s X feed (@brian_armstrong), our LinkedIn page, and our YouTube channel as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. The information disclosed by the foregoing channels could be deemed to be material information. As such, we encourage investors, the media, and others to follow the channels listed above and to review the information disclosed through such channels. The contents of the websites referred to above are not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Investing in our Class A common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K, including the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of or that we deem immaterial may also become important factors that adversely affect our business. If any of the following risks occur, our business, operating results, financial condition, and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected. Many risks affect more than one category, and the risks are not in order of significance or probability of occurrence because they have been grouped by categories. The market price of our Class A common stock could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment due to any of these risks.
The Most Material Risks Related to Our Business and Financial Position
Our operating results have and will significantly fluctuate, including due to the highly volatile nature of crypto.
Due to the highly volatile nature of the cryptoeconomy and the prices of crypto assets, our operating results have, and will continue to, fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter in accordance with market sentiments and movements in the broader cryptoeconomy. Our operating results will continue to fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are unpredictable and in certain instances are outside of our control, including:
•crypto asset trading activity, including trading volume and the prevailing trading prices for crypto assets, which can be highly volatile;
•our ability to attract, maintain, grow, and engage our customer and developer base;
•changes in the legislative or regulatory environment, or actions by U.S. or foreign governments or regulators, including fines, orders, or consent decrees;
•regulatory changes or scrutiny that impact our ability to offer certain products or services;
•our ability to continue to diversify and grow our subscription and services revenue;
•our mix of revenue between transaction and subscription and services;
•pricing for or temporary suspensions of our products and services;
•adding crypto assets to, or removing from, our platform;
•our ability to establish and maintain partnerships, collaborations, joint ventures, or strategic alliances with third parties;
•market conditions of, and overall sentiment towards, the cryptoeconomy;
•macroeconomic conditions, including interest rates, inflation, and instability in the global banking system;
•adverse legal proceedings or regulatory enforcement actions, judgments, settlements, or other legal proceedings, and enforcement-related costs;
•the development and introduction of existing and new products and services by us or our competitors;
•the amount and timing of our operating expenses related to the maintenance and expansion of our business and operations, including investments we make in the development of products and services, as well as technology offered to our developers, international expansion, and sales and marketing;
•system failures, outages or interruptions, including with respect to our platform and third-party crypto networks;
•our lack of control over decentralized or third-party blockchains and networks that may experience downtime, cyberattacks, critical failures, errors, bugs, corrupted files, data losses, or other similar software failures, outages, breaches and losses;
•breaches of security or privacy;
•inaccessibility of our platform due to our or third-party actions;
•our ability to attract and retain talent; and
•our ability to compete with our competitors.
As a result of these factors, it is difficult for us to forecast growth trends accurately and our business and future prospects are difficult to evaluate, particularly in the short term. In particular, our subscription and services revenue has grown over time, with stablecoin revenue received in connection with USDC becoming a more meaningful revenue contributor. Therefore, our operating results could fluctuate significantly as a result of changes in the demand for our subscription and service offerings, in the demand for USDC, in the balance of USDC on our platform, in interest rates, and to our ongoing relationships with third parties, such as Circle.
In view of the rapidly evolving nature of our business and the cryptoeconomy, period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful, and you should not rely upon them as an indication of future performance. Quarterly and annual expenses reflected in our financial statements may be significantly different from historical or projected rates. Our operating results in one or more future quarters may fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. As a result, the trading price of our Class A common stock may increase or decrease significantly.
Our total revenue is substantially dependent on the prices of crypto assets and volume of transactions conducted on our platform. If such price or volume declines, our business, operating results, and financial condition would be adversely affected and the price of our Class A common stock could decline.
We generate a large portion of our total revenue from transaction fees on our platform in connection with the purchase, sale, and trading of crypto assets by our customers. Transaction revenue is based on transaction fees that are either a flat fee or a percentage of the value of each transaction. For our consumer trading product, we also charge a spread to ensure that we are able to settle purchases and sales at the prices we quote to customers. We also generate a large portion of total revenue from our subscription and services, and such revenue has grown over time, primarily due to growth in stablecoin revenue in connection with USDC. Declines in the volume of crypto asset transactions, the price of crypto assets, or market liquidity for crypto assets generally may result in lower total revenue to us.
The price of crypto assets and associated demand for buying, selling, and trading crypto assets have historically been subject to significant volatility. If the price and transaction volume of crypto assets decline in the future, our ability to generate revenue may suffer and customer demand for our products and services may decline, which could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition and cause the price of our Class A common stock to decline. The price and transaction volume of any crypto asset is subject to significant uncertainty and volatility, depending on a number of factors, including:
•market conditions of, and overall sentiment towards, crypto assets and the cryptoeconomy, including, but not limited to, as a result of actions taken by or developments of other companies in the cryptoeconomy;
•changes in liquidity, market-making volume, and trading activities;
•trading activities on other crypto platforms worldwide, many of which may be unregulated, and may include manipulative activities;
•investment and trading activities of highly active consumer and institutional users, speculators, miners, and investors;
•the speed and rate at which crypto is able to gain adoption as a medium of exchange, utility, store of value, consumptive asset, security instrument, or other financial assets worldwide, if at all;
•decreased user and investor confidence in crypto assets and crypto platforms;
•negative publicity and events relating to the cryptoeconomy;
•unpredictable social media coverage or “trending” of, or other rumors and market speculation regarding, crypto assets;
•the ability for crypto assets to meet user and investor demands;
•the functionality and utility of crypto assets and their associated ecosystems and networks, including crypto assets designed for use in various applications;
•consumer preferences and perceived value of crypto assets and crypto asset markets;
•increased competition from other payment services or other crypto assets that may exhibit better speed, security, scalability, or other characteristics;
•adverse legal proceedings or regulatory enforcement actions, judgments, or settlements impacting cryptoeconomy participants;
•regulatory or legislative changes, scrutiny and updates affecting the cryptoeconomy;
•the characterization of crypto assets under the laws of various jurisdictions around the world;
•the adoption of unfavorable taxation policies on crypto asset investments by governmental entities;
•the maintenance, troubleshooting, and development of the blockchain networks underlying crypto assets, including by miners, validators, and developers worldwide;
•the ability for crypto networks to attract and retain miners or validators to secure and confirm transactions accurately and efficiently;
•legal and regulatory changes affecting the operations of miners and validators of blockchain networks, including limitations, and prohibitions on mining activities, or new legislative or regulatory requirements as a result of growing environmental concerns around the use of energy in Bitcoin and other proof-of-work mining activities;
•ongoing technological viability and security of crypto assets and their associated smart contracts, applications and networks, including vulnerabilities against hacks and scalability;
•speed and fees associated with processing crypto asset transactions, including on the underlying blockchain networks and on crypto platforms;
•financial strength of market participants;
•the availability and cost of funding and capital;
•the liquidity and credit risk of other crypto platforms and other participants of the cryptoeconomy;
•interruptions or temporary suspensions or other compulsory restrictions in products or services from or failures of major crypto platforms;
•availability of an active derivatives market for various crypto assets;
•availability of banking and payment services to support crypto-related projects;
•instability in the global banking system and the level of interest rates and inflation;
•monetary policies of governments, trade restrictions, and fiat currency devaluations; and
•national and international economic and political conditions.
There is no assurance that any supported crypto asset will maintain its value or that there will be meaningful levels of trading activities. In the event that the price of crypto assets or the demand for trading crypto assets decline, our business, operating results, and financial condition would be adversely affected and the price of our Class A common stock could decline.
Our net revenue may be concentrated in a limited number of areas. Within transaction revenue and subscription and services revenue, a meaningful concentration is from transactions in Bitcoin and Ethereum and stablecoin revenue in connection with USDC, respectively. If revenue from these areas declines and is not replaced by new demand for crypto assets or other products and services, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
While we support a diverse portfolio of crypto assets for trading, staking and custody, our net revenue is concentrated in a limited number of areas, such as transactions in Bitcoin and Ethereum for transaction revenue and stablecoin revenue in connection with USDC for subscription and services revenue. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we derived a meaningful amount of our net revenue from transaction fees generated in connection with the trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum; these trading pairs drove approximately 44% and 54% of total Trading Volume on our platform during these periods, respectively. In addition to the factors impacting the broader cryptoeconomy described in this section, our revenue may be adversely affected if the markets for Bitcoin and Ethereum deteriorate or if their prices decline, including as a result of the following factors:
•the reduction in blockchain transaction fees of Bitcoin, including block reward halving events, which are events that occur after a specific period of time and reduce the block reward earned by miners;
•public sentiment related to the actual or perceived environmental impact of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and related activities, including environmental concerns raised by private individuals and governmental actors related to the energy resources consumed in the Bitcoin mining process;
•disruptions, hacks, splits in the underlying networks also known as “forks,” attacks by malicious actors who control a significant portion of the networks’ hash rate such as double spend or 51% attacks, or other similar incidents affecting the Bitcoin or Ethereum blockchain networks;
•hard “forks” resulting in the creation of and divergence into multiple separate networks, such as Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum Classic;
•informal governance led by Bitcoin and Ethereum’s core developers that lead to revisions to the underlying source code or inactions that prevent network scaling, and which evolve over time largely based on self-determined participation, which may result in new changes or updates that affect their speed, security, usability, or value;
•the ability for Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchain networks to resolve significant scaling challenges and increase the volume and speed of transactions;
•the ability to attract and retain customers and developers to use Bitcoin and Ethereum for payment, store of value, unit of accounting, and other intended uses and the absence of another supported crypto asset to attract and retain developers and customers for the same;
•transaction congestion and fees associated with processing transactions on the Bitcoin and Ethereum networks and the absence of another supported crypto asset to replace these transactions;
•the identification of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous person or persons who developed Bitcoin, or the transfer of Satoshi’s Bitcoins;
•negative perception of Bitcoin or Ethereum;
•developments in mathematics and technology, including in digital computing, algebraic geometry, and quantum computing that could result in the cryptography being used by Bitcoin and Ethereum becoming insecure or ineffective;
•adverse legal proceedings or regulatory enforcement actions, judgments, or settlements impacting cryptoeconomy participants;
•regulatory, legislative or other compulsory or informal restrictions or limitations on Bitcoin or Ethereum lending, mining or staking activities;
•liquidity and credit risk issues experienced by other crypto platforms and other participants of the cryptoeconomy; and
•laws and regulations affecting the Bitcoin and Ethereum networks or access to these networks, including a determination that either Bitcoin or Ethereum constitutes a controlled or otherwise regulated financial instrument under the laws of any jurisdiction.
Our subscription and services revenue has grown over time to represent a more meaningful amount of our revenue, primarily due to growth in stablecoin revenue received in connection with USDC. Such revenue depends on a variety of factors, including demand for our subscription and services offerings, demand for USDC, the overall USDC market capitalization, the balance of USDC on our platform, interest rates, and ongoing relationships with third parties, such as Circle. If such factors are negatively impacted, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We have in the past, and may in the future, enter into partnerships, collaborations, joint ventures, or strategic alliances with third parties. If we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining strategic relationships with these third parties or if these third parties fail to deliver certain operational services, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We have in the past, and may in the future, enter into partnerships, collaborations, joint ventures, or strategic alliances with third parties in connection with the development, operation, and enhancement of our platform and products and the provision of our services. For example, Circle provides us with creation and redemption services for USDC, including the operational capabilities required for our USDC customer-facing services. If Circle fails to provide certain operational services, our ability to maintain our current level of offerings and customer experience for USDC could be harmed and interest or confidence in USDC could be impacted. Identifying strategic relationships with third parties and negotiating and documenting relationships with them may be time-consuming and complex and may distract management. Moreover, we may be delayed, or not be successful, in achieving the objectives that we anticipate as a result of such strategic relationships. In evaluating counterparties in connection with partnerships, collaborations, joint ventures or strategic alliances, we consider a wide range of economic, legal and regulatory criteria depending on the nature of such relationship, including the counterparties’ reputation, operating results and financial condition, operational ability to satisfy our and our customers’ needs in a timely manner, efficiency and reliability of systems, certifications costs to us or to our customers, and licensure and compliance status. Despite this evaluation, third parties may still not meet our or our customers’ needs which may adversely affect our ability to deliver products and services to customers, and could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. Counterparties to any strategic relationship may have economic or business interests or goals that are, or that may become, inconsistent with our business interests or goals, and may subject us to additional risks to the extent any such third party becomes the subject of negative publicity, faces its own litigation or regulatory challenges, or faces other adverse circumstances. Conflicts may arise with our strategic partners, such as the interpretation of significant terms under any agreement, which may result in litigation or arbitration which would increase our expenses and divert the attention of our management. If we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining strategic relationships with third parties, our ability to compete in the marketplace or to grow our revenue could be impaired and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Interest rate fluctuations could negatively impact us.
The level of prevailing short-term interest rates affects our profitability because we derive a large portion of our revenue from interest earned on funds deposited with us by our customers which we hold on their behalf in custodial accounts at banks and from stablecoin revenue, which is derived from interest earned on USDC reserve balances, as well as from interest earned on corporate cash and cash equivalents. Higher interest rates increase the amount of interest and finance fee income and stablecoin revenue earned from these activities. When short-term interest rates decline, our revenue derived from interest correspondingly declines. Further, because stablecoin revenue from USDC has become an increased portion of our subscription and services revenue, if interest rates were to significantly decline from levels reached in the current interest rate environment, our net revenue could decline. Conversely, when interest rates increase, investors may choose to shift their asset allocations, which could negatively impact our stock price or the cryptoeconomy more generally.
The future development and growth of crypto is subject to a variety of factors that are difficult to predict and evaluate. If crypto does not grow as we expect, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Crypto assets built on blockchain technology were only introduced in 2008 and remain in the early stages of development. In addition, different crypto assets are designed for different purposes. Bitcoin, for instance, was designed to serve as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, while Ethereum was designed to be a smart contract and decentralized application platform. Many other crypto networks, ranging from cloud computing to tokenized securities networks, have only recently been established. The further growth and development of any crypto assets and their underlying networks and other cryptographic and algorithmic protocols governing the creation, transfer, and usage of crypto assets represent a new and evolving paradigm that is subject to a variety of factors that are difficult to evaluate, including:
•many crypto networks have limited operating histories, have not been validated in production, and are still in the process of developing and making significant decisions that will affect the design, supply, issuance, functionality, and governance of their respective crypto assets and underlying blockchain networks, any of which could adversely affect their respective crypto assets;
•many crypto networks are in the process of implementing software upgrades and other changes to their protocols, which could introduce bugs, security risks, or adversely affect the respective crypto networks;
•several large networks, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, are developing new features to address fundamental speed, scalability, and energy usage issues. If these issues are not successfully addressed, or if these networks do not achieve widespread adoption, it could adversely affect the underlying crypto assets;
•security issues, bugs, and software errors have been identified with many crypto assets and their underlying blockchain networks, some of which have been exploited by malicious actors. There are also inherent security weaknesses in some crypto assets, such as when creators of certain crypto networks use procedures that could allow hackers to counterfeit tokens. Any weaknesses identified with a crypto asset could adversely affect its price, security, liquidity, and adoption rate. If one or more malicious actors obtains a majority of the compute or staking power on a crypto network, as has happened in the past, it may be able to engage in illicit activity, which could cause financial losses to holders, damage the network’s reputation and security, and adversely affect its value;
•the development of new technologies for mining, such as improved application-specific integrated circuits (commonly referred to as ASICs), or changes in industry patterns, such as the consolidation of mining power in a small number of large mining farms, could reduce the security of blockchain networks, lead to increased liquid supply of crypto assets, and reduce a crypto asset’s price and attractiveness;
•if rewards and transaction fees for miners or validators on any particular crypto network are not sufficiently high to attract and retain miners or validators, a crypto network’s security and speed may be adversely affected, increasing the likelihood of a malicious attack;
•crypto networks may have consolidated points of failure (such as concentrated ownership or an “admin key”), allowing a small group of holders to have significant unilateral control and influence over key decisions related to their crypto networks, such as governance decisions and protocol changes, as well as the market price of such crypto assets;
•the governance of many decentralized blockchain networks, including L2 blockchains like Base, is by voluntary consensus and open competition, and many developers are not directly compensated for their contributions. As a result, there may be a lack of consensus or clarity on the governance of any particular crypto network, a lack of incentives for developers to maintain or develop the network, and other unforeseen issues, any of which could result in unexpected or undesirable errors, bugs, or changes, or stymie such network’s utility and ability to respond to challenges and grow; and
•many crypto networks are in the early stages of developing partnerships and collaborations, any or all of which may not succeed and adversely affect the usability and adoption of the respective crypto assets.
Various other technical issues have also been uncovered from time to time that resulted in disabled functionalities, exposure of certain users’ personal information, theft of users’ assets, and other negative consequences, and which required resolution with the attention and efforts of their global miner, user, and development communities. If any such risks or other risks materialize, and in particular if they are not resolved, the development and growth of crypto may be significantly affected and, as a result, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Cyberattacks and security breaches of our platform, or those impacting our customers or third parties, could adversely affect our brand, reputation, business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our business involves the collection, storage, processing, and transmission of confidential information, customer, employee, service provider, and other personal data, as well as information required to access customer assets. We have built our reputation on the premise that our platform offers customers a secure way to purchase, store, and transact in crypto assets. As a result, any actual or perceived security breach of us or our third-party partners may:
•harm our reputation and brand;
•result in our systems or services being unavailable and interrupt our operations;
•result in improper disclosure of data and violations of applicable privacy and data protection laws;
•result in significant regulatory scrutiny, investigations, fines, penalties, and other legal, regulatory, and financial exposure;
•cause us to incur significant remediation costs;
•lead to theft or irretrievable loss of our or our customers’ fiat currencies or crypto assets;
•reduce customer confidence in, or decrease customer use of, our products and services;
•divert the attention of management from the operation of our business;
•result in significant compensation or contractual penalties payable by us to our customers or third parties as a result of losses to them or claims by them; and
•adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
For example, in 2021, third parties independently obtained login credentials and personal information for at least 6,000 customers and used those credentials to exploit a vulnerability that previously existed in the account recovery process. We reimbursed impacted customers approximately $25.1 million.
Further, any actual or perceived breach or cybersecurity attack directed at other financial institutions or crypto companies, whether or not we are directly impacted, could lead to a general loss of customer confidence in the cryptoeconomy or in the use of technology to conduct financial transactions, which could negatively impact us, including the market perception of the effectiveness of our security measures and technology infrastructure.
An increasing number of organizations, including large merchants, businesses, technology companies, and financial institutions, as well as government institutions, have disclosed breaches of their information security systems, some of which have involved sophisticated and highly targeted attacks, including on their websites, mobile applications, and infrastructure.
Attacks upon systems across a variety of industries, including the crypto industry, are increasing in their frequency, persistence, and sophistication, and, in many cases, are being conducted by sophisticated, well-funded, and organized groups and individuals, including state actors. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized, improper, or illegal access to systems and information (including customers’ personal data and crypto assets), disable or degrade services, or sabotage systems are constantly evolving, may be difficult to detect quickly, and often are not recognized or detected until after they have been launched against a target. These attacks may occur on our systems or those of our third-party service providers or partners. Certain types of cyberattacks could harm us even if our systems are left undisturbed. For example, attacks may be designed to deceive employees and service providers into releasing control of our systems to a hacker, while others may aim to introduce computer viruses or malware into our systems with a view to stealing confidential or proprietary data. Additionally, certain threats are designed to remain dormant or undetectable until launched against a target, and we may not be able to implement adequate preventative measures.
Although we have developed systems and processes designed to protect the data we manage, prevent data loss and other security breaches, effectively respond to known and potential risks, and expect to continue to expend significant resources to bolster these protections, there can be no assurance that these security measures will provide absolute security or prevent breaches or attacks. We have experienced from time to time, and may experience in the future, breaches of our security measures due to human error, malfeasance, insider threats, system errors or vulnerabilities, or other irregularities. Unauthorized parties have attempted, and we expect that they will continue to attempt, to gain access to our systems and facilities, as well as those of our customers, partners, and third-party service providers, through various means, including hacking, social engineering, phishing, and attempting to fraudulently induce individuals (including employees, service providers, and our customers) into disclosing usernames, passwords, payment card information, or other sensitive information, which may in turn be used to access our information technology systems and customers’ crypto assets. Threats can come from a variety of sources, including criminal hackers, hacktivists, state-sponsored intrusions, industrial espionage, and insiders. Certain threat actors may be supported by significant financial and technological resources, making them even more sophisticated and difficult to detect. We may also acquire other companies that expose us to unexpected security risks or increase costs to improve the security posture of the acquired company. Further, there has been an increase in such threat actor activities as a result of the increased prevalence of hybrid and remote working arrangements in recent years. As a result, our costs and the resources we devote to protecting against these advanced threats and their consequences may continue to increase over time.
Although we maintain insurance coverage, it may be insufficient to protect us against all losses and costs stemming from security breaches, cyberattacks, and other types of unlawful activity, or any resulting disruptions or data theft and loss from such events. Outages and disruptions of our platform, including any caused by cyberattacks, may harm our reputation, business, operating results, and financial condition.
We are subject to an extensive, highly-evolving and uncertain regulatory landscape and any adverse changes to, or our failure to comply with, any laws and regulations could adversely affect our brand, reputation, business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our business is subject to extensive laws, rules, regulations, policies, orders, determinations, directives, treaties, and legal and regulatory interpretations and guidance in the markets in which we operate, including those governing financial services and banking, federal government contractors, trust companies, securities, derivative transactions and markets, broker-dealers and alternative trading systems (“ATS”), commodities, credit, crypto asset custody, exchange, and transfer, cross-border and domestic money and crypto asset transmission, commercial lending, usury, foreign currency exchange, privacy, data governance, data protection, cybersecurity, fraud detection, payment services (including payment processing and settlement services), consumer protection, escheatment, antitrust and competition, bankruptcy, tax, anti-bribery, economic and trade sanctions, anti-money laundering, and counter-terrorist financing. Many of these legal and regulatory regimes were adopted prior to the advent of the internet, mobile technologies, crypto assets, generative artificial intelligence (“AI”) and related technologies. As a result, some applicable laws and regulations do not contemplate or address unique issues associated with the cryptoeconomy, are subject to significant uncertainty, and vary widely across U.S. federal, state, and local and international jurisdictions. These legal and regulatory regimes, including the laws, rules, and regulations thereunder, evolve frequently and may be modified, interpreted, and applied in an inconsistent manner from one jurisdiction to another, and may conflict with one another. Moreover, the complexity and evolving nature of our business and the significant uncertainty surrounding the regulation of the cryptoeconomy requires us to exercise our judgment as to whether certain laws, rules, and regulations apply to us, and it is possible that governmental bodies and regulators may disagree with our conclusions. To the extent we have not complied with such laws, rules, and regulations, we could be subject to significant fines, revocation of licenses, limitations on or temporary or permanent suspensions of our products and services, reputational harm, and other regulatory consequences, each of which may be significant and could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Additionally, various governmental and regulatory bodies, including legislative and executive bodies, in the United States and in other countries may adopt new laws and regulations, the direction and timing of which may be influenced by changes in the governing administrations and major events in the cryptoeconomy. For example, following the failure of several prominent crypto trading venues and lending platforms, such as FTX, Celsius Networks, Voyager and Three Arrows Capital in 2022 (the “2022 Events”), the U.S. Congress expressed the need for both greater federal oversight of the cryptoeconomy and comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation.
Governmental and regulatory bodies, including in the United States, may introduce new policies, laws, and regulations relating to crypto assets and the cryptoeconomy generally, and crypto asset platforms in particular. Other companies’ failures of risk management and other control functions, including those that played a role in the 2022 Events, could contribute to stricter oversight of crypto asset platforms and the cryptoeconomy. Furthermore, new interpretations of existing laws and regulations may be issued by such bodies or the judiciary, which may adversely impact the development of the cryptoeconomy as a whole and our legal and regulatory status in particular by changing how we operate our business, how our products and services are regulated, and what products or services we and our competitors can offer, requiring changes to our compliance and risk mitigation measures, imposing new licensing requirements, or imposing a total ban on certain crypto asset transactions, as has occurred in certain jurisdictions in the past. For example, in April 2023, the SEC reopened a comment period for amendments to Rule 3b-16 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that could subject several cryptoeconomy participants and systems to registration or other operational compliance requirements under the Exchange Act. If the SEC’s proposed amendment is adopted in its current form, we, along with other cryptoeconomy participants, could face significant additional uncertainty and risk of increased operational costs. In November 2023, the New York Department of Financial Services (“NYDFS”) adopted guidance regarding the policies and procedures required for virtual currency business entities licensed in New York, such as Coinbase, Inc. This guidance and other applicable state law guidance regarding virtual currency business activity could result in changes to our business in such states as well as the risk of increased operational costs and the risk of enforcement actions. If we are unable to comply with any new requirements, our ability to offer our products and services in their current form may be adversely affected. Additionally, under recommendations from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), and the Financial Action Task Force, the United States and several foreign jurisdictions have or are likely to impose the Funds Travel Rule and the Funds Transfer Rule (commonly referred to collectively as the Travel Rule) on financial service providers in the cryptoeconomy. We may face substantial costs to operationalize and comply with the Travel Rule and may be further subject to administrative sanctions for technical violations or customer attrition if the user experience suffers as a result. In October 2023, FinCEN released a proposed rule that identifies virtual currency “mixing” as a class of transactions of primary money laundering concern and imposes heightened recordkeeping and reporting obligations for financial institutions with respect to those transactions. There are substantial uncertainties regarding the scope of these requirements in practice, and we may face substantial costs to operationalize and comply with these rules.
Moreover, we offer and may in the future offer products and services whose functionality or value depends in part on our management of token transaction smart contracts, liquid staking, asset tracking, or other applications that provide novel forms of customer engagement and interaction delivered via blockchain protocols. We may also offer products and services whose functionality or value depends on our ability to develop, integrate, or otherwise interact with such applications within the bounds of our legal and compliance obligations. The legal and regulatory landscape for such products, including the law governing the rights and obligations between and among smart contract developers and users and the extent to which such relationships entail regulated activity is uncertain and rapidly evolving. Our interaction with those applications, and the interaction of other blockchain users with any smart contracts or assets we may generate or control, could present legal, operational, reputational, and regulatory risks for our business.
We may be further subject to administrative sanctions for technical violations or customer attrition if the user experience suffers as a result. As another example, the extension of anti-money laundering requirements to certain crypto-related activities by the European Union’s Fifth Money Laundering Directive, as updated by the European Union’s Sixth Money Laundering Directive, has increased the regulatory compliance burden for our business in Europe and, as a result of the fragmented approach to the implementation of its provisions, resulted in distinct and divergent national licensing and registration regimes for us in different E.U. member states. Further E.U.-level legislation imposing additional regulatory requirements in relation to crypto-related activities is also expected in the near term, such as with the effectiveness of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (“MiCA”). Among other provisions, MiCA introduces a comprehensive authorization and compliance regime for crypto asset service providers and a disclosure regime for the issuers of certain crypto assets, which is expected to impact our operations in the European Union, including through localization requirements.
Because we have offered and will continue to offer a variety of innovative products and services to our customers, many of our offerings are subject to significant regulatory uncertainty and we from time to time face regulatory inquiries regarding our current and planned products. For instance, we purchase USDC, a stablecoin redeemable on a one-to-one basis for U.S. dollars, from Circle and sell it to customers on our platform. The regulatory treatment of fiat-backed stablecoins is highly uncertain and has drawn significant attention from legislative and regulatory bodies around the world. The issuance, purchase, and sale of such stablecoins may implicate a variety of banking, deposit, money transmission, prepaid access and stored value, anti-money laundering, commodities, securities, sanctions, and other laws and regulations in the United States and in other jurisdictions. There are substantial uncertainties on how these requirements would apply in practice, and we may face substantial compliance costs to operationalize and comply with these rules. Certain products and services offered by us that we believe are not subject to regulatory oversight, or are only subject to certain regulatory regimes, such as Coinbase Wallet, a standalone mobile application that allows customers to manage their own private keys and store their crypto assets directly on their mobile devices, may cause us to be deemed to be engaged in a form of regulated activity for which licensure is required or cause us to become subject to new and additional forms of regulatory oversight. We also offer various staking, rewards, and lending products, all of which are subject to significant regulatory uncertainty, and could implicate a variety of laws and regulations worldwide. For example, there is regulatory uncertainty regarding the status of our staking, lending, rewards, and other yield-generating activities under the U.S. federal and state securities laws. While we have implemented policies and procedures, including geofencing for certain products and services, designed to help monitor for and ensure compliance with existing and new laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that we and our employees, contractors, and agents will not violate or otherwise fail to comply with such laws and regulations. To the extent that we or our employees, contractors, or agents are deemed or alleged to have violated or failed to comply with any laws or regulations, including related interpretations, orders, determinations, directives, or guidance, we or they could be subject to a litany of civil, criminal, and administrative fines, penalties, orders and actions, including being required to suspend or terminate the offering of certain products and services. Moreover, to the extent our customers nevertheless access our platform, products or services outside of jurisdictions where we have obtained required governmental licenses and authorization, we could similarly be subject to a variety of civil, criminal, and administrative fines, penalties, orders and actions as a result of such activity.
Due to our business activities, we are subject to ongoing examinations, oversight, and reviews and currently are, and expect in the future, to be subject to investigations and inquiries, by U.S. federal and state regulators and foreign financial service regulators, many of which have broad discretion to audit and examine our business. We are periodically subject to audits and examinations by these regulatory authorities. As a result of findings from these audits and examinations, regulators have, are, and may in the future require us to take certain actions, including amending, updating, or revising our compliance measures from time to time, limiting the kinds of customers that we provide services to, changing, terminating, or delaying our licenses and the introduction of our existing or new product and services, and undertaking further external audit or being subject to further regulatory scrutiny, including investigations and inquiries. We have received, and may in the future receive, examination reports citing violations of rules and regulations, inadequacies in existing compliance programs, and requiring us to enhance certain practices with respect to our compliance program, including due diligence, monitoring, training, reporting, and recordkeeping. Implementing appropriate measures to properly remediate these examination findings may require us to incur significant costs, and if we fail to properly remediate any of these examination findings, we could face civil litigation, significant fines, damage awards, forced removal of certain employees including members of our executive team, barring of certain employees from participating in our business in whole or in part, revocation of existing licenses, limitations on existing and new products and services, reputational harm, negative impact to our existing relationships with regulators, exposure to criminal liability, or other regulatory consequences. Further, we believe increasingly strict legal and regulatory requirements and additional regulatory investigations and enforcement, any of which could occur or intensify, may continue to result in changes to our business, as well as increased costs, and supervision and examination for ourselves, our agents, and service providers. For example, in June 2023, the SEC filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “District Court”) against us and Coinbase, Inc. alleging that (i) Coinbase, Inc. has acted as an unregistered securities exchange, broker, and clearing agency in violation of Sections 5, 15(a) and 17A(b) of the Exchange Act and that, through its staking program, Coinbase, Inc. has offered and sold securities without registering its offers and sales in violation of Sections 5(a) and 5(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and (ii) we are liable for the alleged violations as an alleged control person of Coinbase, Inc. (the “June 2023 SEC Complaint”). Moreover, new laws, regulations, or interpretations may result in additional litigation, regulatory investigations, and enforcement or other actions, including preventing or delaying us from offering certain products or services offered by our competitors or could impact how we offer such products and services. Adverse changes to, or our failure to comply with, any laws and regulations have had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on our reputation and brand and our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We operate in a highly competitive industry and we compete against unregulated or less regulated companies and companies with greater financial and other resources, and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected if we are unable to compete effectively.
The crypto industry is highly innovative, rapidly evolving, and characterized by healthy competition, experimentation, changing customer needs, frequent introductions of new products and services, and subject to uncertain and evolving industry and regulatory requirements. We expect competition to intensify in the future as existing and new competitors introduce new products or enhance existing products. We face significant competition from a variety of companies around the world, ranging from crypto-native companies, including decentralized exchanges, to large traditional financial services incumbents and financial technology providers. Our main competition falls into the following categories:
•traditional financial technology and brokerage firms that have entered the crypto asset market in recent years and offer overlapping features targeted at our customers;
•companies focused on the crypto asset market, some of whom adhere to local regulations and directly compete with our platform, and others who choose to operate outside of local rules and regulations or in jurisdictions with less stringent local rules and regulations and are potentially able to more quickly adapt to trends, support a greater number of crypto assets, and develop new crypto-based products and services due to a different standard of regulatory scrutiny;
•crypto-focused companies and traditional financial incumbents that offer point or siloed solutions specifically targeted at institutional customers;
•decentralized and non-custodial platforms; and
•stablecoins, other than USDC, and fiat currencies globally.
Historically, a major source of competition has been from companies, in particular those located outside the United States, who at times are and may in the future be subject to significantly less stringent regulatory and compliance requirements in their local jurisdictions. Their business models rely on being unregulated or only regulated in a small number of lower compliance jurisdictions, whilst also offering their products in highly regulated jurisdictions, including the United States, without necessarily complying with the relevant regulatory requirements in such jurisdictions.
Given the uneven enforcement by United States and foreign regulators, many of these competitors have been able to operate from offshore while offering large numbers of products and services to consumers, including in the United States, Europe, and other highly regulated jurisdictions, without complying with the relevant licensing and other requirements in these jurisdictions, and historically without penalty. Due to our regulated status in several jurisdictions and our commitment to legal and regulatory compliance, we have not been able to offer many popular products and services, including products and services that our unregulated or less regulated competitors are able to offer.
We also have expended significant managerial, operational, and compliance costs to comply with laws and regulations applicable to us in the jurisdictions in which we operate, and expect to continue to incur significant costs to comply with these requirements, which these unregulated or less regulated competitors have not had to incur.
Our competitors have made significant investments in research and development, and we expect these companies to continue to develop similar or superior products and technologies that compete with our products. Further, more traditional financial and non-financial services businesses may choose to offer crypto-based services in the future as the industry gains adoption and barriers to entry lower. As regulations and compliance requirements in the United States become clearer, we may face increased competition from companies based in the United States. Our current and potential competitors may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties that may further enhance their resources.
Our existing competitors have, and our potential competitors are expected to have, competitive advantages over us, such as:
•the ability to trade crypto assets and offer products and services that we do not support or offer on our platform (due to constraints from regulatory authorities, our banking partners, and other factors) such as tokens that constitute securities or derivative instruments under U.S. or foreign laws;
•greater name recognition, longer operating histories, larger customer bases, and larger market shares;
•larger sales and marketing budgets and organizations;
•more established marketing, banking, and compliance relationships;
•greater customer support resources;
•greater resources to make acquisitions;
•lower labor, compliance, risk mitigation, and research and development costs;
•larger and more mature intellectual property portfolios;
•greater number of applicable licenses or similar authorizations;
•established core business models outside of the trading of crypto assets, allowing them to operate on lesser margins or at a loss;
•operations in certain jurisdictions with lower compliance costs and greater flexibility to explore new product offerings; and
•substantially greater financial, technical, and other resources.
If we are unable to compete successfully, or if competing successfully requires us to take costly actions in response to the actions of our competitors, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We compete against a growing number of decentralized and noncustodial platforms and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected if we fail to compete effectively.
We compete against an increasing number of decentralized and noncustodial platforms. On these platforms, users can interact directly with a market-making smart contract or onchain trading mechanism to earn crypto assets or to exchange one type of crypto asset for another without any centralized intermediary. We have seen increased interest in certain decentralized platforms with transaction volumes rivaling our own platform on multiple occasions, and expect interest in decentralized and noncustodial platforms to grow further as the industry develops. If the demand for decentralized platforms grows and we are unable to compete with these decentralized and noncustodial platforms, including, for example, if we fail to achieve sufficient decentralization and scaling of Base as an L2, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
As we continue to expand and localize our international activities, our obligations to comply with the laws, rules, regulations, and policies of a variety of jurisdictions will increase and we may be subject to inquiries, investigations, and enforcement actions by U.S. and non-U.S. regulators and governmental authorities, including those related to sanctions, export control, and anti-money laundering.
As we expand and localize our international activities, we have become increasingly obligated to comply with the laws, rules, regulations, policies, and legal interpretations of both the jurisdictions in which we operate and those into which we offer services on a cross-border basis. For instance, financial regulators outside the United States have increased their scrutiny of crypto asset exchanges over time, such as by requiring crypto asset exchanges operating in their local jurisdictions to be regulated and licensed under local laws. Moreover, laws regulating financial services, the internet, mobile technologies, crypto, and related technologies outside of the United States are highly evolving, extensive and often impose different, more specific, or even conflicting obligations on us, as well as broader liability. In addition, we are required to comply with laws and regulations related to economic sanctions and export controls enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, and U.S. anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws and regulations, enforced by FinCEN and certain state financial services regulators. U.S. sanctions and export control laws and regulations generally restrict dealings by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction with certain jurisdictions that are the target of comprehensive embargoes, currently the Crimea Region, the Donetsk People’s Republic, and the Luhansk People’s Republic of Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria, as well as with persons, entities, and governments identified on certain prohibited party lists. Moreover, as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States, the E.U., the United Kingdom, and other jurisdictions have imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Russia and Belarus and persons and entities associated with Russia and Belarus. There can be no certainty regarding whether such governments or other governments will impose additional sanctions, or other economic or military measures against Russia or Belarus. We have continued to engage in activity in Russia and Belarus and with customers associated with these countries. At the same time, we have implemented additional processes and procedures to comply with these new sanctions. However, our activity in Russia and Belarus and with these customers associated with these countries subjects us to further exposure to sanctions as they are released. We have an OFAC compliance program in place that includes monitoring of IP addresses to identify prohibited jurisdictions and of blockchain addresses that have either been identified by OFAC as prohibited or that otherwise are believed by us to be associated with prohibited persons or jurisdictions. Nonetheless, there can be no guarantee that our compliance program will prevent transactions with particular persons or addresses or prevent every potential violation of OFAC sanctions. From time to time, we have submitted voluntary disclosures to OFAC or responded to administrative subpoenas from OFAC. Certain of these voluntary self-disclosures are currently under review by OFAC. To date, none of those proceedings has resulted in a monetary penalty or finding of violation. Any present or future government inquiries relating to sanctions could result in negative consequences for us, including costs related to government investigations, financial penalties, and harm to our reputation. The impact on us related to such matters could be substantial. Although we have implemented controls, and are working to implement additional controls and screening tools designed to prevent sanctions violations, there is no guarantee that we will not inadvertently provide access to our products and services to sanctioned parties or jurisdictions in the future.
Regulators worldwide frequently study each other’s approaches to the regulation of the cryptoeconomy. Consequently, developments in any jurisdiction may influence other jurisdictions. New developments in one jurisdiction may be extended to additional services and other jurisdictions. As a result, the risks created by any new law or regulation in one jurisdiction are magnified by the potential that they may be replicated, affecting our business in another place or involving another service. Conversely, if regulations diverge worldwide, we may face difficulty adjusting our products, services, and other aspects of our business with the same effect. These risks are heightened as we face increased competitive pressure from other similarly situated businesses that engage in regulatory arbitrage to avoid the compliance costs associated with regulatory changes.
The complexity of U.S. federal and state and international regulatory and enforcement regimes, coupled with the global scope of our operations and the evolving global regulatory environment, could result in a single event prompting a large number of overlapping investigations and legal and regulatory proceedings by multiple government authorities in different jurisdictions. Any of the foregoing could, individually or in the aggregate, harm our reputation, damage our brand, and adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. Due to the uncertain application of existing laws and regulations, it may be that, despite our regulatory and legal analysis concluding that certain products and services are currently unregulated, such products or services may indeed be subject to financial regulation, licensing, or authorization obligations that we have not obtained or with which we have not complied. As a result, we are at a heightened risk of enforcement action, litigation, regulatory, and legal scrutiny which could lead to sanctions, cease and desist orders, or other penalties and censures which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We are, and may continue to be, subject to material litigation, including individual and class action lawsuits, as well as investigations and enforcement actions by regulators and governmental authorities. These matters are often expensive and time consuming, and, if resolved adversely, could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We have been, currently are, and may from time to time become subject to claims, arbitrations, individual and class action lawsuits with respect to a variety of matters, including employment, consumer protection, advertising, and securities. In addition, we have been, currently are, and may from time to time become subject to, government and regulatory investigations, inquiries, actions or requests, other proceedings and enforcement actions alleging violations of laws, rules, and regulations, both foreign and domestic. For example, in January 2023, we settled a NYDFS compliance investigation for a monetary penalty of $50.0 million and a separate commitment to make $50.0 million in compliance program investments by the end of 2024. In June 2023, the SEC filed the June 2023 SEC Complaint, in connection with which the SEC is seeking, among other relief, injunctive relief, disgorgement, and civil money penalties, and we and Coinbase, Inc. subsequently filed an answer to the June 2023 SEC Complaint. In August 2023, we and Coinbase, Inc. also filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings. In October 2023, the SEC filed its response and we and Coinbase, Inc. filed our reply. Oral argument took place on January 17, 2024 and on March 27, 2024, the District Court denied in part and granted in part our motion for judgment on the pleadings. Subsequently, on April 12, 2024, we and Coinbase, Inc. filed a motion with the District Court seeking certification of an interlocutory appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (the “Court of Appeals”). The District Court granted that motion on January 7, 2025 and stayed proceedings in the District Court. On January 17, 2025, we and Coinbase, Inc. filed a petition for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeals. The impact of the litigation relating to the June 2023 SEC Complaint, including the costs, timing, results and other potential consequences thereof, are unknown at this time. An adverse resolution of the June 2023 SEC Complaint could have a material impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Additionally, we are currently subject to securities class actions and shareholder derivative actions. Furthermore, in June 2023, we and Coinbase, Inc. were issued notices, show-cause orders, and cease-and-desist letters, and became the subject of various legal actions initiated by U.S. state securities regulators in the states of Alabama, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin alleging violations of state securities laws with respect to staking services provided by Coinbase, Inc. (the “State Staking Actions”). In July 2023, we and Coinbase, Inc. entered into agreements with state securities regulators in California, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, pursuant to which customers in those states will no longer be able to stake new funds, in each case pending final adjudication of the matters. In October 2023, we and Coinbase, Inc. entered into a similar agreement with the Maryland state securities regulator. For a description of such litigation, regulatory investigations, and other proceedings, see Note 21. Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The scope, determination, and impact of claims, lawsuits, government and regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, disputes, and proceedings to which we are subject cannot be predicted with certainty and may result in:
•substantial payments to satisfy judgments, fines, or penalties;
•substantial outside counsel, advisor, and consultant fees and costs;
•substantial administrative costs, including arbitration fees;
•additional compliance and licensure requirements;
•loss or non-renewal of existing licenses or authorizations, or prohibition from or delays in obtaining additional licenses or authorizations, required for our business;
•loss of productivity and high demands on employee time;
•criminal sanctions or consent decrees;
•termination of certain employees, including members of our executive team;
•barring of certain employees from participating in our business in whole or in part;
•orders that restrict our business or prevent us from offering certain products or services;
•changes to our business model and practices;
•delays to planned transactions, product launches or improvements; and
•damage to our brand and reputation.
Because of our large customer base, actions against us may claim large monetary damages, even if the alleged per-customer harm is small or non-existent. From time to time, we receive letters alleging claims on behalf of our users. Due to our large customer base, the ongoing defense and resolution or settlement of these alleged claims could be material and we may incur significant expenses associated with arbitrating or litigating the claims. Moreover, to the extent that a deterioration of the crypto asset market occurs for a prolonged period, large platforms like us may become subject to or the target of increased litigation and additional government and regulatory scrutiny. Regardless of the outcome, any such matters could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition because of legal costs, diversion of management resources, reputational damage, and other factors.
If we cannot keep pace with rapid industry changes to provide new and innovative products and services, the use of our products and services, and consequently our net revenue, could decline, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our industry has been characterized by many rapid, significant, and disruptive products and services in recent years. These include decentralized applications, DeFi, yield farming, non-fungible tokens (“NFTs”), play-to-earn games, lending, staking and re-staking, token wrapping, governance tokens, innovative programs to attract customers such as transaction fee mining programs, initiatives to attract traders such as trading competitions, airdrops and giveaways, staking reward programs, “layer 2” blockchain networks, smart contract wallets, and novel cryptocurrency fundraising and distribution schemes, such as “initial exchange offerings.” We expect new services and technologies to continue to emerge and evolve, which may be superior to, or render obsolete, the products and services that we currently provide. For example, decentralized networks and other disruptive technologies such as generative AI may fundamentally alter the use of our products or services in unpredictable ways. We cannot predict the effects of new services and technologies on our business. However, our ability to grow our customer base and net revenue will depend heavily on our ability to innovate and create successful new products and services, both independently and in conjunction with third-party developers. In particular, developing and incorporating new products and services into our business may require substantial expenditures, take considerable time, and ultimately may not be successful. Any new products or services could fail to attract customers, generate revenue, or perform or integrate well with third-party applications and platforms. In addition, our ability to adapt and compete with new products and services may be inhibited by regulatory requirements and general uncertainty in the law, constraints by our banking partners and payment processors, third-party intellectual property rights, or other factors.
Moreover, we must continue to enhance our technical infrastructure and other technology offerings to remain competitive and maintain a platform that has the required functionality, performance, capacity, security, and speed to attract and retain customers, including large, institutional, high-frequency and high-volume traders. As a result, we expect to incur significant costs and expenses to develop and upgrade our technical infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Our success will depend on our ability to develop, scale, and incorporate new offerings and adapt to technological changes and evolving industry practices. If we are unable to do so in a timely or cost-effective manner, our ability to successfully compete, to retain existing customers, and to attract new customers may be impacted and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
A particular crypto asset, product or service’s status as a “security” in any relevant jurisdiction is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and if we are unable to properly characterize a crypto asset or product offering, we may be subject to regulatory scrutiny, inquiries, investigations, fines, and other penalties, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
The SEC and its staff have taken the position that a range of crypto assets, products and services fall within the definition of a “security” under the U.S. federal securities laws. Despite the SEC being the principal federal securities law regulator in the United States, whether or not an asset, product, or service is a security or constitutes a securities offering under federal securities laws is ultimately determined by a federal court. The legal test for determining whether any given crypto asset, product, or service is an investment contract security was set forth in the 1946 Supreme Court case SEC v. W.J. Howey Co. and whether any given crypto asset, product, or service is a note in the 1990 Supreme Court case Reves v. Ernst & Young. The legal tests for determining whether any given crypto asset, product, or service is a security requires a highly complex, fact-driven analysis. Accordingly, whether any given crypto asset, product or service would be ultimately deemed by a federal court to be a security is uncertain and difficult to predict notwithstanding the conclusions of the SEC or any conclusions we may draw based on our risk-based assessment regarding the likelihood that a particular crypto asset, product or service could be deemed a “security” or “securities offering” under applicable laws. The SEC generally does not provide advance guidance or confirmation on its assessment of the status of any particular crypto asset, product, or service as a security. Furthermore, in our view, statements by the SEC and its staff have appeared contradictory at times. It is also possible that the change in the governing administration and the appointment of new SEC commissioners will substantially impact the approach to enforcement by the SEC and its staff.
The SEC’s Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology published a framework for analyzing whether any given crypto asset is a security in April 2019. The SEC has also recently brought enforcement actions and entered into settlements with numerous cryptoeconomy participants alleging that certain digital assets are securities, including the June 2023 SEC Complaint. These statements, framework and enforcement actions are not rules or regulations of the SEC and are not binding on the SEC. As noted above, whether any given crypto asset, product or service would be ultimately deemed by a federal court to be a security is uncertain and difficult to predict. Moreover, the SEC and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) and their senior officials have, at times, taken conflicting positions in speeches and enforcement actions as to whether a particular crypto asset is a security or commodity.
Several foreign jurisdictions have taken a broad-based approach to classifying crypto assets, products and services as “securities,” while other foreign jurisdictions, such as Switzerland, Malta, and Singapore, have adopted a narrower approach. As a result, certain crypto assets, products or services may be deemed to be a “security” under the laws of some jurisdictions but not others. Various foreign jurisdictions may, in the future, adopt additional laws, regulations, or directives that affect the characterization of crypto assets, products or services as “securities.”
The classification of a crypto asset, product or service as a security under applicable law has wide-ranging implications for the regulatory obligations that flow from the offer, sale, trading, and clearing, as applicable, of such assets, products or services.
For example, a crypto asset, product or service that is a security in the United States may generally only be offered or sold in the United States pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC or in an offering that qualifies for an exemption from registration. Persons that effect transactions in crypto assets, products or services that are securities in the United States may be subject to registration with the SEC as a “broker” or “dealer.” Platforms that bring together purchasers and sellers to trade crypto assets that are securities in the United States are generally subject to registration as national securities exchanges, or must qualify for an exemption, such as by being operated by a registered broker-dealer as an ATS in compliance with rules for ATSs. Persons facilitating clearing and settlement of securities may be subject to registration with the SEC as a clearing agency. Foreign jurisdictions may have similar licensing, registration, and qualification requirements.
We have policies and procedures to analyze whether each crypto asset that we seek to facilitate trading on Coinbase Spot Market, as well as our products and services, could be deemed to be a “security” under applicable laws. Our policies and procedures do not constitute a legal standard, but rather represent our company-developed model, which we use to make a risk-based assessment regarding the likelihood that a particular crypto asset, product or service could be deemed a “security” under applicable laws.
Because Coinbase Spot Market, Coinbase Prime and Coinbase app are not registered or licensed with the SEC or foreign authorities as a broker-dealer, national securities exchange, or ATS (or foreign equivalents), we only permit trading of those crypto assets, and offer products and services, for which we determine there are reasonably strong arguments to conclude that the crypto asset, product or service is not a security. We believe that our process reflects a comprehensive and thoughtful analysis and is reasonably designed to facilitate consistent application of available legal guidance on crypto assets, products and services and to facilitate informed risk-based business judgment. In addition, as we shared in our petition for SEC rulemaking, we remain open to registering or relying on an exemption to facilitate and offer the sale of securities involving crypto assets. We recognize that the application of securities laws to the specific facts and circumstances of crypto assets, products and services may be complex and subject to change, and that a listing determination does not guarantee any conclusion under the U.S. federal securities laws. Regardless of our conclusions, we have been, and could in the future be, subject to legal or regulatory action in the event the SEC or a state or foreign regulatory authority were to assert, or a court were to determine, that a supported crypto asset, product or service offered, sold, or traded on our platform or a product or service that we offer is a “security” under applicable laws. There can be no assurance that we will properly characterize over time any given crypto asset, product or service offering as a security or non-security, or that the SEC, foreign regulatory authority, or a court having final determinative authority on the topic, if the question was presented to it, would agree with our assessment. We expect our risk assessment policies and procedures to continuously evolve to take into account case law, legislative developments, facts, and developments in technology. In June 2023, the SEC filed the June 2023 SEC Complaint and we and Coinbase, Inc. became the subject of the State Staking Actions. For additional information see the risk factor above titled “We are, and may continue to be, subject to material litigation, including individual and class action lawsuits, as well as investigations and enforcement actions by regulators and governmental authorities. These matters are often expensive and time consuming, and, if resolved adversely, could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.”
If an applicable regulatory authority or a court, in either case having final determinative authority on the topic, were to determine that a supported crypto asset, product or service currently offered, sold, or traded on our platform is a security, we would not be able to offer such crypto asset for trading, or product or service on our platform, until we are able to do so in a compliant manner. A determination by the SEC, a state or foreign regulatory authority, or a court that an asset that we currently support for trading on our platform, or product or service that we offer on our platform, constitutes a security may result in us removing that crypto asset from or ceasing to offer that product or service on our platform, and may also result in us determining that it is advisable to remove assets from our platform, or to cease offering products and services on our platform, that have similar characteristics to the asset, product or service that was alleged or determined to be a security.
Alternatively, we may determine not to remove a particular crypto asset from Coinbase Spot Market or to continue to offer a product or service on our platform even if the SEC or another regulator alleges that the crypto asset, product or service is a security, pending a final judicial determination as to that crypto asset, product or service’s proper characterization, and the fact that we waited for a final judicial determination would generally not preclude penalties or sanctions against us for our having previously made our platform available for trading that crypto asset or offering that product or service on our platform without registering as a national securities exchange or ATS or registering tokens that we may issue, such as our cbETH and cbBTC tokens or our staking services, with the SEC. As such, we could be subject to judicial or administrative sanctions for failing to offer or sell the crypto asset, product or service in compliance with the registration requirements, or for acting as a broker, dealer, or national securities exchange without appropriate registration, including in connection with the June 2023 SEC Complaint. Such an action could result in injunctions, cease and desist orders, as well as civil monetary penalties, fines, and disgorgement, criminal liability, and reputational harm. Customers that traded such supported crypto asset on our platform and suffered trading losses could also seek to rescind a transaction that we facilitated on the basis that it was conducted in violation of applicable law, which could subject us to significant liability. We may also be required to cease facilitating transactions in the supported crypto asset other than via our licensed subsidiaries, which could negatively impact our business, operating results, and financial condition. Additionally, the SEC has brought and may in the future bring enforcement actions against other cryptoeconomy participants and their product offerings and services that may cause us to modify or discontinue a product offering or service on our platform. If we were to modify or discontinue any product offering or service or remove any assets from trading on our platform for any reason, our decision may be unpopular with users, may reduce our ability to attract and retain customers (especially if similar products, services or such assets continue to be offered or traded on unregulated exchanges, which includes many of our competitors), and could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Further, if Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins or any other supported crypto asset is deemed to be a security under any U.S. federal, state, or foreign jurisdiction, or in a proceeding in a court of law or otherwise, it may have adverse consequences for such supported crypto asset. For instance, all transactions in such supported crypto asset would have to be registered with the SEC or other foreign authority, or conducted in accordance with an exemption from registration, which could severely limit its liquidity, usability and transactability. Moreover, the networks on which such supported crypto assets are utilized may be required to be regulated as securities intermediaries, and subject to applicable rules, which could effectively render the network impracticable for its existing purposes. Further, it could draw negative publicity and a decline in the general acceptance of the crypto asset. Also, it may make it difficult for such supported crypto asset to be traded, cleared, and custodied as compared to other crypto assets that are not considered to be securities. Specifically, even if transactions in such supported crypto asset were registered with the SEC or conducted in accordance with an exemption from registration, the current intermediary-based framework for securities trading, clearance and settlement is not consistent with the operations of the crypto asset market. For example, under current SEC guidance, securities involving crypto assets cannot be held on behalf of customers by broker-dealers that also support custody of traditional securities; and the SEC has not permitted public permissionless blockchain-based clearance and settlement systems for securities.
We currently rely on third-party service providers for certain aspects of our operations, and any interruptions in services provided by these third parties may impair our ability to support our customers.
We rely on third parties in connection with many aspects of our business, including payment processors, banks, and payment gateways to process transactions; cloud computing services and data centers that provide facilities, infrastructure, smart contract development, website functionality and access, components, and services, including databases and data center facilities and cloud computing; as well as third parties that provide outsourced customer service, compliance support and product development functions, which are critical to our operations. Because we rely on third parties to provide these services and to facilitate certain of our business activities, we face increased operational risks.
We do not directly manage the operation of any of these third parties, including their data center facilities that we use. These third parties may be subject to financial, legal, regulatory, and labor issues, cybersecurity incidents, data theft or loss, break-ins, computer viruses or vulnerabilities in their code, denial-of-service attacks, sabotage, acts of vandalism, loss, disruption, or instability of third-party banking relationships, privacy breaches, service terminations, disruptions, interruptions, and other misconduct. They are also vulnerable to damage or interruption from human error, power loss, telecommunications failures, fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, pandemics and similar events. In addition, these third parties may breach their agreements with us, disagree with our interpretation of contract terms or applicable laws and regulations, refuse to continue or renew these agreements on commercially reasonable terms or at all, fail or refuse to process transactions or provide other services adequately, take actions that degrade the functionality of our services, impose additional costs or requirements on us or our customers, or give preferential treatment to competitors. There can be no assurance that third parties that provide services to us or to our customers on our behalf will continue to do so on acceptable terms, or at all. If any third parties do not adequately or appropriately provide their services or perform their responsibilities to us or our customers on our behalf, such as if third-party service providers to close their data center facilities without adequate notice, are unable to restore operations and data, fail to perform as expected, or experience other unanticipated problems, we may be unable to procure alternatives in a timely and efficient manner and on acceptable terms, or at all, and we may be subject to business disruptions, losses or costs to remediate any of the deficiencies, customer dissatisfaction, reputational damage, legal or regulatory proceedings, or other adverse consequences which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Loss of a critical banking or insurance relationship could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We rely on bank relationships to provide our platform and custodial services. In particular, customer cash holdings on our platform are held with one or more of our multiple banking partners. As a registered money services business with FinCEN under the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and its implementing regulations enforced by FinCEN, or collectively, the BSA, a licensed money transmitter in a number of U.S. states and territories, a licensee under NYDFS’s Virtual Currency Business Activity regime, commonly referred to as a BitLicense, a licensed electronic money institution under both the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority and the Central Bank of Ireland, and a limited purpose trust company chartered by the NYDFS, our banking partners view us as a higher risk customer for purposes of their anti-money laundering programs. We may face difficulty establishing or maintaining banking relationships due to instability in the global banking system, increasing regulatory uncertainty and scrutiny, or our banking partners’ policies and some prior bank partners have terminated their relationship with us or have limited access to bank services. The loss of these banking partners or the imposition of operational restrictions by these banking partners and the inability for us to utilize other redundant financial institutions may result in a disruption of business activity as well as regulatory risks. In addition, as a result of the myriad of regulations, the risks of crypto assets generally, the adverse reputational impact of the 2022 Events on our industry, or in the event of an adverse outcome of the June 2023 SEC Complaint, financial institutions in the United States and globally may decide to not provide, or be prohibited from providing, account, custody, or other financial services to us or the cryptoeconomy generally. Further, we have existing redundancies in U.S. and global financial institutions that work with crypto companies with which we engage.
However, if these financial institutions are subject to bank resolution or failure, or limit or end their crypto market activity, or if banking relationships become severely limited or unavailable to crypto market participants in a certain country, there could be temporary delays in or unavailability of services in such country that are critical to our or our partners’ operations, developers or customers, a further limit on available vendors, reduced quality in services we, our partners, our developers or our customers are able to obtain, and a general disruption to the cryptoeconomy, potentially leading to reduced activity on our platform which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. For example, while our business and operations have not been materially affected by the closures of Silvergate Capital Corp.
and Signature Bank and the cessation of their real-time fiat currency payment networks in March 2023, large cryptoeconomy participants, including us and our institutional customers, experienced a temporary inability to transfer fiat currencies outside of standard business hours.
We also rely on insurance carriers to insure customer losses resulting from a breach of our physical security, cybersecurity, or by employee or third party theft and hold surety bonds as required for compliance with certain of our licenses under applicable state laws. Our ability to maintain crime, specie, and cyber insurance, as well as surety bonds, is subject to the insurance carriers’ ongoing underwriting criteria and our inability to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance coverage could cause a substantial business disruption, adverse reputational impact, inability to compete with our competitors, and regulatory scrutiny, and could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Any significant disruption in our products and services, in our information technology systems, or in any of the blockchain networks we support, could result in a loss of customers or funds and adversely affect our brand, reputation, business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our reputation and ability to attract and retain customers and grow our business depends on our ability to operate our service at high levels of reliability, scalability, and performance, including the ability to process and monitor, on a daily basis, a large number of transactions that occur at high volume and frequencies across multiple systems. For example, in March 2023, there was a temporary disruption to USDC services for several days following the news of Silicon Valley Bank’s closure. Our platform, the ability of our customers to trade, and our ability to operate at a high level, are dependent on our ability to access the blockchain networks underlying the supported crypto assets, for which access is dependent on our systems’ ability to access the internet. Further, the successful and continued operations of such blockchain networks will depend on a network of computers, miners, or validators, and their continued operations, all of which may be impacted by service interruptions.
Our systems, the systems of our third-party service providers and partners, and certain crypto asset and blockchain networks have experienced from time to time, and may experience in the future service interruptions or degradation because of hardware and software defects or malfunctions, distributed denial-of-service and other cyberattacks, insider threats, break-ins, sabotage, human error, vandalism, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, and other natural disasters, power losses, disruptions in telecommunications services, fraud, military or political conflicts, terrorist attacks, computer viruses or other malware, or other events. In addition, extraordinary Trading Volumes or site usage could cause our computer systems to operate at an unacceptably slow speed or even fail. Some of our systems, including systems of companies we have acquired, or the systems of our third-party service providers and partners are not fully redundant, and our or their disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all possible outcomes or events.
If any of our systems, or those of our third-party service providers, are disrupted for any reason, our products and services may fail, resulting in unanticipated disruptions, slower response times and delays in our customers’ trade execution and processing, failed settlement of trades, incomplete or inaccurate accounting, recording or processing of trades, unauthorized trades, loss of customer information, increased demand on limited customer support resources, customer claims, complaints with regulatory organizations, lawsuits, or enforcement actions. Further, when these disruptions occur, we have in the past, and may in the future, fulfill customer transactions using inventory to prevent adverse user impact and limit detrimental impact to our operating results. A prolonged interruption in the availability or reduction in the availability, speed, or functionality of our products and services could harm our business. Significant or persistent interruptions in our services could cause current or potential customers or partners to believe that our systems are unreliable, leading them to switch to our competitors or to avoid or reduce the use of our products and services, and could permanently harm our reputation and brands. Moreover, to the extent that any system failure or similar event results in damages to our customers or their business partners, these customers or partners could seek significant compensation or contractual penalties from us for their losses, and those claims, even if unsuccessful, would likely be time-consuming and costly for us to address.
Problems with the reliability or security of our systems would harm our reputation and the cost of remedying these problems could negatively affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Because we are a regulated financial institution in certain jurisdictions, interruptions have resulted and in the future may result in regulatory scrutiny, and significant or persistent interruptions could lead to significant fines and penalties, and mandatory and costly changes to our business practices, and ultimately could cause us to lose existing licenses or banking relationships that we need to operate or prevent or delay us from obtaining additional licenses that may be required for our business.
In addition, we are continually improving and upgrading our information systems and technologies. Implementation of new systems and technologies is complex, expensive, time-consuming, and may not be successful. If we fail to timely and successfully implement new information systems and technologies, or improvements or upgrades to existing information systems and technologies, or if such systems and technologies do not operate as intended, it could adversely affect our internal controls (including internal controls over financial reporting), and our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our failure to securely store and manage our and our customers’ fiat currencies and crypto assets could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We hold cash and store crypto assets on behalf of our customers and hold fiat and crypto for corporate investment and operating purposes. In addition, following the acquisition of Coinbase Asset Management, formerly One River Digital Asset Management (“CBAM”), we additionally store an immaterial amount of cryptocurrencies at third-party custodians for asset management products.
Securely storing customers’ cash and crypto assets is integral to the trust we build with our customers. We believe our policies, procedures, operational controls and controls over financial reporting, protect us from material risks surrounding the storing of these assets and conflicts of interest. Our controls over financial reporting include among others, controls over the segregation of corporate crypto asset balances from customer crypto asset balances, controls over the processes of customer crypto asset deposits and customer crypto asset withdrawals and corporate and customer fiat balances. Our financial statements and disclosures, as a whole, are available through periodic filings on a quarterly basis, and compliant with annual audit requirements of Article 3 of Regulation S-X.
We hold cash at financial institutions in accounts designated as for the benefit of our customers. We have also entered into partnerships or joint ventures with third parties, such as with Circle, where we or our partners receive and hold customer funds. Our and our financial partners’ abilities to manage and accurately hold customer cash and cash we hold for our own investment and operating purposes requires a high level of internal controls. We are limited in our ability to influence or manage the controls and processes of third-party partners or vendors and may be dependent on our partners’ and vendors’ operations, liquidity and financial condition to manage these risks. As we maintain, grow and expand our product and services offerings we also must scale and strengthen our internal controls and processes, and monitor our third-party partners’ and vendors’ ability to similarly scale and strengthen. Failure to do so could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. This is important both to the actual controls and processes and the public perception of the same.
Any inability by us to maintain our procedures, perceived or otherwise, could harm our business, operating results, and financial condition. Accordingly, we take steps to ensure customer cash is always secure. Customer cash and crypto asset balances are maintained through our internal ledgering processes. Customer cash is maintained in segregated Company financial institution accounts that are held for the exclusive benefit of customers with our financial institution banking partners or in government money market funds or other permissible investments. We store crypto assets using proprietary technology and operational processes. Crypto assets are not insured or guaranteed by any government or government agency, however we have worked hard to securely store our customers’ crypto assets and our own crypto assets for investment and operational purposes with legal and operational protections.
Any material failure by us or our partners to maintain the necessary controls, policies, procedures or to manage the crypto assets we hold for our own investment and operating purposes could also adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. Further, any material failure by us or our partners to maintain the necessary controls or to manage customer crypto assets and funds appropriately and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements could result in reputational harm, litigation, regulatory enforcement actions, significant financial losses, lead customers to discontinue or reduce their use of our and our partners’ products, and result in significant penalties and fines and additional restrictions, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. Moreover, because custodially held crypto assets may be considered to be the property of a bankruptcy estate, in the event of a bankruptcy, the crypto assets we hold in custody on behalf of our customers could be subject to bankruptcy proceedings and such customers could be treated as our general unsecured creditors. This may result in customers finding our custodial services more risky and less attractive and any failure to increase our customer base, discontinuation or reduction in use of our platform and products by existing customers as a result could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. Additionally, following the acquisition of CBAM, some of our asset management products hold customer assets at third-party custodians with their own bankruptcy protection procedures.
We place great importance on securely storing crypto assets we custody and keeping them bankruptcy remote from our general creditors, and in June 2022 we updated our Retail User Agreement to clarify the applicability of UCC Article 8 to custodied crypto assets – the same legal protection that our institutional custody and prime broker clients also rely upon. UCC Article 8 provides that financial assets held by Coinbase are not property of Coinbase and not subject to the claims of its general creditors. In light of UCC Article 8, we believe that a court would not treat custodied crypto assets as part of our general estate; however, due to the novelty of crypto assets, courts have not yet considered this type of treatment for custodied crypto assets.
We deposit, transfer, and custody customer cash and crypto assets in multiple jurisdictions. In each instance, we require bank-level security encryption to store customers’ assets for our wallet and storage systems, as well as our financial management systems related to such custodial functions. Our security technology is designed to prevent, detect, and mitigate inappropriate access to our systems, by internal or external threats. We believe we have developed and maintained administrative, technical, and physical measures designed to comply with applicable legal requirements and industry standards. However, it is nevertheless possible that hackers, employees or service providers acting contrary to our policies, or others could circumvent these measures to improperly access our systems or documents, or the systems or documents of our business partners, agents, or service providers, and improperly access, obtain, or misuse customer crypto assets and funds. The methods used to obtain unauthorized access, disable, or degrade service or sabotage systems are also constantly changing and evolving and may be difficult to anticipate or detect for long periods of time. Certain of our customer contracts do not limit our liability with respect to security breaches and other security-related matters and our insurance coverage for such impropriety is limited and may not cover the extent of loss nor the nature of such loss, in which case we may be liable for the full amount of losses suffered, which could be greater than all of our assets. Our ability to maintain insurance is also subject to the insurance carriers’ ongoing underwriting criteria. Any loss of customer cash or crypto assets could result in a subsequent lapse in insurance coverage, which could cause a substantial business disruption, adverse reputational impact, inability to compete with our competitors, and regulatory investigations, inquiries, or actions. Additionally, transactions undertaken through our websites or other electronic channels may create risks of fraud, hacking, unauthorized access or acquisition, and other deceptive practices. Any security incident resulting in a compromise of customer assets could result in substantial costs to us and require us to notify impacted individuals, and in some cases regulators, of a possible or actual incident, expose us to regulatory enforcement actions, including substantial fines, limit our ability to provide services, subject us to litigation, significant financial losses, damage our reputation, and adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition, and cash flows.
The theft, loss, or destruction of private keys required to access any crypto assets held in custody for our own account or for our customers may be irreversible. If we are unable to access our private keys or if we experience a hack or other data loss relating to our ability to access any crypto assets, it could cause regulatory scrutiny, reputational harm, and other losses.
Crypto assets are generally controllable only by the possessor of the unique private key relating to the digital wallet in which the crypto assets are held. While blockchain protocols typically require public addresses to be published when used in a transaction, private keys must be secured and kept private in order to prevent a third party from accessing the crypto assets held in such a wallet. To the extent that any of the private keys relating to our wallets containing crypto assets held for our own account or for our customers is lost, destroyed, or otherwise compromised or unavailable, and no backup of the private key is accessible, we will be unable to access the crypto assets held in the related wallet. Further, we cannot provide assurance that our wallets will not be hacked or compromised. Crypto assets and blockchain technologies have been, and may in the future be, subject to security breaches, hacking, or other malicious activities. Any loss of private keys relating to, or hack or other compromise of, digital wallets used to store our customers’ crypto assets could adversely affect our customers’ ability to access or sell their crypto assets, require us to reimburse our customers for their losses, and subject us to significant financial losses in addition to losing customer trust in us and our products. As such, any loss of private keys due to a hack, employee or service provider misconduct or error, or other compromise by third parties could hurt our brand and reputation, result in significant losses, and adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
To mitigate the risks associated with the loss or theft of keys, we utilize both hot wallets and cold wallets in our custodial solutions. We actively manage wallet balances and generally seek to hold no more than 2% of custodied assets in hot wallets at any given time. Cold wallet private key materials are stored and secured at facilities within the United States and internationally. We store the substantial majority of our own crypto asset holdings utilizing the same storage solutions that we provide to our customers. In limited cases, we use storage solutions not offered to our customers to store immaterial amounts of crypto held for corporate purposes outside of our core custodial product offerings. Additionally, our CBAM offering utilizes both Coinbase and third parties as custodians.
At all times, we hold corporate assets in excess of the total amount of assets held in our hot wallets. Similar to most financial institutions, the total customer assets on our platform, such as those assets held in cold storage, are substantially more than our corporate assets and available insurance. While we have for years maintained, and continue to maintain, a commercial crime insurance policy, which has a one-year term without automatic renewals, in the event of a loss from our cold wallets, our assets may be insufficient to cover amounts that exceed our insurance coverage. We may be liable for such uninsured losses where we are required to reimburse customers, and such liability could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Other Risks Related to Our Business and Financial Position
If we fail to retain existing customers or add new customers, or if our customers decrease their level of engagement with our products, services and platform, our business, operating results, and financial condition may be significantly harmed.
Our success depends on our ability to retain existing customers and attract new customers, including developers, to increase engagement with our products, services, and platform. To do so, we must continue to offer leading technologies and ensure that our products and services are secure, reliable, and engaging. We must also expand our products and services, and offer competitive prices in an increasingly crowded and price-sensitive market. There is no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so, that we will be able to retain our current customers or attract new customers, or keep our customers engaged. Any number of factors can negatively affect customer retention, growth, and engagement, including if:
•customers increasingly engage with competing products and services, including products and services that we are unable to offer due to regulatory reasons;
•we fail to introduce new and improved products and services, or if we introduce new products or services that are not favorably received;
•we fail to support new and in-demand crypto assets or if we elect to support crypto assets with negative reputations;
•there are changes in sentiment about the quality or usefulness of our products and services or concerns related to privacy, security, fiat pegging or other factors;
•there are adverse changes in our products and services that are mandated by legislation, regulatory authorities, or litigation;
•customers perceive the crypto assets on our platform to be bad investments, or experience significant losses in investments made on our platform;
•technical or other problems prevent us from delivering our products and services with the speed, functionality, security, and reliability that our customers expect;
•cybersecurity incidents, employee or service provider misconduct, or other unforeseen activities cause losses to us or our customers, including losses to assets held by us on behalf of our customers;
•modifications to our pricing model or modifications by competitors to their pricing models;
•we fail to provide adequate customer service;
•regulatory and governmental bodies in countries that we target for expansion express negative views towards crypto asset trading platforms and, more broadly, the cryptoeconomy; or
•we or other companies or high-profile figures in our industry are the subject of adverse media reports or other negative publicity.
From time to time, certain of these factors have negatively affected customer retention, growth, and engagement to varying degrees. If we are unable to maintain or increase our customer base and customer engagement, our revenue and financial results may be adversely affected. Any decrease in user retention, growth, or engagement could render our products and services less attractive to customers and lead to a decrease in revenue, and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected. If our customer growth rate slows or declines, we will become increasingly dependent on our ability to maintain or increase levels of user engagement and monetization in order to drive growth of revenue.
Our operating expenses may increase in the future and we may not be successful in increasing our revenue to sufficiently offset these higher expenses, which could impact our ability to achieve profitability or positive cash flow from operations on a consistent basis and cause our business, operating results, and financial condition to be adversely affected.
Our operating expenses may increase in the future as we continue to grow our business. While we consistently evaluate opportunities to drive efficiency, we cannot guarantee that these efforts will be successful or that we will not need to accelerate operating expenditures in the future. Our operations may prove more expensive than we currently anticipate, and we may not succeed in increasing our net revenue sufficiently to offset these higher expenses. Additionally, our revenue growth may be negatively impacted by, among other things, reduced demand for our offerings, increased competition, adverse macroeconomic conditions, any decrease in the growth or size of the cryptoeconomy, regulatory uncertainty or scrutiny, changes that impact our ability to offer certain products or services, or failure of new products and services to gain market adoption. As a result, we cannot be certain that we will be able to achieve profitability or achieve positive operating cash flow on any quarterly or annual basis. If we are unable to effectively manage these risks and difficulties as we encounter them, our business, operating results, and financial condition may suffer.
If we do not effectively manage our growth, including by maintaining and improving our systems and processes, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We have experienced, and may experience in the future, periods of significant growth. To effectively manage and capitalize on our growth periods, we will need to manage headcount, capital, and processes efficiently while making investments such as expanding our information technology and financial, operating, and administrative systems and controls, and such initiatives could strain our resources. We could experience operating difficulties in managing our business as it expands across numerous jurisdictions, including difficulties in hiring, training, managing and retaining a remote and evolving employee base. If we do not adapt or scale to meet these evolving challenges, we may experience erosion to our brand, the quality of our products and services may suffer, and our company culture may be harmed. Moreover, the failure of our systems and processes could undermine our ability to provide accurate, timely, and reliable reports on our financial and operating results, including the financial statements provided herein, and could impact the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, our systems and processes may not prevent or detect all errors, omissions, or fraud. Any of the foregoing operational failures could lead to noncompliance with laws and regulations, loss of operating licenses or other authorizations, or loss of bank relationships that could substantially impair or even suspend company operations.
Successful implementation of our growth strategy will also require significant expenditures before any substantial associated revenue is generated and we cannot guarantee that these increased investments will result in corresponding and offsetting revenue growth. Because we have a limited history operating our business at its current scale, it is difficult to evaluate our current business and future prospects, including our ability to plan for and model future growth. Our limited operating experience at this scale, combined with the rapidly evolving and volatile nature of the crypto asset market in which we operate, and other economic factors beyond our control, reduces our ability to accurately forecast quarterly or annual revenue.
Additionally, from time to time, we have realigned our resources and talent to implement stage-appropriate business strategies, including layoffs and reductions in force. For example, in June 2022 and in January 2023, in response to rapidly changing economic conditions and in an effort to reduce our operational costs and improve our organizational efficiency, we reduced our workforce. If there are unforeseen expenses associated with such realignments in our business strategies, and we incur unanticipated charges or liabilities, then we may not be able to effectively realize the expected cost savings or other benefits of such actions. Failure to manage any growth or any scaling back of our operations could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our strategy and focus on delivering high-quality, compliant, easy-to-use, and secure crypto-related financial services may not maximize short-term or medium-term financial results.
We have taken, and expect to continue to take, actions that we believe are in the best interests of our customers and the long-term interests of our business, even if those actions do not necessarily maximize short-term or medium-term results. These include expending significant managerial, technical, and legal efforts on complying with laws and regulations that are applicable to our products and services and ensuring that our products are secure. We also focus on driving long-term engagement with our customers through innovation and developing new industry-leading products and technologies. These decisions may not be consistent with the short-term and medium-term expectations of our stockholders and may not produce the long-term benefits that we expect, which could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Laws and regulations regarding conflicts of interest associated with the use of predictive data analytics, digital engagement practices, and similar technologies, if adopted and found to be applicable to our business, may require us to modify, limit, or discontinue our use of certain technologies and features contained within our products and services and may impact the way that we interact with existing and prospective customers, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our products, services and educational offerings incorporate a holistic, customer-centric set of digital engagement practices, including educational content and notifications, which are designed, in part, to promote financial literacy and awareness and to provide customers with guidance and information to help them make better informed decisions about their crypto activity. Certain jurisdictions have proposed or are considering laws and regulations regarding conflicts of interest associated with the use of predictive data analytics, digital engagement practices, and similar technologies by broker-dealers, investment advisers and/or other securities market participants. For example, in July 2023 the SEC proposed rules (the “July 2023 Rule Proposals”) that would impose new obligations on broker-dealers and investment advisers registered, or required to be registered, with the SEC with respect to conflicts of interest associated with the use of predictive data analytics and similar technologies when interacting with investors. We do not believe that the July 2023 Rule Proposals, if adopted as proposed, would apply to our business, although the SEC has alleged in the June 2023 SEC Complaint that we have acted as an unregistered broker. If the July 2023 Rule Proposals were to be adopted (as proposed or otherwise) and found to apply to our business, or if similar rules were to be adopted and found to apply to our business in any other jurisdiction in which we operate, we may be required to modify, limit, or discontinue our use of certain technologies and features used in connection with our products and services and/or to change the way that we interact with existing and prospective customers. The adoption of such laws or regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate could, if they are deemed to apply to our business, adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
A significant amount of the Trading Volume on our platform is derived from a relatively small number of users, and the loss of these users, or a reduction in their Trading Volume, could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
A relatively small number of institutional market makers and high-transaction volume consumer customers account for a significant amount of the Trading Volume on our platform and our net revenue. We expect significant Trading Volume and net revenue attributable to these users for the foreseeable future. As a result, a loss of these users, or a reduction in their Trading Volume, and our inability to replace these users with other users, could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Due to our limited operating history, it may be difficult to evaluate our business and future prospects, and we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability in any given period.
We began our operations in 2012 and since then our business model has continued to evolve. Our net revenue has significantly grown since our formation, but there is no assurance that growth will continue in future periods and you should not rely on growth of our revenue in any given prior quarterly or annual period as an indication of our future performance. For example, while we generated $7.4 billion in net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021, our net revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 declined to $2.9 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively, primarily due to declining crypto prices, lower crypto asset volatility, and uncertainty in the cryptoeconomy following the 2022 Events, before increasing to $6.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. If our net revenue were to decline significantly for any extended period of time, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected. Our limited operating history and the volatile nature of our business make it difficult to evaluate our current business and our future prospects. We have encountered and will continue to encounter risks and difficulties as described in this section. If we do not manage these risks successfully, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Because our long-term success depends, in part, on our ability to expand our sales to customers outside the United States, our business is susceptible to risks associated with international operations.
We currently have subsidiaries in the United States and abroad. We plan to enter into or increase our presence in additional markets around the world. We have a limited operating history outside the United States, and our ability to manage our business and conduct our operations internationally requires considerable management attention and resources and is subject to particular challenges of supporting a growing business in an environment of diverse cultures, languages, customs, tax laws, legal systems, alternate dispute systems, and regulatory systems. As we continue to expand our business and customer base outside the United States, we will be increasingly susceptible to risks associated with international operations. These risks and challenges include:
•difficulty establishing and managing international operations and the increased operations, travel, infrastructure, including establishment of local customer service operations, local infrastructure to manage supported cryptocurrency or other financial instruments and corresponding books and records, and legal and regulatory compliance costs associated with different jurisdictions;
•the need to vary pricing and margins to effectively compete in international markets;
•the need to adapt and localize our products and services for specific countries, including offering services and support in local languages;
•compliance with multiple, potentially conflicting and changing governmental laws and regulations across different jurisdictions;
•compliance with U.S. and foreign laws designed to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities, as well as economic and trade sanctions;
•the need to comply with a greater set of law enforcement inquiries including those subject to mutual legal assistance treaties;
•compliance with the extraterritorial reach of any U.S. regulatory rules, including those imposed by the CFTC, SEC, FinCEN or other U.S. based regulators;
•difficulties obtaining and maintaining required licensing from regulators in foreign jurisdictions;
•competition with companies that have greater experience in the local markets, pre-existing relationships with customers in these markets or are subject to less regulatory requirements in local jurisdictions;
•varying levels of payments and blockchain technology adoption and infrastructure, and increased network, payment processing, banking, and other costs;
•compliance with anti-bribery laws, including compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, and other local anticorruption laws;
•difficulties collecting in foreign currencies and associated foreign currency exposure;
•difficulties holding, repatriating, and transferring funds held in offshore bank accounts;
•difficulties adapting to foreign customary commercial practices, enforcing contracts and collecting accounts receivable, longer payment cycles and other collection difficulties;
•restrictions on crypto asset trading;
•stringent local labor laws and regulations;
•potentially adverse tax developments and consequences;
•antitrust and competition regulations; and
•regional economic and political conditions.
We have limited experience with international regulatory environments and market practices and may not be able to penetrate or successfully operate in the markets we choose to enter. In addition, we may incur significant expenses as a result of our international expansion, and we may not be successful. We may face limited brand recognition in certain parts of the world that could lead to non-acceptance or delayed acceptance of our products and services by customers in new markets. We may also face challenges in complying with local laws and regulations. For example, we may be subject to regulatory frameworks that are evolving, have not undergone extensive rulemaking, and could result in uncertain outcomes for our customers and/or our ability to offer competitive products in the broader cryptoeconomy. Our failure to successfully manage these risks could harm our international operations and have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Disputes with our customers could adversely affect our brand, reputation, business, operating results, and financial condition.
From time to time we have been, and may in the future be, subject to claims and disputes with our customers with respect to our products and services, such as regarding the execution and settlement of crypto asset trades, fraudulent or unauthorized transactions, account takeovers, deposits and withdrawals of crypto assets, failures or malfunctions of our systems and services, or other issues relating to our products services. For example, during periods of heavy Trading Volumes, we have received increased customer complaints. Additionally, the ingenuity of criminal fraudsters, combined with many consumer users’ susceptibility to fraud, may cause our customers to be subject to ongoing account takeovers and identity fraud issues. While we have taken measures to detect and reduce the risk of fraud, there is no guarantee that they will be successful and, in any case, require continuous improvement and optimization for continually evolving forms of fraud to be effective. There can be no guarantee that we will be successful in detecting and resolving these disputes or defending ourselves in any of these matters, and any failure may result in impaired relationships with our customers, damage to our brand and reputation, and substantial fines and damages. In some cases, the measures we have implemented to detect and deter fraud have led to poor customer experiences, including indefinite account inaccessibility for some of our customers, which increases our customer support costs and can compound damages. We could incur significant costs in compensating our customers, such as if a transaction was unauthorized, erroneous, or fraudulent. We could also incur significant legal expenses resolving and defending claims, even those without merit. To the extent we are found to have failed to fulfill our regulatory obligations, we could also lose our authorizations or licenses or become subject to conditions that could make future operations more costly, impair our ability to grow, and adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. We currently are, or may in the future become, subject to investigation and enforcement action by state, federal, and international consumer protection agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), state agencies and attorneys general in the United States, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, the U.K. Financial Ombudsman Service, and the U.K. Office of Fair Trading, each of which monitors customer complaints against us and, from time to time, escalates matters for investigation and potential enforcement against us.
While certain of our customer agreements contain arbitration provisions with class action waiver provisions that may limit our exposure to consumer class action litigation, some federal, state, and foreign courts have refused or may refuse to enforce one or more of these provisions, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in enforcing these arbitration provisions, including the class action waiver provisions, in the future or in any given case. Legislative, administrative, or regulatory developments may directly or indirectly prohibit or limit the use of pre-dispute arbitration clauses and class action waiver provisions. Any such prohibitions or limitations on or discontinuation of the use of such arbitration or class action waiver provisions could subject us to additional lawsuits, including additional consumer class action litigation, and significantly limit our ability to avoid exposure from consumer class action litigation.
We may suffer losses due to staking, delegating, and other related services we provide to our customers.
Certain supported crypto assets enable holders to earn rewards by participating in decentralized governance, bookkeeping and transaction confirmation activities on their underlying blockchain networks, such as through staking activities, including staking through validation, delegating, and baking. We currently provide and expect to continue to provide such services for certain supported crypto assets to our customers in order to enable them to earn rewards based on crypto assets that we hold on their behalf. For instance, as a service to customers and at their instruction, we operate staking nodes on certain blockchain networks utilizing customers’ crypto assets and pass through the rewards received to those customers, less a service fee. In other cases, upon customers’ instructions, we may delegate our customers’ assets to third-party service providers that are unaffiliated with us. Some networks may further require customer assets to be transferred into smart contracts on the underlying blockchain networks not under our or anyone’s control. If our validator, any third-party service providers, or smart contracts fail to behave as expected, suffer cybersecurity attacks, experience security issues, or encounter other problems, our customers’ assets may be irretrievably lost. In addition, certain blockchain networks dictate requirements for participation in the relevant decentralized governance activity, and may impose penalties, or “slashing,” if the relevant activities are not performed correctly, such as if the staker, delegator, or baker acts maliciously on the network, “double signs” any transactions, or experience extended downtimes. If we or any of our service providers are slashed by the underlying blockchain network, our customers’ assets may be confiscated, withdrawn, or burnt by the network, resulting in losses for which we may be responsible. Furthermore, certain types of staking require the payment of transaction fees on the underlying blockchain network and such fees can become significant as the amount and complexity of the transaction grows, depending on the degree of network congestion and the price of the network token. If we experience a high volume of such staking requests from our customers on an ongoing basis, we could incur significant costs. Any penalties or slashing events could damage our brand and reputation, cause us to suffer financial losses, discourage existing and future customers from utilizing our products and services, and adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service our debt and other obligations, including our obligations under the 2026 Convertible Notes, 2030 Convertible Notes, and Senior Notes.
Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness, including the 2026 Convertible Notes, 2030 Convertible Notes, and Senior Notes, and our other obligations will depend on our financial and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We may be unable to attain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, including each series of the 2026 Convertible Notes, 2030 Convertible Notes, and Senior Notes, and other obligations.
If we are unable to service our debt and other obligations from cash flows, we may need to refinance or restructure all or a portion of our debt obligations prior to maturity. Our ability to refinance or restructure our debt and other obligations will depend upon the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing or restructuring could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. Statutory, contractual or other restrictions may also limit our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends or make distributions, loans or advances to us. For these reasons, we may not have access to any assets or cash flows of our subsidiaries to make interest and principal payments on each series of the 2026 Convertible Notes, 2030 Convertible Notes, and Senior Notes.
If our cash flows are insufficient to fund our debt and other obligations and we are unable to refinance or restructure these obligations on commercially reasonable terms or at all, we could face substantial liquidity problems and may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell material assets or operations to meet our debt and other obligations.
We cannot assure you that we would be able to implement any of these alternative measures on satisfactory terms or at all or that the proceeds from such alternatives would be adequate to meet any debt or other obligations when due. If it becomes necessary to implement any of these alternative measures, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness and other obligations, which could adversely affect our financial position and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the 2026 Convertible Notes, 2030 Convertible Notes, and Senior Notes.
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness and other obligations. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $4.28 billion in aggregate principal amount of outstanding long-term indebtedness (excluding crypto asset borrowings), which includes $1.74 billion of our Senior Notes, $1.27 billion of our 2026 Convertible Notes, and $1.27 billion of our 2030 Convertible Notes.
Our substantial indebtedness and other obligations may:
•make it difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations, including making scheduled principal and interest payments on our 2026 Convertible Notes, 2030 Convertible Notes, Senior Notes, and our other obligations;
•limit our ability to use our cash flow for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, or other general business purposes;
•increase our cost of borrowing;
•require us to use a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make debt service payments and pay our other obligations when due;
•limit our flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in our business and industry;
•place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our less leveraged competitors; and
•increase our vulnerability to the impact of adverse economic and industry conditions, including changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates.
We provide secured loans to our customers, which exposes us to credit risks and may cause us to incur financial or reputational harm.
We provide commercial loans to qualified customers secured by their fiat or crypto asset holdings, including USDC, on our platform, which exposes us to the risk of our borrowers’ inability to repay such loans. In addition, such activity results in us being subject to certain lending laws and regulations in the applicable jurisdiction and as a result we may be subject to additional regulatory scrutiny. In the future we may enter into credit arrangements with financial institutions to obtain more capital. Any termination or interruption in the financial institutions’ ability to lend to us could interrupt our ability to provide capital to qualified customers to the extent we rely on such credit lines to continue to offer or to grow such products. Further, our credit approval process, pricing, loss forecasting, and scoring models may contain errors or may not adequately assess creditworthiness of our borrowers, or may be otherwise ineffective, resulting in incorrect approvals or denials of loans. It is also possible that loan applicants could provide false or incorrect information. While we have procedures in place to manage our credit risk, such as conducting due diligence on our customers and running stress test simulations to monitor and manage exposures, including any exposures resulting from loans collateralized with crypto assets, we remain subject to risks associated with our borrowers’ creditworthiness and our approval process. Such risks are heightened following the 2022 Events.
Borrower loan loss rates may be significantly affected by economic downturns or general economic conditions beyond our control and beyond the control of individual borrowers. In particular, loss rates on loans may increase due to factors such as prevailing market conditions in the cryptoeconomy, the price of Bitcoin and other crypto assets, which have experienced significant fluctuations, the amount of liquidity in the markets, and other factors.
Borrowers may seek protection under federal bankruptcy law or similar laws. If a borrower of a loan files for bankruptcy (or becomes the subject of an involuntary petition), a stay may go into effect that will automatically put any pending collection actions on the loan on hold and prevent further collection action absent bankruptcy court approval. The efficacy of our security interest in customer collateral is not guaranteed under applicable state law or the Uniform Commercial Code and therefore we may be exposed to loss in the event of a customer default, even if we appear to be secured against such default. While we have not incurred any material losses to date, if any of the foregoing events were to occur, our reputation and relationships with borrowers, and our financial results, could be harmed. We intend to continue to explore other products, models, and structures for offering commercial financing, and other forms of credit and loan products. Some of those models or structures may require, or be deemed to require, additional data, procedures, partnerships, licenses, regulatory approvals, or capabilities that we have not yet obtained or developed.
We are exposed to transaction losses due to chargebacks, refunds, or returns as a result of fraud or uncollectability that could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Certain of our products and services are paid for by electronic transfers from bank accounts, which exposes us to risks associated with returns and insufficient funds. Furthermore, some of our products and services are paid for by credit and debit cards through payment processors, which exposes us to risks associated with chargebacks and refunds. These risks could arise from fraud, misuse, unintentional use, settlement delay, insufficiency of funds, or other activities. Also, criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to engage in illegal activities, such as counterfeiting and fraud. If we are unable to collect such amounts from the customer, or if the customer refuses or is unable, due to bankruptcy or other reasons, to reimburse us, we bear the loss for the amount of the chargeback, refund, or return.
While we have policies and procedures to manage and mitigate these risks, we cannot be certain that such processes will be effective. Our failure to limit chargebacks and fraudulent transactions could increase the number of returns, refunds, and chargebacks that we have to process. In addition, if the number of returns, refunds, and chargebacks increases, card networks or our banking partners could require us to increase reserves, impose penalties on us, charge additional or higher fees, or terminate their relationships with us. Failure to effectively manage risk and prevent fraud could increase our chargeback, refund, and return losses or cause us to incur other liabilities. Increases in chargebacks, refunds, returns, or other liabilities could have an adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition, and cash flows.
We route orders through third-party trading venues in connection with our Coinbase Prime trading service. The loss or failure of any such trading venues could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
In connection with our Prime trading service, we routinely route customer orders to third-party exchanges or other trading venues. In connection with these activities, we generally hold cash and other crypto assets with such third-party exchanges or other trading venues in order to effect customer orders. If we were to experience a disruption in our access to these third-party exchanges and trading venues, our Prime trading service could be adversely affected to the extent that we are limited in our ability to execute order flow for our Prime customers. In addition, while we have policies and procedures to help mitigate our risks related to routing orders through third-party trading venues, if any of these third-party trading venues experience any technical, legal, regulatory, or other adverse events, such as shutdowns, delays, system failures, suspension of withdrawals, illiquidity, insolvency, or loss of customer assets, we might not be able to fully recover the cash and other crypto assets that we have deposited with these third parties, and these risks may be heightened following the 2022 Events. For example, in connection with the 2022 Events, we were not able to recover an immaterial amount of cash deposited at FTX. As a result, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Any acquisitions and investments that we make could require significant management attention, disrupt our business, result in dilution to our stockholders, and could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
As part of our business strategy, we routinely conduct discussions and evaluate opportunities for possible acquisitions, strategic investments, entries into new businesses, joint ventures, and other transactions. We have made, and may continue to make, acquisitions of and investments in, among other things, specialized employees and complementary companies, products, services, licenses, or technologies. In the future, the pace and scale of our acquisitions may increase and may include larger acquisitions than we have done historically. We also invest in companies and technologies, many of which are private companies and technologies that are highly speculative in nature. In the future, we may not be able to find other suitable acquisition and investment candidates, and we may not be able to complete acquisitions or make investments on favorable terms, if at all. In some cases, the costs of such acquisitions and investments may be substantial, and there is no assurance that we will receive a favorable return on investment for our acquisitions and investments. We have and may in the future be required to write off acquisitions or investments. Moreover, our previous and future acquisitions and investments may not achieve our goals, and any future acquisitions and investments we complete could be viewed negatively by customers, developers, advertisers, or investors. In addition, if we fail to successfully close or integrate any acquisitions, or integrate the products or technologies associated with such acquisitions into our company, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected. Our ability to acquire and integrate companies, products, services, licenses, employees, or technologies in a successful manner is unproven. Any integration process may require significant time and resources, and we may not be able to manage the process successfully, including successfully securing regulatory approvals which may be required to close the transaction and to continue to operate the target firm’s business or products in a manner that is useful to us. We may not successfully evaluate or utilize the acquired products, services, technology, or personnel, or accurately forecast the financial impact of an acquisition transaction, including accounting charges. We may have to pay cash, incur debt, or issue equity securities to pay for any such acquisition, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. The sale of equity or issuance of debt to finance any such acquisitions could result in dilution to our stockholders, which, depending on the size of the acquisition, may be significant. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed obligations and could also include covenants or other restrictions that would impede our ability to manage our operations.
If we fail to develop, maintain, and enhance our brand and reputation, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Our brand and reputation are key assets and a competitive advantage. Maintaining, protecting, and enhancing our brand depends largely on the success of our marketing efforts, ability to provide consistent, high-quality, and secure products, services, features, and support, and our ability to successfully secure, maintain, and defend our rights to use the “Coinbase” mark and other trademarks important to our brand. We believe that the importance of our brand will increase as competition further intensifies. Our brand and reputation could be harmed if we fail to achieve these objectives or if our public image were to be tarnished by negative publicity, unexpected events, or actions by third parties. Unfavorable publicity regarding, for example, our product changes, product quality, litigation or regulatory activity, privacy and data security practices, terms of service, employment matters, the use of our products, services, or supported crypto assets for illicit or objectionable ends, the actions of our customers, or the actions of other companies that provide similar services to ours, has in the past, and could in the future, adversely affect our reputation. Moreover, to the extent that we acquire a company and maintain that acquired company’s separate brand, we could experience brand dilution or fail to retain positive impressions of our own brand to the extent such impressions are instead attributed to the acquired company’s brand. In addition, because we are a founder-led company, actions by, or unfavorable publicity about, Brian Armstrong, our co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, may adversely impact our brand and reputation. Such negative publicity also could have an adverse effect on the size and engagement of our customers and could result in decreased revenue, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Key business metrics and other estimates are subject to inherent challenges in measurement and change as our business evolves, and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected by real or perceived inaccuracies in those metrics or any changes in metrics we disclose.
We regularly review our key business metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, and make strategic decisions. These key business metrics are calculated using internal company data and have not been validated by an independent third-party. While these numbers are based on what we believe to be reasonable estimates for the applicable period of measurement at the time of reporting, there are inherent challenges in such measurements. If we fail to maintain an effective analytics platform, our key business metrics calculations may be inaccurate, and we may not be able to identify those inaccuracies. Additionally, we may in the future calculate certain key business metrics using third-party data. While we believe the third-party data we have used in the past or may use in the future is reliable, we have not independently verified and may not in the future independently verify the accuracy or completeness of the data contained in such sources and there can be no assurance that such data is free of error. Any inaccuracy in the third-party data we use could cause us to overstate or understate our key business metrics. We regularly review our processes for calculating these metrics, and from time to time we make adjustments to improve their accuracy. Additionally, our MTUs metric is measured at a point in time and as our products and internal processes for calculating these metrics evolve over time, a previously reported number could fluctuate. We generally will not update previously disclosed key business metrics for any such inaccuracies or adjustments that are immaterial.
Our key business metrics may also be impacted by compliance or fraud-related bans, technical incidents, or false or spam accounts in existence on our platform. We regularly deactivate fraudulent and spam accounts that violate our terms of service, and exclude these users from the calculation of our key business metrics; however, we may not succeed in identifying and removing all such accounts from our platform. Additionally, users are not prohibited from having more than one account and our MTUs metric may overstate the number of unique customers who have registered an account on our platform as one customer may register for, and use, multiple accounts with different email addresses, phone numbers, or usernames. Furthermore, MTUs may overstate the number of unique consumers due to differences in product architecture or user behavior, which may cause MTUs to fluctuate. For example, a user may currently have a Coinbase Wallet account that is unlinked to their registered account on our platform, but then choose to link these accounts in the future as our product offerings evolve. To the extent that the user had activity in both their Wallet and their registered account in the measurement period, what was previously captured as two unique MTUs would now be counted as a single MTU. If MTUs or our other key business metrics provide us with incorrect or incomplete information about users and their behavior, we may make inaccurate conclusions about our business.
We may change our key business metrics from time to time, which may be perceived negatively. Given the rapid evolution of the crypto markets and our revenue sources, we regularly evaluate whether our key business metrics remain meaningful indicators of the performance of our business. As a result of these evaluations, in the past we have decided to make changes, and in the future may make additional changes, to our key business metrics, including eliminating or replacing existing metrics. Further if investors or the media perceive any changes to our key business metrics disclosures negatively, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Our platform may be exploited to facilitate illegal activity such as fraud, money laundering, gambling, tax evasion, and scams. If our platform is used to further such illegal activities, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Our platform may be exploited to facilitate illegal activity such as fraud, money laundering, gambling, tax evasion, and scams. We or our partners may be specifically targeted by individuals seeking to conduct fraudulent transfers, and it may be difficult or impossible for us to detect and avoid such transactions in certain circumstances. The use of our platform for illegal or improper purposes could subject us to claims, individual and class action lawsuits, and government and regulatory investigations, prosecutions, enforcement actions, inquiries, or requests that could result in liability and reputational harm for us. Moreover, certain activities that may be legal in one jurisdiction may be illegal in another jurisdiction, and certain activities that are at one time legal may in the future be deemed illegal in the same jurisdiction. As a result, there is significant uncertainty and cost associated with detecting and monitoring transactions for compliance with local laws. In the event that a customer is found responsible for intentionally or inadvertently violating the laws in any jurisdiction, we may be subject to governmental inquiries, enforcement actions, prosecuted, or otherwise held secondarily liable for aiding or facilitating such activities. Changes in law have also increased the penalties for money transmitters for certain illegal activities, and government authorities may consider increased or additional penalties from time to time. Owners of intellectual property rights or government authorities may seek to bring legal action against money transmitters, including us, for involvement in the sale of infringing or allegedly infringing items. Any threatened or resulting claims could result in reputational harm, and any resulting liabilities, loss of transaction volume, or increased costs could harm our business.
Moreover, while fiat currencies can be used to facilitate illegal activities, crypto assets are relatively new and, in many jurisdictions, may be lightly regulated or largely unregulated. Many types of crypto assets have characteristics, such as the speed with which digital currency transactions can be conducted, the ability to conduct transactions without the involvement of regulated intermediaries, the ability to engage in transactions across multiple jurisdictions, the irreversible nature of certain crypto asset transactions, and encryption technology that anonymizes these transactions, that make crypto assets susceptible to use in illegal activity. U.S. federal and state and foreign regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies, such as the Department of Justice, SEC, CFTC, FTC, or the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and various state securities and financial regulators have taken and continue to take legal action against persons and entities alleged to be engaged in fraudulent schemes or other illicit activity involving crypto assets. We also support crypto assets that incorporate privacy-enhancing features, and may from time to time support additional crypto assets with similar functionalities. These privacy-enhancing crypto assets obscure the identities of sender and receiver, and may prevent law enforcement officials from tracing the source of funds on the blockchain. Facilitating transactions in these crypto assets may cause us to be at increased risk of liability arising out of anti-money laundering and economic sanctions laws and regulations.
While we believe that our risk management and compliance framework is designed to detect significant illicit activities conducted by our potential or existing customers, we cannot ensure that we will be able to detect all illegal activity on our platform. Base, an open source permissionless L2 protocol built on the Ethereum blockchain developed by us, has been in the past, and may in the future, be a target for scam tokens or other illegal activity. For example, in August 2023, a number of fraudulent tokens were identified and traded on Base blockchain. As we continue to develop Base, and in light of this fraudulent activity, we continue to invest in improving our security processes, including through our in-house blockchain monitoring capabilities, third-party tools for identifying malicious and out of pattern events, and the monitoring of contract source code and bytecode on Base against a database of known scam code patterns. While to date, such illegal or fraudulent activity on Base has not had a material impact on our business, operating results, financial condition, or cash flows, future illegal activity could adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition or cash flows and our efforts to identify and remedy such illegal or fraudulent activity may not be successful. If our platform is used to further such illegal activities, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Our compliance and risk management methods might not be effective and may result in outcomes that could adversely affect our reputation, operating results, and financial condition.
Our ability to comply with applicable complex and evolving laws, regulations, and rules is largely dependent on the establishment, maintenance, and scaling of our compliance, internal audit, and reporting systems to continuously keep pace with our customer activity and transaction volume, as well as our ability to attract and retain qualified compliance and other risk management personnel. While we have devoted significant resources to develop policies and procedures to identify, monitor, and manage our risks, and expect to continue to do so in the future, we cannot assure you that our policies and procedures are and will always be effective or that we have been and will always be successful in monitoring or evaluating the risks to which we are or may be exposed in all market environments or against all types of risks, including unidentified or unanticipated risks. Our risk management policies and procedures rely on a combination of technical and human controls and supervision that are subject to error and failure. Some of our methods for managing risk are discretionary by nature and are based on internally developed controls and observed historical market behavior, and also involve reliance on standard industry practices. These methods may not adequately prevent losses, particularly as they relate to extreme market movements, which may be significantly greater than historical fluctuations in the market. Further, as a result of the 2022 Events or similar market disruptions in the future, we may reevaluate our risk management policies and procedures. Accordingly, in the future, we may identify gaps in such policies and procedures or existing gaps may become higher risk, and may require significant resources and management attention. Our risk management policies and procedures also may not adequately prevent losses due to technical errors if our testing and quality control practices are not effective in preventing failures. In addition, we may elect to adjust our risk management policies and procedures to allow for an increase in risk tolerance, which could expose us to the risk of greater losses.
Regulators periodically review our compliance with our own policies and procedures and with a variety of laws and regulations. We have received in the past and may from time to time receive additional examination reports citing violations of rules and regulations and inadequacies in existing compliance programs, and requiring us to enhance certain practices with respect to our compliance program, including due diligence, training, monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping. If we fail to comply with these, or do not adequately remediate certain findings, regulators could take a variety of actions that could impair our ability to conduct our business, including, but not limited to, delaying, denying, withdrawing, or conditioning approval of certain products and services. In addition, regulators have broad enforcement powers to censure, fine, issue cease and desist orders, prohibit us from engaging in some of our business activities, or revoke our licenses. We face significant intervention by regulatory authorities, including extensive examination and surveillance activities, and will continue to face the risk of significant intervention by regulatory authorities in the future. In the case of non-compliance or alleged non-compliance, we could be subject to investigations and proceedings that may result in substantial penalties or civil lawsuits, including by customers, for damages which can be significant. Any of these outcomes would adversely affect our reputation and brand and our business, operating results, and financial condition. Some of these outcomes could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.
We hold certain investments in DeFi protocols and may suffer losses if they do not function as expected.
We hold investments in various DeFi protocols. These protocols achieve their investment purposes through self-executing smart contracts that allow users to invest crypto assets in a pool from which other users can borrow without requiring an intermediate party to facilitate these transactions. These investments earn interest to the investor based on the rates at which borrowers repay the loan, and can generally be withdrawn with no restrictions. However, these DeFi protocols are subject to various risks, including uncertain regulatory and compliance conditions in large markets such as the United States, the risk that the underlying smart contract is insecure, the risk that borrowers may default and the investor will not be able to recover its investment, the risk that any underlying collateral may experience significant volatility, and the risk of certain core developers with protocol administration rights can make unauthorized or harmful changes to the underlying smart contract.
If any of these risks materialize, our investments in these DeFi protocols may be adversely impacted.
We may suffer losses due to abrupt and erratic market movements.
The crypto asset market has been characterized by significant volatility and unexpected price movements, and has experienced significant declines in the past. Certain crypto assets may become more volatile and less liquid in a very short period of time, which was the case following the 2022 Events, resulting in market prices being subject to erratic and abrupt market movement, which could harm our business. For instance, abrupt changes in volatility or market movement can lead to extreme pressures on our platform and infrastructure that can lead to inadvertent suspension of services across parts of the platform or the entire platform. As a result, from time to time we experience outages. For example, in 2024, we experienced approximately 14 outages, with an average outage duration of 58.6 minutes. Outages can lead to increased customer service expense, can cause customer loss and reputational damage, result in inquiries and actions by regulators, and can lead to other damages for which we may be responsible.
Risks Related to Crypto Assets
Due to unfamiliarity and some negative publicity associated with crypto asset platforms, confidence or interest in crypto asset platforms may decline.
Crypto asset platforms are relatively new. Many of our competitors are unlicensed, unregulated, operate without supervision by any governmental authorities, and do not provide the public with significant information regarding their ownership structure, management team, corporate practices, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. As a result, customers and the general public may lose confidence or interest in crypto asset platforms, including regulated platforms like ours.
Since the inception of the cryptoeconomy, numerous crypto asset platforms have been sued, investigated, or shut down due to fraud, manipulative practices, business failure, and security breaches. In many of these instances, customers of these platforms were not compensated or made whole for their losses. Larger platforms like us are more appealing targets for hackers and malware, and may also be more likely to be targets of regulatory enforcement actions. For example, in February 2014, Mt. Gox, the then largest crypto asset platform worldwide, filed for bankruptcy protection in Japan after an estimated 700,000 Bitcoins were stolen from its wallets. In May 2019, Binance, one of the world’s largest platforms, was hacked, resulting in losses of approximately $40 million, and in February 2021, Bitfinex settled a long-running legal dispute with the State of New York related to Bitfinex’s alleged misuse of over $800 million of customer assets. The 2022 Events resulted in a loss of confidence in the broader cryptoeconomy, adverse reputational impact to crypto asset platforms, increased negative publicity surrounding crypto more broadly, heightened scrutiny by regulators and lawmakers and a call for increased regulations of crypto assets and crypto asset platforms.
In addition, there have been reports that a significant amount of crypto asset trading volume on crypto asset platforms is fabricated and false in nature, with a specific focus on unregulated platforms located outside the United States. Such reports may indicate that the market for crypto asset platform activities is significantly smaller than otherwise understood.
Negative perception, a lack of stability and standardized regulation in the cryptoeconomy, and the closure or temporary shutdown of crypto asset platforms due to fraud, business failure, hackers or malware, or government mandated regulation, and associated losses suffered by customers may continue to reduce confidence or interest in the cryptoeconomy and result in greater volatility of the prices of assets, including significant depreciation in value. Any of these events could have an adverse impact on our business and our customers’ perception of us, including decreased use of our platform and loss of customer demand for our products and services.
Depositing and withdrawing crypto assets into and from our platforms involve risks, which could result in loss of customer assets, customer disputes and other liabilities, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
In order to own, transfer and use a crypto asset on its underlying blockchain network, a person must have a private and public key pair associated with a network address, commonly referred to as a “wallet.” Each wallet is associated with a unique “public key” and “private key” pair, each of which is a string of alphanumerical characters. To deposit crypto assets held by a customer onto our platforms, a customer must “sign” a transaction that consists of the private key of the wallet from where the customer is transferring crypto assets, the public key of a wallet that we control which we provide to the customer, and broadcast the deposit transaction onto the underlying blockchain network. Similarly, to withdraw crypto assets from our platforms, the customer must provide us with the public key of the wallet that the crypto assets are to be transferred to, and we would be required to “sign” a transaction authorizing the transfer. In addition, some crypto networks require additional information to be provided in connection with any transfer of crypto assets to or from our platforms. A number of errors can occur in the process of depositing or withdrawing crypto assets into or from our platforms, such as typos, mistakes, or the failure to include the information required by the blockchain network. For instance, a user may incorrectly enter our wallet’s public key or the desired recipient’s public key when depositing and withdrawing from our platforms, respectively. Alternatively, a user may transfer crypto assets to a wallet address that the user does not own, control or hold the private keys to. In addition, each wallet address is only compatible with the underlying blockchain network on which it is created. For instance, a Bitcoin wallet address can only be used to send and receive Bitcoins. If any Ethereum or other crypto assets are sent to a Bitcoin wallet address, or if any of the foregoing errors occur, all of the customer’s sent crypto assets will be permanently and irretrievably lost with no means of recovery. We have encountered and expect to continue to encounter similar incidents with our customers. Such incidents could result in customer disputes, damage to our brand and reputation, legal claims against us, and financial liabilities, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Moreover, we hold customer assets one-to-one at all times and we have procedures to process redemptions and withdrawals expeditiously, following the terms of the applicable user agreements. We have not experienced excessive redemptions or withdrawals, or prolonged suspended redemptions or withdrawals, of crypto assets to date. However, similar to traditional financial institutions, we may experience temporary process-related withdrawal delays. For example, we, and traditional financial institutions, may experience such delays if there is a significant volume of withdrawal requests that is vastly beyond anticipated levels. This does not mean we cannot or will not satisfy withdrawals, but this may mean a temporary delay in satisfying withdrawal requests, which we still expect to be satisfied within the withdrawal timelines set forth in the applicable user agreements or otherwise communicated by us. To the extent we have process-related delays, even if brief or due to blockchain network congestion or heightened redemption activity, and within the terms of an applicable user agreement or otherwise communicated by us, we may experience increased customer complaints and damage to our brand and reputation and face additional regulatory scrutiny, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
A temporary or permanent blockchain “fork” to any supported crypto asset could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Blockchain protocols, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, are open source. Any user can download the software, modify it, and then propose that Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other blockchain protocols users and miners adopt the modification. When a modification is introduced and a substantial majority of users and miners consent to the modification, the change is implemented and the Bitcoin, Ethereum or other blockchain protocol networks, as applicable, remain uninterrupted. However, if less than a substantial majority of users and miners consent to the proposed modification, and the modification is not compatible with the software prior to its modification, the consequence would be what is known as a “fork” (i.e., “split”) of the impacted blockchain protocol network and respective blockchain, with one prong running the pre-modified software and the other running the modified software. The effect of such a fork would be the existence of two parallel versions of the Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other blockchain protocol network, as applicable, running simultaneously, but with each split network’s crypto asset lacking interchangeability.
Both Bitcoin and Ethereum protocols have been subject to “forks” that resulted in the creation of new networks, including Bitcoin Cash ABC, Bitcoin Cash SV, Bitcoin Diamond, Bitcoin Gold, Ethereum Classic, EthereumPOW, and others. Some of these forks have caused fragmentation among platforms as to the correct naming convention for forked crypto assets. Due to the lack of a central registry or rulemaking body, no single entity has the ability to dictate the nomenclature of forked crypto assets, causing disagreements and a lack of uniformity among platforms on the nomenclature of forked crypto assets, and which results in further confusion to customers as to the nature of assets they hold on platforms. In addition, several of these forks were contentious and as a result, participants in certain communities may harbor ill will towards other communities. As a result, certain community members may take actions that adversely impact the use, adoption, and price of Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any of their forked alternatives.
Furthermore, hard forks can lead to new security concerns. For instance, when the Ethereum and Ethereum Classic networks split in July 2016, replay attacks, in which transactions from one network were rebroadcast on the other network to achieve “double-spending,” plagued platforms that traded Ethereum through at least October 2016, resulting in significant losses to some crypto asset platforms. Similar replay attacks occurred in connection with the Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin Cash SV network split in November 2018. Another possible result of a hard fork is an inherent decrease in the level of security due to the splitting of some mining power across networks, making it easier for a malicious actor to exceed 50% of the mining power of that network, thereby making crypto assets that rely on proof-of-work more susceptible to attack, as has occurred with Ethereum Classic.
We do not believe that we are required to support any fork or airdrop or provide the benefit of any forked or airdropped crypto asset to our customers. However, we have in the past and may in the future continue to be subject to claims by customers arguing that they are entitled to receive certain forked or airdropped crypto assets by virtue of crypto assets that they hold with us. If any customers succeed on a claim that they are entitled to receive the benefits of a forked or airdropped crypto asset that we do not or are unable to support, we may be required to pay significant damages, fines or other fees to compensate customers for their losses.
Future forks may occur at any time. A fork can lead to a disruption of networks and our information technology systems, cybersecurity attacks, replay attacks, or security weaknesses, any of which can further lead to temporary or even permanent loss of our and our customers’ assets. Such disruption and loss could cause us to be exposed to liability, even in circumstances where we have no intention of supporting an asset compromised by a fork.
We currently support, and expect to continue to support, certain smart contract-based crypto assets. If the underlying smart contracts for these crypto assets do not operate as expected, they could lose value and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We currently support, and expect to continue to support, various crypto assets that represent units of value on smart contracts deployed on a third-party blockchain. Smart contracts are programs that store and transfer value and execute automatically when certain conditions are met. Since smart contracts typically cannot be stopped or reversed, vulnerabilities in their programming and design can have damaging effects. For instance, in April 2018, a batch overflow bug was found in many Ethereum-based ERC20-compatible smart contract tokens that allowed hackers to create a large number of smart contract tokens, causing multiple crypto asset platforms worldwide to shut down ERC20-compatible token trading. Similarly, in March 2020, a design flaw in the MakerDAO smart contract caused forced liquidations of crypto assets at significantly discounted prices, resulting in millions of dollars of losses to users who had deposited crypto assets into the smart contract. If any such vulnerabilities or flaws come to fruition, smart contract-based crypto assets, including those held by our customers on our platforms, may suffer negative publicity, be exposed to security vulnerabilities, decline significantly in value, and lose liquidity over a short period of time.
In some cases, smart contracts can be controlled by one or more “admin keys” or users with special privileges, or “super users.” These users have the ability to unilaterally make changes to the smart contract, enable or disable features on the smart contract, change how the smart contract receives external inputs and data, and make other changes to the smart contract. For smart contracts that hold a pool of reserves, these users may also be able to extract funds from the pool, liquidate assets held in the pool, or take other actions that decrease the value of the assets held by the smart contract in reserves. Even for crypto assets that have adopted a decentralized governance mechanism, such as smart contracts that are governed by the holders of a governance token, such governance tokens can be concentrated in the hands of a small group of core community members, who would be able to make similar changes unilaterally to the smart contract. If any such super user or group of core members unilaterally make adverse changes to a smart contract, the design, functionality, features and value of the smart contract, its related crypto assets may be harmed. In addition, assets held by the smart contract in reserves may be stolen, misused, burnt, locked up or otherwise become unusable and irrecoverable. These super users can also become targets of hackers and malicious attackers. If an attacker is able to access or obtain the super user privileges of a smart contract, or if a smart contract’s super users or core community members take actions that adversely affect the smart contract, our customers who hold and transact in the affected crypto assets may experience decreased functionality and value of the applicable crypto assets, up to and including a total loss of the value of such crypto assets. Although we do not control these smart contracts, any such events could cause customers to seek damages against us for their losses, result in reputational damage to us, or in other ways adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
From time to time, we may encounter technical issues in connection with the integration of supported crypto assets and changes and upgrades to their underlying networks, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
In order to support any supported crypto asset, a variety of front and back-end technical and development work is required to implement our wallet, custody, trading, staking and other solutions for our customers, and to integrate such supported crypto asset with our existing technical infrastructure. For certain crypto assets, a significant amount of development work is required and there is no guarantee that we will be able to integrate successfully with any existing or future crypto asset. In addition, such integration may introduce software errors or weaknesses into our platform, including our existing infrastructure. Even if such integration is initially successful, any number of technical changes, software upgrades, soft or hard forks, cybersecurity incidents, or other changes to the underlying blockchain network may occur from time to time, causing incompatibility, technical issues, disruptions, or security weaknesses to our platform. If we are unable to identify, troubleshoot and resolve any such issues successfully, we may no longer be able to support such crypto asset, our customers’ assets may be frozen or lost, the security of our hot, warm, or cold wallets may be compromised, and our platform and technical infrastructure may be affected, all of which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
If miners or validators of any supported crypto asset demand high transaction fees, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We charge blockchain transaction fees when a customer sends certain crypto assets from their Coinbase account to a non-Coinbase account. We estimate the blockchain transaction fee based on the cost that we will incur to process the withdrawal transaction on the underlying blockchain network. In addition, we also pay blockchain transaction fees when we move crypto assets for various operational purposes, such as when we transfer crypto assets between our hot and cold wallets, for which we do not charge our customers. However, blockchain transaction fees have been and may continue to be unpredictable. If the block rewards for miners on any blockchain network are not sufficiently high to incentivize miners, miners may demand higher transaction fees, or collude to reject low transaction fees and force users to pay higher fees.
Although we generally attempt to pass blockchain transaction fees relating to customer withdrawals through to our customers, we have in the past incurred, and expect to incur from time to time, losses associated with the payment of blockchain transaction fees in excess of what we charge our customers, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Future developments regarding the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Due to the new and evolving nature of crypto assets and the absence of comprehensive legal and tax guidance with respect to crypto asset products and transactions, many significant aspects of the U.S. and foreign tax treatment of transactions involving crypto assets, such as the purchase and sale of crypto assets on our platform, as well as the provision of blockchain rewards and other crypto asset incentives and rewards products, are uncertain, and it is unclear whether, when and what guidance may be issued in the future on the treatment of crypto asset transactions for U.S. and foreign tax purposes.
In 2014, the IRS released Notice 2014-21, discussing certain aspects of “virtual currency” for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, in particular, stating that such virtual currency (i) is “property,” (ii) is not “currency” for purposes of the rules relating to foreign currency gain or loss, and (iii) may be held as a capital asset. From time to time, the IRS has released other guidance relating to the tax treatment of virtual currency or crypto assets reflecting the IRS’s position on certain issues. The IRS has not addressed many other significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax treatment of crypto assets and related transactions.
There continues to be uncertainty with respect to the timing, character, and amount of income inclusions for various crypto asset transactions including, but not limited to lending and borrowing crypto assets, staking, and other crypto asset incentives and products that we offer. Although we believe our treatment of crypto asset transactions for federal income tax purposes is consistent with existing positions from the IRS and/or existing U.S. federal income tax principles, because of the rapidly evolving nature of crypto asset innovations and the increasing variety and complexity of crypto asset transactions and products, it is possible the IRS and various U.S. states may disagree with our treatment of certain crypto asset offerings for U.S. tax purposes, which could adversely affect our customers and the vitality of our business. Similar uncertainties exist in the foreign markets in which we operate with respect to direct and indirect taxes, and these uncertainties and potential adverse interpretations of tax law could impact the amount of tax we and our non-U.S. customers are required to pay, and the vitality of our platforms outside of the United States.
There can be no assurance that the IRS, U.S. state revenue agencies, or other foreign tax authorities, will not alter their respective positions with respect to crypto assets in the future or that a court would uphold the treatment set forth in existing positions. It also is unclear what additional tax authority positions, regulations, or legislation may be issued in the future on the treatment of existing crypto asset transactions and future crypto asset innovations under U.S. federal, U.S. state, or foreign tax law. Any such developments could result in adverse tax consequences for holders of crypto assets and could have an adverse effect on the value of crypto assets and the broader crypto assets markets. Future technological and operational developments that may arise with respect to crypto assets may increase the uncertainty with respect to the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes. The uncertainty regarding tax treatment of crypto asset transactions impacts our customers, and could impact our business, both domestically and abroad.
Our tax information reporting obligations with respect to crypto transactions may be subject to further scrutiny in light of changes made to the U.S. and global broker reporting regime for tax reporting.
In November 2021, the U.S. Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (the “IIJA”), providing that brokers would be responsible for reporting to the IRS the transactions of their customers in digital assets, including transfers to other exchanges or to digital asset wallets not connected to any exchange.
On June 28, 2024 and again on December 27, 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released final regulations and issued other administrative guidance on tax information reporting for digital assets (collectively, the “Final Regulations”) that will be applicable, in certain cases starting January 1, 2025 and in certain other cases starting January 1, 2027. The Final Regulations introduced new rules related to our tax reporting and withholding obligations on our customer transactions.
Although we believe we are compliant with U.S. tax reporting and withholding requirements with respect to our customers’ crypto asset transactions, our compliance with the Final Regulations, including but not limited to U.S. onboarding requirements through Forms W-9 and W-8, backup withholding, non-resident alien withholding, and Form 1099 and Form 1042-S reporting obligations, may be subject to scrutiny and may be challenged. There is a risk that we may not have proper processes and procedures necessary to comply with the Final Regulations, may not be able to interpret the IIJA, the Final Regulations, or the administrative guidance correctly, or may not be able to build systems within the required timelines to ensure compliance for certain customers or transactions. If the IRS determines that we are not in compliance with our tax reporting or withholding obligations on customer transactions, significant taxes and penalties may be imposed, which could adversely affect our financial position. The Final Regulations will require us to invest substantially in new compliance processes and procedures, which also could adversely affect our financial position. Further, the IRS may issue additional guidance in the future with respect to tax reporting and withholding obligations, which could impose additional burdens on us and result in significant taxes and penalties that could adversely affect our financial position.
Similarly, new rules for reporting crypto assets under the global “common reporting standard” (CRS) as well as under the “crypto-asset reporting framework” (CARF) will be implemented on our international operations, creating new obligations and a need to invest in new onboarding and reporting infrastructure. Such rules are under discussion by the member and observer states of the “Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development” and by the European Commission on behalf of the member states of the European Union. These new rules may give rise to potential liabilities or disclosure requirements for prior customer arrangements and new rules that affect how we onboard our customers and report their transactions to taxing authorities. Additionally, the European Union has issued a directive, commonly referred to as “CESOP” (the Central Electronic System of Payment information), which requires payment service providers in the European Union to report cross-border fiat transactions to taxing authorities on a quarterly basis. Any actual or perceived failure by us to comply with the above or any other tax and financial regulations that apply to our operations could harm our business and adversely affect our financial position.
The nature of our business requires the application of complex financial accounting rules, and there is limited guidance from accounting standard setting bodies on certain topics. If financial accounting standards undergo significant changes, our operating results could fluctuate.
The accounting rules and regulations that we must comply with are complex and subject to interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”), the SEC, and various other bodies formed to promulgate and interpret appropriate accounting principles. Recent actions and public comments from the FASB and the SEC have focused on the integrity of financial reporting and internal controls and many companies’ accounting policies are being subjected to heightened scrutiny by regulators and the public. Further, there has been limited precedent for the financial accounting of crypto assets and related valuation and revenue recognition. Moreover, a change in these principles or interpretations could have a significant effect on our reported financial results, and may even affect the reporting of transactions completed before the announcement or effectiveness of a change. For example, in December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Crypto Assets (ASU 2023-08): Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets (“ASU 2023-08”), which represents a significant change in how entities that hold crypto assets will account for certain of those holdings. Previously, crypto assets held were accounted for as intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, which required us to measure crypto assets at cost less impairment. Effective as of January 1, 2024, we adopted ASU 2023-08, which requires us to measure crypto assets held at fair value at each reporting date, with fair value gains and losses recognized through Net income (loss).
Fair value gains and losses can increase the volatility of our net income, especially if the underlying crypto asset market is volatile. Additionally, on March 31, 2022, the staff of the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 121 (“SAB 121”), which represented a significant change regarding how a company safeguarding crypto assets held for its platform users reports such crypto assets on its balance sheet and required retrospective application as of January 1, 2022. In January 2025, the staff of the SEC issued SAB No. 122 (“SAB 122”), which rescinds the previously-issued interpretive guidance included within SAB 121. We have adopted SAB 122 as of December 31, 2024 on a retrospective basis.
Uncertainties in or changes to regulatory or financial accounting standards could result in the need to change our accounting methods and may retroactively affect previously reported results and impair our ability to provide timely and accurate financial information, which could adversely affect our financial statements, result in a loss of investor confidence, and our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Risks Related to Government Regulation and Privacy Matters
The cryptoeconomy is novel. As a result, policymakers are just beginning to consider what a regulatory regime for crypto would look like and the elements that would serve as the foundation for such a regime. This less developed consideration of crypto may harm our ability to effectively react to proposed legislation and regulation of crypto assets or crypto asset platforms adverse to our business.
As crypto assets have grown in both popularity and market size, various U.S. federal, state, and local and foreign governmental organizations, consumer agencies and public advocacy groups have been examining the operations of crypto networks, users and platforms, with a focus on how crypto assets can be used to launder the proceeds of illegal activities, fund criminal or terrorist enterprises, and simultaneously how to ensure the safety and soundness of platforms and other service providers that hold crypto assets for users. Many of these entities have called for heightened regulatory oversight, and have issued consumer advisories describing the risks posed by crypto assets to users and investors.
Competitors, including traditional financial services, have spent years cultivating professional relationships with relevant policymakers on behalf of their industry so that those policymakers may understand that industry, the current legal landscape affecting that industry, and the specific policy proposals that could be implemented in order to responsibly develop that industry. The lobbyists working for these competitors have similarly spent years developing and working to implement strategies to advance these industries. Members of the cryptoeconomy have started to engage policymakers directly and with the help of external advisors and lobbyists. For example, in order to advance our mission, in February 2022 we launched our Coinbase Innovation Political Action Committee to support crypto-forward political candidates and initiatives. Further, in December 2023, we together with a number of other crypto and blockchain market participants supported the launch of the Fairshake Political Action Committee to support political candidates in the 2024 U.S. presidential and congressional elections who support crypto and blockchain innovation and responsible regulation. However, these efforts to educate policymakers and advocate for sensible regulation are nascent compared to more established industries, and may be perceived unfavorably by investors and the public and have an adverse impact on our brand and reputation. As a result, new laws and regulations may be proposed and adopted in the United States and internationally, or existing laws and regulations may be interpreted in new ways, that harm the cryptoeconomy or crypto asset platforms, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our Consolidated Balance Sheets may not contain sufficient amounts or types of regulatory capital to meet the changing requirements of our various regulators worldwide, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We are required to possess sufficient financial soundness and strength to adequately support our regulated subsidiaries. We may from time to time incur indebtedness and other obligations which could make it more difficult to meet these capitalization requirements or any additional regulatory requirements. In addition, although we are not a bank holding company for purposes of United States law or the law of any other jurisdiction, as a global provider of financial services and in light of the changing regulatory environment in various jurisdictions, we could become subject to new capital requirements introduced or imposed by the United States and international regulators. Any change or increase in these regulatory requirements could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
As a financial institution licensed to, among other things, engage in money transmission in the United States, to conduct virtual currency business activity in New York, and issue electronic money in the United Kingdom and the European Union, we are subject to strict rules governing how we manage and hold customer fiat currency and crypto assets. We maintain complex treasury operations to manage and move customer fiat currency and crypto assets across our platforms and to comply with regulatory requirements. However, it is possible we may experience errors in fiat currency and crypto asset handling, accounting, and regulatory reporting that lead us to be out of compliance with these requirements. In addition, regulators may increase the amount of fiat currency reserves that we are required to maintain for our operations, as has happened in the past, which may lead to sanctions, penalties, changes to our business operations, or the revocation of licenses. Frequent launch of new products and services, margin trading, lending functions, and the addition of new payment rails increase these risks.
Many of the crypto assets in which we facilitate trading are subject to regulatory authority by the CFTC. Any fraudulent or manipulative activity in a crypto asset occurring on our platform could subject us to increased regulatory scrutiny, regulatory enforcement, and litigation.
The CFTC has stated and judicial decisions involving CFTC enforcement actions have confirmed that at least some crypto assets, including Bitcoin, ether, litecoin, and stablecoins, such as USDC, USDT and BUSD, fall within the definition of a “commodity” under the U.S. Commodities Exchange Act of 1936 (the “CEA”). As a result, the CFTC has general enforcement authority to police against manipulation and fraud in at least some spot crypto asset markets. From time to time, manipulation, fraud, and other forms of improper trading by market participants have resulted in, and may in the future result in, CFTC investigations, inquiries, enforcement action, and similar actions by other regulators, government agencies, and civil litigation. Such investigations, inquiries, enforcement actions, and litigation may cause us to incur substantial costs and could result in negative publicity.
Certain transactions in crypto assets may constitute “retail commodity transactions” subject to regulation by the CFTC as futures contracts. If crypto asset transactions we facilitate are deemed to be such retail commodity transactions, we would be subject to additional regulatory requirements, licenses and approvals, and potentially face regulatory enforcement, civil liability, and significant increased compliance and operational costs.
Any transaction in a commodity, including a crypto asset, entered into with or offered to retail investors using leverage, margin, or other financing arrangements (a “retail commodity transaction”) is subject to CFTC regulation as a futures contract unless such transaction results in actual delivery within 28 days. The meaning of “actual delivery” has been the subject of commentary and litigation, and the CFTC has adopted interpretive guidance addressing the “actual delivery” of a crypto asset. To the extent that crypto asset transactions that we facilitate or facilitated are deemed retail commodity transactions, including pursuant to current or subsequent rulemaking or guidance by the CFTC, we may be subject to additional regulatory requirements and oversight, and we could be subject to judicial or administrative sanctions if we do not or did not at a relevant time possess appropriate registrations. The CFTC has previously brought enforcement actions against entities engaged in retail commodity transactions without appropriate registrations, as well as recent enforcement settled orders against developers of decentralized platforms.
Particular crypto assets or transactions therein could be deemed “commodity interests” (e.g., futures, options, swaps) or security-based swaps subject to regulation by the CFTC or SEC, respectively. If a crypto asset that we facilitate trading in is deemed a commodity interest or a security-based swap, we would be subject to additional regulatory requirements, registrations and approvals, and potentially face regulatory enforcement, civil liability, and significant increased compliance and operational costs.
Commodity interests, as such term is defined by the CEA and CFTC rules and regulations, are subject to more extensive supervisory oversight by the CFTC, including registrations of entities engaged in, and platforms offering, commodity interest transactions. This CFTC authority extends to crypto asset futures contracts and swaps, including transactions that are based on current and future prices of crypto assets and indices of crypto assets. To the extent that a crypto asset in which we facilitate or facilitated trading or transactions in a crypto asset which we facilitate or facilitated are deemed to fall within the definition of a commodity interest, including pursuant to subsequent rulemaking or guidance by the CFTC, we may be subject to additional regulatory requirements and oversight and could be subject to judicial or administrative sanctions if we do not or did not at a relevant time possess appropriate registrations as an exchange (for example, as a designated contract market for trading futures or options on futures, or as a swaps execution facility for trading swaps) or as a registered intermediary (for example, as a futures commission merchant or introducing broker). Such actions could result in injunctions, cease and desist orders, as well as civil monetary penalties, fines, and disgorgement, as well as reputational harm. The CFTC has previously brought enforcement actions against entities engaged in crypto asset activities for failure to obtain appropriate exchange, execution facility and intermediary registrations.
Furthermore, the CFTC and the SEC have jointly adopted regulations defining “security-based swaps,” which include swaps based on single securities and narrow-based indices of securities. If a crypto asset is deemed to be a security, certain transactions referencing that crypto asset could constitute a security-based swap. A crypto asset or transaction therein that is based on or references a security or index of securities, whether or not such securities are themselves crypto assets, could also constitute a security-based swap. To the extent that a crypto asset in which we facilitate or have facilitated trading or transactions in a crypto asset which we facilitate or have facilitated are deemed to fall within the definition of a security-based swap, including pursuant to subsequent rulemaking or guidance by the CFTC or SEC, we may be subject to additional regulatory requirements and oversight by the SEC and could be subject to judicial or administrative sanctions if we do not or did not a relevant time possess appropriate registrations as an exchange (for example, as a security-based swaps execution facility) or as a registered intermediary (for example, as a security-based swap dealer or broker-dealer). This could result in injunctions, cease and desist orders, as well as civil monetary penalties, fines, and disgorgement, as well as reputational harm.
We obtain and process a large amount of sensitive customer data. Any real or perceived improper use of, disclosure of, or access to such data could harm our reputation, as well as adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We obtain and process large amounts of sensitive data, including personal data related to our customers and their transactions, such as their names, addresses, social security numbers, visa information, copies of government-issued identification, facial recognition data (from scanning of photographs for identity verification), trading data, tax identification, and bank account information. We face risks, including to our reputation, in the handling and protection of this data, and these risks will increase as our business continues to expand, including through our acquisition of, and investment in, other companies and technologies. Federal, state, and international laws and regulations governing privacy, data protection, and e-commerce transactions require us to safeguard our customers’, employees’, and service providers’ personal data.
We have administrative, technical, and physical security measures and controls in place and maintain a robust information security program. However, our security measures, those of our vendors or service providers, or the security measures of companies we acquire, may be inadequate or breached as a result of third-party action, employee or service provider error, malfeasance, malware, phishing, hacking attacks, system error, trickery, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography, inadequate facility security or otherwise, and, as a result, someone may be able to obtain unauthorized access to sensitive information, including personal data, on our systems. We could be the target of a cybersecurity incident, which could result in harm to our reputation and financial losses. Additionally, our customers have been and could be targeted in cybersecurity incidents like an account takeover, which could result in harm to our reputation and financial losses. For example, in 2021, third parties independently obtained login credentials and personal data for at least 6,000 customers and used those credentials to exploit a vulnerability that previously existed in the account recovery process. We reimbursed impacted customers approximately $25.1 million. Additionally, privacy and data protection laws are evolving, and these laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our data handling safeguards and practices that could result in fines, lawsuits, and other penalties, and significant changes to our or our third-party partners’ business practices and products and service offerings.
Our future success depends on the reliability and security of our platform. To the extent that the measures we, any companies we acquire, or our third-party service providers, vendors, or business partners have taken prove to be insufficient or inadequate, or to the extent we discover a security breach suffered by a company we acquire following the closing of such acquisition, we may become subject to litigation, breach notification obligations, or regulatory or administrative sanctions, which could result in significant fines, penalties, damages, harm to our reputation, or loss of customers. If our own confidential business information or sensitive customer information were improperly disclosed, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected. Additionally, a party who circumvents our security measures could, among other effects, appropriate customer information or other proprietary data, cause interruptions in our operations, or expose customers to hacks, viruses, and other disruptions.
Depending on the nature of the information compromised, in the event of a data breach or other unauthorized access to our customer data, we may also have obligations to notify customers and regulators about the incident, and we may need to provide some form of remedy, such as a subscription to credit monitoring services, pay significant fines to one or more regulators, or pay compensation in connection with a class-action settlement. Breach notification laws continue to evolve and may be inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another. In the United States, the SEC has adopted rules for mandatory disclosure of material cybersecurity incidents suffered by public companies, as well as cybersecurity governance and risk management. Complying with these obligations could cause us to incur substantial costs and could increase negative publicity surrounding any incident that compromises customer data. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with these laws may also subject us to enforcement action or litigation, any of which could harm our business. Additionally, the financial exposure from the events referenced above could either not be insured against or not be fully covered through any insurance that we may maintain, and there can be no assurance that the limitations of liability in any of our contracts would be enforceable or adequate or would otherwise protect us from liabilities or damages as a result of the events referenced above. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business, reputation, operating results, and financial condition.
Furthermore, we may be required to disclose personal data pursuant to demands from individuals, regulators, government agencies, and law enforcement agencies in various jurisdictions with conflicting privacy and security laws, which could result in a breach of privacy and data protection policies, notices, laws, rules, court orders, and regulations. Additionally, changes in the laws and regulations that govern our collection, use, and disclosure of customer data could impose additional requirements with respect to the retention and security of customer data, could limit our marketing activities, and adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We are subject to laws, regulations, and industry requirements related to data privacy, data protection and information security, and user protection across different markets where we conduct our business, including in the United States, European Economic Area (the “EEA”), and Asia-Pacific region, and industry requirements and such laws, regulations, and industry requirements are constantly evolving and changing. Any actual or perceived failure to comply with such laws, regulations, and industry requirements, or our privacy policies, could harm our business.
Various local, state, federal, and international laws, directives, and regulations apply to our collection, use, retention, protection, disclosure, transfer, and processing of personal data. These data protection and privacy laws and regulations are subject to uncertainty and continue to evolve in ways that could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. These laws have a substantial impact on our operations both outside and in the United States, either directly or as a data processor and handler for various offshore entities.
In the United States, state and federal lawmakers and regulatory authorities have increased their attention on the collection and use of user data and various laws and regulations apply to the collection, processing, disclosure, and security of certain types of data, including the Gramm Leach Bliley Act (“GLBA”) and state laws relating to privacy and data security. GLBA requires financial institutions to explain their information sharing practices to their customers and to safeguard sensitive data. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission and many state attorneys general are interpreting federal and state consumer protection laws as imposing standards for the online collection, use, dissemination, and security of data. For example, California has enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”).
The CCPA requires covered companies to, among other things, provide disclosures to individuals in California, and affords such individuals new privacy rights such as the ability to opt-out of certain sales of personal information and expanded rights to access and require deletion of their personal information, opt out of certain personal information sharing, and receive detailed information about how their personal information is collected, used, and shared. The CCPA provides for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for security breaches that may increase security breach litigation.
In addition, other U.S. states have proposed or enacted laws that contain obligations similar to the CCPA that have taken effect or will take effect in coming years. We cannot fully predict the impact of recently proposed or enacted laws or regulations on our business or operations, but compliance may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies incurring costs and expense. Further, to the extent multiple state-level laws are introduced with inconsistent or conflicting standards, it may require costly and difficult efforts to achieve compliance with such laws. Our failure or perceived failure to comply with state privacy laws or regulations passed in the future could adversely affect our business, including how we use personal information, operating results, and financial condition.
Additionally, many foreign countries and governmental bodies, including Australia, Brazil, Kenya, the European Union, India, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and numerous other jurisdictions in which we operate or conduct our business, have laws and regulations concerning the collection, use, processing, storage, and deletion of personal data obtained from their residents or by businesses operating within their jurisdiction. These laws and regulations often are more restrictive than those in the United States. Such laws and regulations may require companies to implement new privacy and security policies, permit individuals to access, correct, and delete personal data stored or maintained by such companies, inform individuals of security breaches that affect their personal data, require that certain types of data be retained on local servers within these jurisdictions, and, in some cases, obtain individuals’ affirmative opt-in consent to collect and use personal data for certain purposes.
We are subject to both the European Union’s and the United Kingdom’s General Data Protection Regulation (collectively, the “GDPR”), which imposes stringent privacy and data protection requirements, and could increase the risk of non-compliance and the costs of providing our products and services in a compliant manner. A breach of the GDPR could result in regulatory investigations, reputational damage, fines and sanctions, orders to cease or change our processing of our data, enforcement notices, or assessment notices (for a compulsory audit). For example, if regulators assert that we have failed to comply with the GDPR, we may be subject to fines of up to €20 million in the European Union (£17.5 million in the U.K.) or 4% of our worldwide annual revenue, whichever is greater. We may also face civil claims including representative actions and other class action type litigation (where individuals have suffered harm), potentially amounting to significant compensation or damages liabilities, as well as associated costs, diversion of internal resources, and reputational harm.
The GDPR and Swiss data protection laws impose strict rules on the transfer of personal data out of the E.U., U.K., or Switzerland to a “third country,” including the United States, unless particular compliance mechanisms are implemented. The mechanisms that we and many other companies rely upon for such data transfers (for example, standard contractual clauses or the E.U.-U.S. and Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (“DPF”) and the U.K. extension to the DPF) are the subject of legal challenge, regulatory interpretation, and judicial decisions. In the E.U. and other markets, potential new rules and restrictions on the flow of data across borders could increase the cost and complexity of doing business in those regions.
While we maintain E.U.-U.S., Swiss-U.S. and U.K.-U.S. DPF certification, we still rely on the standard contractual clauses for intercompany data transfers from the European Union, Switzerland, and the U.K. to the United States. As supervisory authorities continue to issue further guidance on personal data, we could suffer additional costs, complaints, or regulatory investigations or fines, and if we are otherwise unable to transfer personal data between and among countries and regions in which we operate, it could affect the manner in which we provide our services, the geographical location or segregation of our relevant systems and operations and could adversely affect our financial results.
We are also subject to evolving E.U. privacy laws on cookies and e-marketing. In the European Union, regulators are increasingly focusing on compliance with requirements in the online behavioral advertising ecosystem, and an E.U. regulation known as the ePrivacy Regulation will significantly increase fines for non-compliance once in effect. In the European Union, informed consent, including a prohibition on pre-checked consents and a requirement to ensure separate consents for each cookie, is required for the placement of a cookie or similar technologies on a user’s device and for direct electronic marketing. As regulators start to enforce the strict approach in recent guidance, this could lead to substantial costs, require significant systems changes, limit the effectiveness of our marketing activities, divert the attention of our technology personnel, negatively impact our efforts to understand users, adversely affect our margins, increase costs, and subject us to additional liabilities.
There is a risk that as we expand, we may assume liabilities for breaches experienced by the companies we acquire. Additionally, there are potentially inconsistent world-wide government regulations pertaining to data protection and privacy. Despite our efforts to comply with applicable laws, regulations and other obligations relating to privacy, data protection, and information security, it is possible that our practices, offerings, or platform could fail, or be alleged to fail to meet applicable requirements. For instance, the overall regulatory framework governing the application of privacy laws to blockchain technology is still highly undeveloped and likely to evolve. Further there are also changes in the regulatory landscape relating to new and evolving technologies. Our failure, or the failure by our third-party providers or partners, to comply with applicable laws or regulations and to prevent unauthorized access to, or use or release of personal data, or the perception that any of the foregoing types of failure has occurred, even if unfounded, could subject us to audits, inquiries, whistleblower complaints, adverse media coverage, investigations, severe criminal, or civil sanctions, damage our reputation, or result in fines or proceedings by governmental agencies and private claims and litigation, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Issues relating to the development and use of AI in our business could result in reputational harm, competitive harm, and legal liability, and could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We currently leverage internally developed and third-party developed AI into certain aspects of our business and we anticipate that AI will become increasingly important to our operations in the future. Our competitors and other third parties may incorporate AI into their businesses or offerings more quickly or more successfully than us, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our use of AI may result in new or expanded risks and liabilities, including due to enhanced governmental or regulatory regulation and scrutiny, litigation, compliance issues, ethical concerns, confidentiality or security risks, as well as other factors that could adversely affect our reputation, business, operating results, and financial condition. Evolving rules, regulations, and industry standards governing AI may require us and our third-party developers to incur significant costs to modify, maintain, or align our business practices, services, and solutions to comply with rules and regulations, the nature of which cannot be determined at this time and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
There can be no assurance that the use of AI and machine learning solutions and features will enhance our products or services, produce the intended results, or be beneficial to our business, including our efficiency. AI machine learning systems are complex and may be flawed, insufficient, reflect unwanted forms of bias, or contain errors or inadequacies that are not easily detectable, or may cause unintentional or unexpected outputs that are incorrect, do not match our business goals, do not comply with our policies or those of our regulators, or are otherwise are inconsistent with our brand. If the output that the AI applications we use to produce such output is, or is alleged to be, inaccurate, deficient, or biased, our reputation, business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Third Parties
Our current and future services are dependent on payment networks and acquiring processors, and any changes to their rules or practices could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We rely on banks and other payment processors to process customers’ payments in connection with the purchase of crypto assets on our platform and we pay these providers fees for their services. From time to time, payment networks have increased, and may increase in the future, the interchange fees and assessments that they charge for transactions that use their networks. Payment networks have imposed, and may impose in the future, special fees on the purchase of crypto assets, including on our platform, which could negatively impact us and significantly increase our costs. Our payment card processors may have the right to pass any increases in interchange fees and assessments on to us, and may impose additional use charges which would increase our operating costs and reduce our operating income. We could attempt to pass these increases along to our customers, but this strategy might result in the loss of customers to our competitors that may not pass along the increases, thereby reducing our revenue and earnings. If competitive practices prevent us from passing along the higher fees to our customers in the future, we may have to absorb all or a portion of such increases, thereby increasing our operating costs and reducing our earnings.
We may also be directly or indirectly liable to the payment networks for rule violations. Payment networks set and interpret their network operating rules and have alleged from time to time that various aspects of our business model violate these operating rules. If such allegations are not resolved favorably, they may result in significant fines and penalties or require changes in our business practices that may be costly and adversely affect our business. The payment networks could adopt new operating rules or interpret or reinterpret existing rules that we or our processors might find difficult or even impossible to follow, or costly to implement. As a result, we could lose our ability to give customers the option of using cards to fund their purchases or the choice of currency in which they would like their card to be charged.
If we are unable to accept cards or are limited in our ability to do so, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We depend on major mobile operating systems and third-party platforms for the distribution of certain products. If Google Play, the Apple App Store, or other platforms prevent customers from downloading our apps, our ability to grow may be hindered and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We rely upon third-party platforms for the distribution of certain products and services. Our Coinbase and Coinbase Wallet apps are provided as free applications through both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, and are also accessible via mobile and traditional websites. The Google Play Store and Apple App Store are global application distribution platforms and the main distribution channels for our apps. As such, the promotion, distribution, and operation of our apps are subject to the respective platforms’ terms and policies for application developers, which are very broad and subject to frequent changes and re-interpretation. Further, these distribution platforms often contain restrictions related to crypto assets that are uncertain, broadly construed, and can limit the nature and scope of services that can be offered. For example, Apple App Store’s restrictions related to crypto assets have disrupted the proposed launch of many features within the Coinbase and Coinbase Wallet apps, including NFT transfer services and access to decentralized applications. If our products are found to be in violation of any such terms and conditions, we may no longer be able to offer our products through such third-party platforms. There can be no guarantee that third-party platforms will continue to support our product offerings, or that customers will be able to continue to use our products. For example, in November 2013, our iOS app was temporarily removed by Apple from the Apple App Store. In December 2019, we were similarly instructed by Apple to remove certain features relating to decentralized applications from our application to comply with the Apple App Store’s policies. Any changes, bugs, technical or regulatory issues with third-party platforms, our relationships with mobile manufacturers and carriers, or changes to their terms of service or policies could degrade our products’ functionalities, reduce or eliminate our ability to distribute our products, give preferential treatment to competitive products, limit our ability to deliver high quality offerings, or impose fees or other charges, any of which could affect our product usage and adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Risks Related to Intellectual Property
Our intellectual property rights are valuable, and any inability to protect them could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our business depends in large part on our proprietary technology and our brand. We rely on, and expect to continue to rely on, a combination of trademark, trade dress, patents, domain name, copyright, and trade secrets, as well as confidentiality and license agreements with our employees, contractors, consultants, and third parties with whom we have relationships, to establish and protect our brand and other intellectual property rights. However, our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights may not be sufficient or effective. Our proprietary technology and trade secrets could be lost through misappropriation or breach of our confidentiality and license agreements, and any of our intellectual property rights may be challenged, which could result in them being narrowed in scope or declared invalid or unenforceable. There can be no assurance that our intellectual property rights will be sufficient to protect against others offering products, services, or technologies that are substantially similar to ours and that compete with our business.
We do not intend to monetize our patents or attempt to block third parties from competing with us by asserting our patents offensively, but our ability to successfully defend intellectual property challenges from competitors and other parties may depend, in part and where permissible, on our ability to counter-assert our patents defensively. Effective protection of our intellectual property may be expensive and difficult to maintain, both in terms of application and registration costs as well as the costs of defending and enforcing those rights. As we have grown, we have sought to obtain and protect our intellectual property rights in an increasing number of countries, a process that can be expensive and may not always be successful.
In some instances, patent applications or patents may be abandoned or allowed to lapse, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in a relevant jurisdiction. Further, intellectual property protection may not be available to us in every country in which our products and services are available, and the regulatory landscape in such jurisdictions may evolve rapidly, leading to an unanticipated change in the ability to obtain and enforce intellectual property rights in these jurisdictions. For example, some foreign countries have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner must grant licenses to third parties. In addition, many countries limit the enforceability of patents against certain third parties, including government agencies or government contractors. In these countries, patents may provide limited or no benefit. We may also agree to license our patents to third parties as part of various patent pools and open patent projects. Those licenses may diminish our ability, though, to counter-assert our patents against certain parties that may bring claims against us.
We have been, and in the future may be, sued by third parties for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights.
In recent years, there has been considerable patent, copyright, trademark, domain name, trade secret, and other intellectual property development activity in the cryptoeconomy, as well as litigation, based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property, including by large financial institutions. Furthermore, individuals and groups can purchase patents and other intellectual property assets for the purpose of making claims of infringement to extract settlements from companies like ours. Our use of third-party intellectual property rights also may be subject to claims of infringement or misappropriation. We cannot guarantee that our internally developed or acquired technologies and content do not or will not infringe the intellectual property rights of others. From time to time, our competitors or other third parties may claim that we are infringing upon or misappropriating their intellectual property rights, and we may be found to be infringing upon such rights. Any claims or litigation could cause us to incur significant expenses and, if successfully asserted against us, could require that we pay substantial damages or ongoing royalty payments, prevent us from offering our products or services or using certain technologies, force us to implement expensive or less effective work-arounds, or impose other unfavorable terms. We expect that the occurrence of infringement claims is likely to grow as the crypto assets market grows and matures. Accordingly, our exposure to damages resulting from infringement claims could increase and this could further exhaust our financial and management resources. Further, during the course of any litigation, we may make announcements regarding the results of hearings and motions, and other interim developments. If securities analysts and investors regard these announcements as negative, the market price of our Class A common stock may decline. Even if intellectual property claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the resources of our management and require significant expenditures. Any of the foregoing could prevent us from competing effectively and could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our platform contains third-party open source software components, and failure to comply with the terms of the underlying open source software licenses could harm our business.
Our platform contains software modules licensed to us by third-party authors under “open source” licenses. We also make certain of our own software available to users for free under various open source licenses. Use and distribution of open source software may entail greater risks than use of third-party commercial software, as open source licensors generally do not provide support, warranties, indemnification or other contractual protections regarding infringement claims or the quality of the code. In addition, the public availability of such software may make it easier for others to compromise our platform.
Some open source licenses contain requirements that we make available source code for modifications or derivative works we create based upon the type of open source software we use, or grant other licenses to our intellectual property. If we combine our proprietary software with open source software in a certain manner, we could, under certain open source licenses, be required to release the source code of our proprietary software to the public. This would allow our competitors to create similar offerings with lower development effort and time and ultimately could result in a loss of our competitive advantages.
Alternatively, to avoid the public release of the affected portions of our source code, we could be required to expend substantial time and resources to re-engineer some or all of our software.
We have not recently conducted an extensive audit of our use of open source software and, as a result, we cannot assure you that our processes for controlling our use of open source software in our platform are, or will be, effective. If we are held to have breached or failed to fully comply with all the terms and conditions of an open source software license, we could face litigation, infringement claims, or other liabilities. Likewise, we may be required to seek costly licenses from third parties to continue providing our offerings on terms that are not economically feasible, to re-engineer our platform, to discontinue or delay the provision of our offerings if re-engineering cannot be accomplished on a timely basis or to make generally available, in source code form, our proprietary code, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. Moreover, the terms of many open source licenses have not been interpreted by U.S. or foreign courts. As a result, there is a risk that these licenses could be construed in a way that could impose unanticipated conditions or restrictions on our ability to provide or distribute our platform. From time to time, there have been claims challenging the ownership of open source software against companies that incorporate open source software into their solutions. As a result, we could be subject to lawsuits by parties claiming ownership of what we believe to be open source software.
Risks Related to Our Employees and Other Service Providers
The loss of one or more of our key personnel, or our failure to attract and retain other highly qualified personnel in the future, could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We operate in a relatively new industry that is not widely understood and requires highly skilled and technical personnel. We believe that our future success is highly dependent on the talents and contributions of our senior management team, including Mr. Armstrong, our co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, members of our executive team, and other key employees across product, engineering, risk management, finance, compliance and legal, and marketing. Our future success depends on our ability to attract, develop, motivate, and retain highly qualified and skilled employees. The pool of qualified talent in our industry is extremely limited, particularly with respect to executive talent, engineering, risk management, and financial regulatory expertise. We face intense competition for qualified individuals from numerous software and other technology companies. To attract and retain key personnel, we incur significant costs, including salaries and benefits and equity incentives. Even so, these measures may not be enough to attract and retain the personnel we require to operate our business effectively. The loss of even a few key employees or senior leaders, or an inability to attract, retain and motivate additional highly skilled employees required for the planned expansion of our business could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition and impair our ability to grow.
Our culture emphasizes innovation, and if we cannot maintain this culture, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We believe that our entrepreneurial and innovative corporate culture has been a key contributor to our success. We encourage and empower our employees to develop and launch new and innovative products and services, which we believe is essential to attracting high quality talent, partners, and developers, as well as serving the best, long-term interests of our company. If we cannot maintain this culture, we could lose the innovation, creativity and teamwork that has been integral to our business. Additionally, from time to time, we realign our resources and talent to implement stage-appropriate business strategies, including furloughs, layoffs, or reductions in force. In such cases, we may find it difficult to prevent a negative effect on employee morale or attrition beyond our planned reduction, in which case our products and services may suffer and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
In the event of employee or service provider misconduct or error, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Employee or service provider misconduct or error could subject us to legal liability, financial losses, and regulatory sanctions and could seriously harm our reputation and negatively affect our business. Such misconduct could include engaging in improper or unauthorized transactions or activities, misappropriation of customer funds, insider trading and misappropriation of information, failing to supervise other employees or service providers, improperly using confidential information, as well as improper trading activity such as spoofing, layering, wash trading, manipulation and front-running. Employee or service provider errors, including mistakes in executing, recording, or processing transactions for customers, could expose us to the risk of material losses even if the errors are detected. Although we have implemented processes and procedures and provide trainings to our employees and service providers to reduce the likelihood of misconduct and error, these efforts may not be successful. Moreover, the risk of employee or service provider error or misconduct may be even greater for novel products and services and is compounded by the fact that many of our employees and service providers are accustomed to working at tech companies which generally do not maintain the same compliance customs and rules as financial services firms. This can lead to high risk of confusion among employees and service providers with respect to compliance obligations, particularly including confidentiality, data access, trading, and conflicts. It is not always possible to deter misconduct, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases. If we were found to have not met our regulatory oversight and compliance and other obligations, we could be subject to regulatory sanctions, financial penalties, restrictions on our activities for failure to properly identify, monitor and respond to potentially problematic activity and seriously damage our reputation. Our employees, contractors, and agents could also commit errors that subject us to financial claims for negligence, as well as regulatory actions, or result in financial liability. Further, allegations by regulatory or criminal authorities of improper trading activities could affect our brand and reputation.
Our officers, directors, employees, and large stockholders may encounter potential conflicts of interests with respect to their positions or interests in certain crypto assets, entities, and other initiatives, which could adversely affect our business and reputation.
We frequently engage in a wide variety of transactions and maintain relationships with a significant number of crypto projects, their developers, members of their ecosystem, and investors. These transactions and relationships could create potential conflicts of interests in management decisions that we make. For instance, certain of our officers, directors, and employees are active investors in crypto projects themselves, and may make investment decisions that favor projects that they have personally invested in. Many of our large stockholders also make investments in these crypto projects. In addition, our co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Armstrong, is involved in a number of initiatives related to the cryptoeconomy and more broadly. For example, Mr. Armstrong currently serves as the chief executive officer of ResearchHub Technologies, Inc., a scientific research development platform. This and other initiatives he is involved in could divert Mr. Armstrong's time and attention from overseeing our business operations which could have a negative impact on our business. Moreover, we may in the future be subject to litigation as a result of his involvement with these other initiatives.
Similarly, certain of our directors, officers, employees, and large stockholders may hold crypto assets that we are considering supporting for trading on our platform, and may be more supportive of such listing notwithstanding legal, regulatory, and other issues associated with such crypto assets. While we have instituted policies and procedures to limit and mitigate such risks, there is no assurance that such policies and procedures will be effective, or that we will be able to manage such conflicts of interests adequately. If we fail to manage these conflicts of interests, or we receive unfavorable media coverage with respect to actual or perceived conflicts of interest, our business could be harmed and the brand, reputation and credibility of our company could be adversely affected.
General Risk Factors
Adverse economic conditions could adversely affect our business.
Our performance is subject to general economic conditions, and their impact on the crypto asset markets and our customers. The United States and other key international economies have experienced cyclical downturns from time to time in which economic activity declined resulting in lower consumption rates, restricted credit, reduced profitability, weaknesses in financial markets, bankruptcies, and overall uncertainty with respect to the economy. Adverse general economic conditions have impacted in the past, and may impact in the future, the cryptoeconomy, although the extent of such impacts remains uncertain and dependent on a variety of factors, including market adoption of crypto assets, global trends in the cryptoeconomy, central bank monetary policies, instability in the global banking system, volatility and disruptions in the capital and credit markets, and other events beyond our control. Geopolitical developments, such as trade wars and foreign exchange limitations can also increase the severity and levels of unpredictability globally and increase the volatility of global financial and crypto asset markets. For example, in the past the capital and credit markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruptions, resulting in steep declines in the value of crypto assets. To the extent general economic conditions and crypto assets markets materially deteriorate or decline for a prolonged period, our ability to generate revenue and to attract and retain customers could suffer and our business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected. Moreover, even if general economic conditions were to improve following any such deterioration, there is no guarantee that the cryptoeconomy would similarly improve.
Further, in 2022, a number of blockchain protocols and crypto financial firms, and in particular protocols and firms involving high levels of financial leverage such as high-yield lending products or derivatives trading, suffered from insolvency and liquidity crises leading to the 2022 Events. Some of the 2022 Events are alleged or have been held to be the result of fraudulent activity by insiders, including misappropriation of customer funds and other illicit activity and internal controls failures. In connection with the 2022 Events, concerns were raised about the potential for a market condition where the failure of one company leads to the financial distress of other companies, which has the potential to depress the prices of assets used as collateral by other firms. If such a market condition were to become widespread in the cryptoeconomy, we could suffer from increased counterparty risk, including defaults or bankruptcies of major customers or counterparties, which could lead to significantly reduced activity on our platform and fewer available crypto market opportunities in general. Further, forced selling of crypto assets by distressed companies could lead to lower crypto asset prices and may lead to a reduction in our revenue. To the extent that conditions in the general economic and crypto asset markets were to materially deteriorate, our ability to attract and retain customers may suffer.
Actual events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or other companies in the financial services industry, or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any such events or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. For example, in March 2023, Silvergate Capital Corp. announced it would wind down operations and liquidate Silvergate Bank. Soon after, the FDIC was appointed receiver of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. In connection with these issues and issues with other financial institutions, the prices of fiat-backed stablecoins, including USDC, were temporarily impacted and may be similarly impacted again in the future. Further, if the instability in the global banking system continues or worsens, there could be additional negative ramifications, such as additional all market-wide liquidity problems or impacted access to deposits and investments for customers of affected banks and certain banking partners, and our business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We are a remote-first company which subjects us to heightened operational risks.
Our employees and service providers work from home and we are a remote-first company. This subjects us to heightened operational risks. For example, technologies in our employees’ and service providers’ homes may not be as robust as in our offices and could cause the networks, information systems, applications, and other tools available to employees and service providers to be more limited or less reliable than in our offices.
Further, the security systems in place at our employees’ and service providers’ homes may be less secure than those used in our offices, and while we have implemented technical and administrative safeguards to help protect our systems as our employees and service providers work from home, we may be subject to increased cybersecurity risk, which could expose us to risks of data or financial loss, and could disrupt our business operations. There is no guarantee that the data security and privacy safeguards we have put in place will be completely effective or that we will not encounter risks associated with employees and service providers accessing company data and systems remotely. We also face challenges due to the need to operate with the remote workforce and are addressing those challenges to minimize the impact on our ability to operate.
Environmental, social, and governance factors may impose additional costs and expose us to new risks.
There is focus from certain investors, regulators, employees, users and other stakeholders concerning corporate responsibility, specifically related to environmental, social, and governance matters (“ESG”) and related assurances and disclosures. Compliance with recently adopted and potential upcoming ESG requirements, including the E.U.’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and California’s climate-related bills, may require the dedication of significant time and resources. If we are unable to comply with new laws and regulations or changes to existing legal or regulatory requirements concerning ESG matters, or if we fail to meet investor, industry, or stakeholder expectations and standards relating to ESG matters, our reputation may be harmed, customers may choose to refrain from using our products and services, we may be subject to fines, penalties, regulatory or other enforcement actions, and our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Changes in U.S. and foreign tax laws, as well as the application of such laws, could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We are subject to complex tax laws and regulations in the United States and a variety of foreign jurisdictions. All of these jurisdictions have in the past and may in the future make changes to their corporate income tax rates and other income tax laws which could increase our future income tax provision. For example, our future income tax obligations could be adversely affected by earnings that are lower than anticipated in jurisdictions where we have lower statutory rates and by earnings that are higher than anticipated in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory rates, by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, by changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, or by changes in tax laws, regulations, accounting principles, or interpretations thereof, including changes with possible retroactive application or effect.
Our determination of our tax liability is subject to review and may be challenged by applicable U.S. and foreign tax authorities. Any adverse outcome of such a challenge could harm our operating results and financial condition. The determination of our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires significant judgment and, in the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is complex and uncertain. Moreover, as a multinational business, we have subsidiaries that engage in many intercompany transactions in a variety of tax jurisdictions where the ultimate tax determination is complex and uncertain. Our existing corporate structure and intercompany arrangements have been implemented in a manner we believe is in compliance with current prevailing tax laws. Furthermore, as we operate in multiple taxing jurisdictions, the application of tax laws can be subject to diverging and sometimes conflicting interpretations by tax authorities of these jurisdictions. It is not uncommon for taxing authorities in different countries to have conflicting views with respect to, among other things, the characterization and source of income or other tax items, the manner in which the arm’s-length standard is applied for transfer pricing purposes, or with respect to the valuation of intellectual property. The taxing authorities of the jurisdictions in which we operate may challenge our tax treatment of certain items or the methodologies we use for valuing developed technology or intercompany arrangements, which could impact our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our financial position and operating results.
Further, any changes in the tax laws governing our activities may increase our tax expense, the amount of taxes we pay, or both. For example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), enacted on December 22, 2017, significantly reformed the U.S. federal tax code, reducing the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate, making sweeping changes to the rules governing international business operations, and imposing new limitations on a number of tax benefits, including deductions for business interest and the use of net operating loss carryforwards. Effective beginning in 2022, the TCJA also eliminated the option to immediately deduct research and development expenditures and required taxpayers to amortize domestic expenditures over five years and foreign expenditures over fifteen years. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “Inflation Reduction Act”), enacted on August 16, 2022, further amended the U.S. federal tax code, imposing a 15% minimum tax on “adjusted financial statement income” of certain corporations as well as an excise tax on the repurchase or redemption of stock by certain corporations, beginning in the 2023 tax year. In addition, over the last several years, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has been working on a Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project that, if implemented, would change various aspects of the existing framework under which our tax obligations are determined in many of the countries in which we do business. As of December 2024, over 140 countries have approved a framework that imposes a minimum tax rate of 15%, among other provisions. As this framework is subject to further negotiation and implementation by each member country, the timing and ultimate impact of any such changes on our tax obligations are uncertain. There can be no assurance that future tax law changes will not increase the rate of the corporate income tax, impose new limitations on deductions, credits or other tax benefits, or make other changes that could impact our cash flows and adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
In addition, the IRS has yet to issue guidance on a number of important issues regarding the tax treatment of cryptocurrency and the products we provide to our customers and from which we derive our income. In the absence of such guidance, we will take positions with respect to any such unsettled issues. There is no assurance that the IRS or a court will agree with the positions taken by us, in which case tax penalties and interest may be imposed that could adversely affect our business, cash flows or financial performance.
We also are subject to non-income taxes, such as payroll, sales, use, value-added, digital services, net worth, property, and goods and services taxes in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. Specifically, we may be subject to new allocations of tax as a result of increasing efforts by certain jurisdictions to tax activities that may not have been subject to tax under existing tax principles. Companies such as ours may be adversely impacted by such taxes. Tax authorities may disagree with certain positions we have taken. As a result, we may have exposure to additional tax liabilities that could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
As a result of these and other factors, the ultimate amount of tax obligations owed may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and any such difference may harm our operating results in future periods in which we change our estimates of our tax obligations or in which the ultimate tax outcome is determined.
Our ability to use our deferred tax assets may be subject to certain limitations under U.S. or foreign law.
Realization of our deferred tax assets, in the form of future domestic or foreign tax deductions, credits or other tax benefits, will depend on future taxable income, and there is a risk that some or all of such tax assets could be subject to limitation or otherwise unavailable to offset future income tax liabilities, all of which could adversely affect our operating results. For example, future changes in our stock ownership, the causes of which may be outside of our control, could result in an ownership change under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which could limit our use of such tax assets in certain circumstances.
Similarly, additional changes may be made to U.S. (federal and state) and foreign tax laws which could further limit our ability to fully utilize these tax assets against future taxable income.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, our ability to utilize tax deductions or losses from prior years may be limited by the imposition of the 15% minimum tax if such minimum tax applies to us. Therefore, we may be required to pay additional U.S. federal income taxes despite any available tax deductions, U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards, credits, or other tax benefits that we accumulate.
We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
Our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates through our international operations could have a negative impact on our operating results and financial condition. From time to time, we may engage in currency hedging activities to limit our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations that arise in the normal course of business. The use of hedging instruments may not offset any or more than a portion of the adverse financial effects of unfavorable movements in foreign exchange rates, and may introduce additional risks if we are unable to structure effective hedges with such instruments.
If our estimates or judgment relating to our critical accounting estimates prove to be incorrect, our operating results could be adversely affected.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, as provided in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates” in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities, and equity, and the amount of expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Significant estimates and judgments that comprise our critical accounting estimates involve the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, valuation of strategic investments, evaluation of tax positions, and evaluation of legal and other contingencies. Our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected if our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, which could cause our operating results to differ from the expectations of analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in the trading price of our Class A common stock.
We may be adversely affected by natural disasters, pandemics, and other catastrophic events, and by man-made problems such as terrorism, that could disrupt our business operations, and our business continuity and disaster recovery plans may not adequately protect us from a serious disaster.
Natural disasters or other catastrophic events may also cause damage or disruption to our operations, international commerce, and the global economy, and could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition. Our business operations are subject to interruption by natural disasters, fire, power shortages, and other events beyond our control. In addition, our global operations expose us to risks associated with public health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics, which could harm our business and cause our operating results to suffer. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic and the related precautionary measures that we adopted have in the past resulted, and could in the future result, in difficulties or changes to our customer support, or create operational or other challenges, any of which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. Further, acts of terrorism, labor activism or unrest, and other geopolitical unrest, including ongoing regional conflicts around the world, could cause disruptions in our business or the businesses of our partners or the economy as a whole. In the event of a natural disaster, including a major earthquake, blizzard, or hurricane, or a catastrophic event such as a fire, power loss, or telecommunications failure, we may be unable to continue our operations and may endure system interruptions, reputational harm, delays in development of our platform, lengthy interruptions in service, breaches of data security, and loss of critical data, all of which could have an adverse effect on our future operating results.
We do not maintain insurance sufficient to compensate us for the potentially significant losses that could result from disruptions to our services. Additionally, all the aforementioned risks may be further increased if we do not implement a disaster recovery plan or our partners’ disaster recovery plans prove to be inadequate. To the extent natural disasters or other catastrophic events concurrently impact data centers we rely on in connection with private key restoration, customers will experience significant delays in withdrawing funds, or in the extreme we may suffer loss of customer funds.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over our financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.
As a public company we incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules of the SEC require, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to maintain and, if required, improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting to meet this standard, we have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, significant resources, including accounting-related costs and significant management oversight. If we encounter material weaknesses or deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting, we may not detect errors on a timely basis and our Consolidated Financial Statements may be materially misstated.
Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could also adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that are required to be included in our periodic reports filed with the SEC. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, negatively impact the price of our Class A common stock and have a material and adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We may require additional capital to support business growth, and this capital might not be available.
We have funded our operations since inception primarily through equity financings, debt, and cash flows generated from operations. We cannot be certain that our operations will continue to fund our ongoing operations or the growth of our business. We intend to continue to make investments in our business, which investments may require us to secure additional funds. Additional financing may not be available on terms favorable to us, if at all, including due to general macroeconomic conditions, crypto market conditions and any disruptions in the crypto market, instability in the global banking system, increasing regulatory uncertainty and scrutiny or other unforeseen factors. In the event of a downgrade of our credit rating, our ability to raise additional financing may be adversely affected and any future debt offerings or credit arrangements we propose to enter into may be on less favorable terms or terms that may not be acceptable to us. In addition, even if debt financing is available, the cost of additional financing may be significantly higher than our current debt. If we incur additional debt, the debt holders would have rights senior to holders of our common stock to make claims on our assets, and the terms of any debt could restrict our operations, including our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. Furthermore, we have authorized the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock and common stock that our board of directors could use to, among other things, issue shares of our capital stock in the form of blockchain tokens, implement a stockholder rights plan, or issue other shares of preferred stock or common stock. We may issue shares of capital stock, including in the form of blockchain tokens, to our customers in connection with customer reward or loyalty programs. If we issue additional equity securities, stockholders will experience dilution, and the new equity securities could have rights senior to those of our currently authorized and issued common stock. The trading prices for our common stock may be highly volatile, which may reduce our ability to access capital on favorable terms or at all. In addition, a slowdown or other sustained adverse downturn in the general economic or crypto asset markets could adversely affect our business and the value of our Class A common stock.
Because our decision to raise capital in the future will depend on numerous considerations, including factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing, or nature of any future issuances of securities. As a result, our stockholders bear the risk of future issuances of debt or equity securities reducing the value of our Class A common stock and diluting their interests.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock
The market price of our Class A common stock may be volatile, and could decline significantly and rapidly. Market volatility may affect the value of an investment in our Class A common stock and could subject us to litigation.
Prior to the listing of our Class A common stock on Nasdaq, there was no public market for shares of our Class A common stock. Technology stocks have historically experienced high levels of volatility. The market price of our Class A common stock also could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to the risk factors described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and others beyond our control, including:
•the number of shares of our Class A common stock publicly owned and available for trading;
•overall performance of the equity markets or publicly-listed financial services and technology companies;
•our actual or anticipated operating performance and the operating performance of our competitors;
•changes in the projected operational and financial results we provide to the public or our failure to meet those projections;
•failure of securities analysts to initiate or maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by any securities analysts who follow our company, or our failure to meet the estimates or the expectations of investors;
•any major change in our board of directors, management, or key personnel;
•if we issue additional shares of capital stock, including in the form of blockchain tokens, in connection with customer reward or loyalty programs;
•issuance of shares of our Class A common stock, whether in connection with an acquisition or upon conversion of some or all of our outstanding 2026 Convertible Notes and 2030 Convertible Notes;
•repurchases by us of any of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock, including under the Share Repurchase Program, on unfavorable terms or at all;
•the highly volatile nature of the cryptoeconomy and the prices of crypto assets;
•rumors and market speculation involving the cryptoeconomy and the regulation thereof, or us or other companies in our industry;
•announcements by us or our competitors of significant innovations, new products, services, features, integrations or capabilities, acquisitions, strategic investments, partnerships, joint ventures, or capital commitments; and
•other events or factors, including those resulting from political instability and acts of war or terrorism, regional conflicts around the world, government shutdowns, bank failures, or responses to these events.
Furthermore, the stock market has recently experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies and financial services and technology companies in particular. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations, as well as general macroeconomic, political and market conditions such as recessions, interest rate changes, or international currency fluctuations, may negatively impact the market price of our Class A common stock.
In the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We are currently subject to stockholder litigation and the June 2023 SEC Complaint, as described in the section titled “Legal Proceedings” in Part I, Item 3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and may continue to be the target of these types of actions or additional regulatory uncertainty and scrutiny in the future. Securities or regulatory actions against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could harm our business.
The dual class structure of our common stock has the effect of concentrating voting control with those stockholders, including our directors, executive officers, and 5% stockholders, and their respective affiliates. As a result of this structure, our Chief Executive Officer has control over key decision making as a result of his control of a majority of our voting stock. This ownership will limit or preclude your ability to influence corporate matters, including the election of directors, amendments of our organizational documents, and any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets, or other major corporate transaction requiring stockholder approval.
Our Class B common stock has twenty votes per share, and our Class A common stock has one vote per share. Mr. Armstrong is currently able to exercise voting rights with respect to a majority of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock and, along with our directors, other executive officers, and 5% stockholders, and their affiliates, these stockholders hold in the aggregate a substantial majority of the voting power of our capital stock. Because of the twenty-to-one voting ratio between our Class B common stock and our Class A common stock, the holders of our Class B common stock, including Mr. Armstrong, collectively are expected to continue to control a significant percentage of the combined voting power of our common stock and therefore be able to control all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval until the earliest to occur of (i) the date fixed by the board of directors that is no less than 61 days and no more than 180 days after the date that the aggregate number of shares of Class B common stock held by Brian Armstrong and his affiliates is less than 25% of the aggregate number of shares of Class B common stock held by Mr. Armstrong and his affiliates on April 1, 2021, the date of effectiveness of the registration statement on Form S-1 for the listing of our Class A common stock on Nasdaq; (ii) the date and time specified by affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding shares of Class B common stock, voting as a single class, and the affirmative vote of at least 66-2/3% of the then serving members of our board of directors, which must include the affirmative vote of Mr. Armstrong, if either (A) Mr. Armstrong is serving on our board of directors and has not been terminated for cause or resigned except for good reason (as each term is defined in our restated certificate of incorporation) from his position as our Chief Executive Officer or (B) Mr. Armstrong has not been removed for cause or resigned from the position of Chairman of the board of directors; and (iii) the death or disability (as defined in our restated certificate of incorporation) of Mr. Armstrong, when all outstanding shares of Class B common stock will convert automatically into shares of Class A common stock. Holders of our Class A common stock are not entitled to vote separately as a single class except under certain limited circumstances. This concentrated control may limit or preclude your ability to influence corporate matters for the foreseeable future, including the election of directors, amendments of our organizational documents, and any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets, or other major corporate transaction requiring stockholder approval. In addition, this may prevent or discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or offers for our capital stock that you may believe are in your best interest as one of our stockholders. In addition, Mr. Armstrong has the ability to control the management and major strategic investments of our company as a result of his position as our Chief Executive Officer and his ability to control the election or replacement of our directors. As a board member and officer, Mr. Armstrong owes a fiduciary duty to our stockholders and must act in good faith in a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of our stockholders. As a stockholder, even a controlling stockholder, Mr. Armstrong is entitled to vote his shares, and shares over which he has voting control, in his own interests, which may not always be in the interests of our stockholders generally.
Future transfers by holders of Class B common stock will generally result in those shares converting to Class A common stock, subject to limited exceptions, such as certain transfers effected for estate planning purposes. The conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock will have the effect, over time, of increasing the relative voting power of those holders of Class B common stock, including Mr. Armstrong, who retain their shares in the long term. Moreover, it is possible that one or more of the persons or entities holding our Class B common stock could gain significant voting control as other holders of Class B common stock sell or otherwise convert their shares into Class A common stock.
The dual class structure of our common stock may adversely affect the trading market for our Class A common stock.
Certain stock index providers exclude companies with multiple classes of shares of common stock from being added to certain stock indices. In addition, several stockholder advisory firms and large institutional investors oppose the use of multiple class structures. As a result, the dual class structure of our common stock may prevent the inclusion of our Class A common stock in such indices, may cause stockholder advisory firms to publish negative commentary about our corporate governance practices or otherwise seek to cause us to change our capital structure, and may result in large institutional investors not purchasing shares of our Class A common stock. Any exclusion from stock indices could result in less demand for our Class A common stock. Any actions or publications by stockholder advisory firms or institutional investors critical of our corporate governance practices or capital structure could also adversely affect the value of our Class A common stock.
Sales or distribution of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock, or the perception that such sales or distributions might occur, could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline.
The sale or distribution of a substantial number of shares of our Class A common stock, particularly sales by us or our directors, executive officers, and principal stockholders, or the perception that these sales or distributions might occur in large quantities, could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline.
In addition, we have filed a registration statement to register shares reserved for future issuance under our equity compensation plans. All of the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options or vesting and settlement of restricted stock units and performance restricted stock units will be able to be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to applicable vesting requirements and compliance by affiliates with Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
Further, certain holders of shares of our common stock will have rights, subject to some conditions, to require us to file registration statements for the public resale of shares of Class A common stock or to include such shares in registration statements that we may file for us or other stockholders. Any registration statement we file to register additional shares, whether as a result of registration rights or otherwise, could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline or be volatile.
We also may issue our capital stock or securities convertible into our capital stock, including in the form of blockchain tokens, from time to time in connection with a financing, an acquisition, investments, pursuant to customer rewards, loyalty programs, and other incentive plans, or otherwise. Any such issuance could result in substantial dilution to our existing stockholders and cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research, about our business, the price of our Class A common stock and its liquidity could decline.
The trading market for our Class A common stock may be influenced by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business, our market, and our competitors. We do not have any control over these analysts.
If securities and industry analysts cease coverage of us altogether, the market price for our Class A common stock may be negatively affected. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our Class A common stock, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of our Class A common stock may decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our Class A common stock could decrease, which might cause our Class A common stock price and trading volume to decline. In light of the unpredictability inherent in our business, our financial outlook commentary may differ from analysts’ expectations, which could cause volatility to the price of our Class A common stock.
We cannot guarantee that the Share Repurchase Program will be fully consummated or that such program will enhance the long-term value of our Class A common stock price.
In October 2024, our board of directors authorized and approved the Share Repurchase Program, which provides for the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of our outstanding Class A common stock without expiration. Repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market (including through trading plans intended to qualify under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act), in privately negotiated transactions, or by other methods in accordance with the applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The timing of any repurchases will depend on market conditions and will be made at our discretion. The Share Repurchase Program does not obligate us to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of our Class A common stock, and the program may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time.
The Share Repurchase Program could affect the price of our Class A common stock and increase the volatility thereof. Price volatility may cause the average price at which we repurchase our Class A common stock in a given period to exceed the stock’s price at a given point in time. There can be no assurance that the Share Repurchase Program will have a positive impact on our Class A common stock price or net income (loss) per share. Important factors that could cause us to discontinue or decrease share repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program include, among others: unfavorable market conditions; the market price of our Class A common stock; the nature of other investment or strategic opportunities presented to us from time to time; our ability to make appropriate, timely, and beneficial decisions as to when, how, and whether to repurchase shares under the Share Repurchase Program; and the availability of funds necessary to fulfill such repurchases.
Provisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law, and certain rules imposed by regulatory authorities, could make an acquisition of us, which may be beneficial to our stockholders, more difficult, limit attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management, limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or employees, and limit the price of our Class A common stock.
Provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and restated bylaws may have the effect of delaying or preventing a merger, acquisition, or other change of control of our company that the stockholders may consider favorable. In addition, because our board of directors is responsible for appointing the members of our management team, these provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors. Our restated certificate of incorporation and restated bylaws include provisions that:
•permit our board of directors to establish the number of directors and fill any vacancies and newly-created directorships;
•require super-majority voting to amend some provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and restated bylaws;
•authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock and common stock that our board of directors could use to implement a stockholder rights plan or issue other shares of preferred stock or common stock, including blockchain tokens;
•provide that only our Chief Executive Officer, the chairperson of our board of directors, or a majority of our board of directors will be authorized to call a special meeting of stockholders;
•eliminate the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders;
•prohibit cumulative voting;
•provide for a dual class common stock structure in which holders of our Class B common stock have the ability to control the outcome of matters requiring stockholder approval, even if they own significantly less than a majority of the outstanding shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock, including the election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of our company or its assets;
•provide that the board of directors is expressly authorized to make, alter, or repeal our restated bylaws; and
•provide for advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at annual stockholder meetings.
Moreover, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) may discourage, delay, or prevent a change of control of our company. Section 203 imposes certain restrictions on mergers, business combinations, and other transactions between holders of 15% or more of our common stock and us.
In addition, a third party attempting to acquire us or a substantial position in our common stock may be delayed or ultimately prevented from doing so by change in ownership or control regulations to which our regulated broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject. FINRA Rule 1017 generally provides that FINRA approval must be obtained in connection with any transaction resulting in a single person or entity owning, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of a member firm’s equity and would include a change of control of a parent company.
Our restated certificate of incorporation contains an exclusive forum provision for certain claims, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or employees.
Our restated certificate of incorporation, to the fullest extent permitted by law, provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; any action asserting a claim that is based upon a breach of fiduciary duty; any action asserting a claim against us or any current or former director, officer, stockholder, employee or agent of ours, arising pursuant to the DGCL, our restated certificate of incorporation, or our restated bylaws; any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine; or any action asserting an “internal corporate claim” as defined in Section 115 of the DGCL.
Moreover, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all claims brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder and our restated certificate of incorporation provides that the federal district courts of the United States of America are, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act, or a Federal Forum Provision, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum. Our decision to adopt a Federal Forum Provision followed a decision by the Supreme Court of the State of Delaware holding that such provisions are facially valid under Delaware law. While there can be no assurance that federal or state courts will follow the holding of the Delaware Supreme Court or determine that the Federal Forum Provision should be enforced in a particular case, application of the Federal Forum Provision means that suits brought by our stockholders to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act must be brought in federal court and cannot be brought in state court. Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all claims brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. The Federal Forum Provision applies to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Accordingly, actions by our stockholders to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder must be brought in federal court. Our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with the federal securities laws and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in any of our securities will be deemed to have notice of and consented to our exclusive forum provisions, including the Federal Forum Provision. These provisions may limit our stockholders’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum they find favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, and other employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, operating results, and financial condition.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
We have developed and implemented cybersecurity risk management processes intended to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our critical systems and information. While everyone at our company plays a part in managing cybersecurity risks, primary cybersecurity oversight responsibility is shared by our board of directors, our audit and compliance committee (“Audit Committee”), and senior management. Our cybersecurity risk management program is integrated into our overall enterprise risk management program.
Our cybersecurity risk management program includes:
•physical, technological, and administrative controls intended to support our cybersecurity and data governance framework, including protections designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our key information systems and customer, employee, partner, and other third-party information stored on those systems, such as access controls, encryption, data handling requirements, and other cybersecurity safeguards, and internal policies that govern our cybersecurity risk management and data protection practices;
•a defined procedure for timely incident detection, containment, response, and remediation, including a written security incident response plan that includes procedures for responding to cybersecurity incidents;
•cybersecurity risk assessment processes designed to help identify material cybersecurity risks to our critical systems, information, products, services, and broader enterprise IT environment;
•a security team responsible for managing our cybersecurity risk assessment processes and security controls;
•the use of external consultants or other third-party experts and service providers, where considered appropriate, to assess, test, or otherwise assist with aspects of our cybersecurity controls;
•annual cybersecurity and privacy training of employees, including incident response personnel and senior management, and specialized training for certain teams depending on their role and/or access to certain types of information, such as consumer information; and
•a third-party risk management process that includes internal vetting of certain third-party vendors and service providers with whom we may share data.
Over the past fiscal year, we have not identified risks from known cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any prior cybersecurity incidents we have experienced from time to time, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our operations, business strategy, operating results, or financial condition. We will continue to monitor and assess our cybersecurity risk management program as well as invest in and seek to improve such systems and processes as appropriate. If we were to experience a material cybersecurity incident in the future, such incident may have a material effect, including on our operations, business strategy, operating results, or financial condition. For more information regarding cybersecurity risks that we face and potential impacts on our business related thereto, see the section titled “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Cybersecurity Governance
With oversight from our board of directors, the Audit Committee is primarily responsible for assisting our board of directors in fulfilling its ultimate oversight responsibilities relating to risk assessment and management, including relating to cybersecurity and other information technology risks. The Audit Committee oversees management’s implementation of our cybersecurity risk management program, including processes and policies for determining risk tolerance, and reviews management’s strategies for adequately mitigating and managing identified risks, including risks relating to cybersecurity threats.
The Audit Committee has established the Enterprise Risk Management Working Group (“ERMWG”), comprising members of our senior management team and other senior leaders, to provide executive oversight of our enterprise risk management program. Our Chief Security Officer (“CSO”) is a member of the ERMWG, and together with our Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) leads an ERMWG sub-working group related to cybersecurity, which meets periodically to review and discuss emerging and key risks relating to cybersecurity at the company, and to provide regular updates to the ERMWG.
The Audit Committee receives updates from the ERMWG and from members of management, including our CSO and CISO, on our cybersecurity risks at its quarterly meetings, and reviews metrics about cyber threat response preparedness, program maturity milestones, risk mitigation status, and the current and emerging threat landscape. In addition, management updates the Audit Committee, as necessary, regarding any material cybersecurity threats or incidents, as well as any incidents with lesser impact potential.
The Audit Committee reports to our board of directors regarding its activities, including those related to key cybersecurity risks, mitigation strategies, and ongoing developments, on a quarterly basis or more frequently as needed. The board of directors also receives updates from our CSO and CISO on our cyber risk management program and other matters relating to our data privacy and cybersecurity approach, including risk mitigations to bolster and enhance our data protection and data governance framework. Members of our board of directors receive presentations that include cybersecurity topics and the management of key cybersecurity risks from our CSO and CISO as part of the continuing education of our board of directors on topics that impact public companies. Finally, our board of directors annually reviews and is required to approve our Global Information Security Program Policy and any changes recommended by our CSO.
Our management team, including our CSO and CISO, is responsible for assessing and managing our material risks from cybersecurity threats and for our overall cybersecurity risk management program on a day-to-day basis, and supervises both our internal cybersecurity personnel and the relationship with our retained external cybersecurity consultants. Our CSO’s and CISO’s experience includes years of working in the cybersecurity field in various industries, including the financial services industry.
Our management team supervises efforts to prevent, detect, mitigate, and remediate cybersecurity risks and incidents through various means, including through periodic ERMWG sub-working group meetings; briefings from internal security personnel; threat intelligence and other information obtained from governmental, public or private sources, including external consultants engaged by us; and alerts and reports produced by security tools deployed in the IT environment.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We are a remote-first company, meaning that for the vast majority of roles, our employees have the option to work remotely. Substantially all of our executive team meetings are held virtually, with meetings occasionally held in-person at locations that are either not in our offices or in various of our offices distributed around the world. We hold all of our stockholder meetings virtually. As a result of this strategy, we do not maintain a headquarter, but do currently lease physical offices in select major cities in the United States and other countries around the world for purposes of collaboration and team building.
We believe that our facilities are adequate to meet our needs for the immediate future, and that, should we need additional physical office space, suitable additional space will be available in the future.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For a description of material legal proceedings in which we are involved, see Note 21. Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.
We are not presently a party to any other legal or regulatory proceedings that in the opinion of our management, if determined adversely to us, would individually or taken together have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition, or cash flows. However, we are subject to regulatory oversight by numerous state, federal, and foreign regulators and we are and we may become subject to various legal proceedings, inquiries, investigations, and demand letters that arise in the course of our business. For example, we have received investigative subpoenas and other inquiries from various state agencies and attorneys general for documents and information pertaining to our business practices and policies, customer complaints, asset launches, certain ongoing litigation, and certain transfers of crypto assets. In addition, we have received investigative subpoenas from the SEC and similar subpoenas and demand letters from various regulators for documents and information, including about certain customer programs, operations, and existing and intended future products, including our processes for listing assets, the classification of certain listed assets, our staking programs, and our stablecoin and yield-generating products. We intend to cooperate fully with such investigations. These examples are not exhaustive.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information for Common Stock
Our Class A common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “COIN” on April 14, 2021. Prior to that date, there was no public trading market for our Class A common stock.
Our Class B common stock is not listed or traded on any stock exchange.
Holders of Record
As of February 6, 2025, there were 263 registered holders of record of our Class A common stock and 8 registered holders of record of our Class B common stock. Since many of our shares of Class A common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We are not obligated to pay any dividends on our Class A common stock or Class B common stock, and we currently do not anticipate paying any dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, general business conditions, and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
Stock Performance Graph
The following performance graph shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any of our filings under the Exchange Act or Securities Act.
The graph below compares the cumulative total return to stockholders of our Class A common stock between April 14, 2021 (the date our Class A common stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market) and December 31, 2024 relative to the Nasdaq Composite Index, the Nasdaq U.S. Benchmark Financial Services Index, the S&P North American Technology Index, and the price of Bitcoin. The graph assumes the investment of $100 in our Class A common stock at the closing sale price of $328.28 per share on April 14, 2021, and in each index and assumes the reinvestment of dividends, if any.
The historical data shown below should not be considered an indication of potential future stock price performance. Historical Bitcoin prices are primarily based on data obtained from our platform. Where such data is not available (e.g. during a platform outage), such data may sometimes be sourced from other third-party exchanges or data providers.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
We did not repurchase any shares of our Class A common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2024.
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in the section titled Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “our,” “us,” “the Company,” and “Coinbase” refer to Coinbase Global, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. For all narrative provided in this Item 7, two numbers presented consecutively represent figures for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively, unless otherwise noted. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 can be found in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Executive Overview
This executive overview of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations highlights selected information and does not contain all of the information that is important to readers of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
During 2024, we made progress against our goals of driving revenue growth, crypto utility, and regulatory clarity. We advanced the crypto economy by deepening institutional adoption, scaling international growth, and expanding real-world utility. Our investments in core products like derivatives and Coinbase One, as well as our focus on global expansion drove revenue growth, while innovations such as USDC rewards showcased the power of onchain finance.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, our net revenue was $6.3 billion, including $4.0 billion in transaction revenue and $2.3 billion in subscription and services revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2023, our net revenue was $2.9 billion, including $1.5 billion in transaction revenue and $1.4 billion in subscription and services revenue.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, our net income was $2.6 billion and Adjusted EBITDA was $3.3 billion. For the year ended December 31, 2023, our net income was $0.1 billion and Adjusted EBITDA was $1.0 billion.
For 2025, we believe that we are well-positioned to drive revenue growth across all macroeconomic environments, and we remain committed to advancing regulatory clarity. Despite multiple Federal Funds Rate decreases in late 2024, future interest rate decreases are not certain. If they continue, they may materially impact our subscription and services and other revenue. We plan to dynamically adjust our expense base in order to be responsive to market conditions and revenue opportunities, increasing or decreasing it as needed, especially with respect to certain variable expenses. In the first quarter of 2025, we expect technology and development and general and administrative expenses to grow modestly as compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily due to headcount growth and variable infrastructure and customer support expenses. Additionally, we expect sales and marketing expenses to grow, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily due to expected higher USDC rewards expense and variable non-brand marketing spend.
Key Business Metrics
In addition to the measures presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements, we use the key business metrics listed below to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, and make strategic decisions:
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Year Ended December 31, |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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% |
MTUs(1) (in millions) |
8.4 |
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7.4 |
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14 |
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Assets on Platform(2) (in billions) |
$ |
404 |
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$ |
191 |
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|
112 |
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Trading Volume (in billions) |
$ |
1,162 |
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|
$ |
468 |
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|
148 |
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Net income (in millions) |
$ |
2,579 |
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|
$ |
95 |
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|
nm |
Adjusted EBITDA(3) (in millions) |
$ |
3,348 |
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|
$ |
978 |
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|
242 |
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_____________
nm - not meaningful
(1)Represents the annual average MTUs, calculated as the average of quarterly MTUs, which are derived from the average of each month’s MTUs in each respective quarter. Quarterly MTUs for the fourth quarter of 2024 and 2023, were 9.7 million and 7.0 million, respectively.
(2)Represents Assets on Platform at December 31.
(3)In the first quarter of 2024, we revised our definition of Adjusted EBITDA and recast the prior period for comparability. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measure” below for a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA and an explanation for why we consider Adjusted EBITDA to be a helpful metric for investors.
Monthly Transacting Users
We define a Monthly Transacting User (“MTU”) as a consumer who actively or passively transacts in one or more products on our platform at least once during the rolling 28-day period ending on the date of measurement. MTUs engage in transactions that generate both transaction revenue and subscription and services revenue. Revenue-generating transactions include active transactions, such as buying or selling crypto assets or passive transactions such as earning staking rewards and USDC rewards. MTUs also engage in transactions that are non-revenue generating, such as consumers sending and receiving crypto assets between wallets and off-platform accounts on a non-expedited basis. MTUs may overstate the number of unique consumers due to differences in product architecture or user behavior.
MTUs increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to a 1.3 million increase in trading users, influenced by overall crypto market sentiment and activity and higher average crypto asset prices. Additionally, we saw growth in users participating in our USDC rewards programs, offset in part by a decrease in staking only users as a result of updates we made to our staking service.
Assets on Platform
As a result of our decision to adopt SAB 122 as of December 31, 2024 on a retrospective basis, we will include an Assets on Platform (“AOP”) key business metric going forward to expand upon the details of the assets we are obligated to securely store.
We define AOP as the total United States (“U.S.”) dollar equivalent value of USDC and crypto assets held or managed on behalf of customers in digital wallets on our platform, including our custody services but excluding assets for which the customer holds full or partial keys, calculated based on the market price on the date of measurement. Prior to SAB 122 adoption, SAB 121 safeguarding amounts included assets for which customers held full or partial keys. As customers are in control of those assets, we exclude them from our definition of AOP. AOP demonstrates the scale of balances held across our suite of products and services, the trust customers place in us to securely store their assets, and the underlying growth of the cryptoeconomy. AOP also represents our monetization opportunity for subscription products and services, including from the adoption and use of USDC, staking, custody, Prime Financing, and Coinbase One. AOP generate fees that are recorded as subscription and services revenue when customers engage with these products and services.
For additional information on the adoption of SAB 122, see Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Change in accounting principle, of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following table sets forth the value of AOP by asset (in thousands, except percentages):
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December 31, |
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Change |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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% |
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Bitcoin |
$ |
235,377,653 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
89,864,637 |
|
|
|
162 |
% |
Ethereum |
54,209,118 |
|
|
|
|
39,762,180 |
|
|
|
36 |
% |
Solana |
21,297,761 |
|
|
|
|
12,906,278 |
|
|
|
65 |
% |
Other crypto assets(1) |
87,058,643 |
|
|
|
|
46,303,676 |
|
|
|
88 |
% |
USDC |
6,091,015 |
|
|
|
|
2,367,276 |
|
|
|
157 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
$ |
404,034,190 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
191,204,047 |
|
|
|
111 |
% |
__________________
(1)Includes various other crypto asset balances, none of which individually represented more than 5% of total AOP.
AOP at December 31, 2024 increased as compared to December 31, 2023, primarily due to an increase in crypto asset prices, driven by broader crypto market sentiment and activity. Additionally, the growth in USDC balances is primarily attributable to the USDC rewards program, combined with deeper integration of USDC across our products.
Trading Volume
We define Trading Volume as the total U.S. dollar equivalent value of spot matched trades transacted between a buyer and seller through our platform during the period of measurement. Trading Volume does not include derivatives volume on our platform or trades executed on third-party venues. Trading Volume represents the product of the quantity of assets transacted and the trade price at the time the transaction was executed. As trading activity directly impacts transaction revenue, we believe this measure is a reflection of liquidity on our order books, trading health, and the underlying growth of the cryptoeconomy. Institutional customers incur lower fees per transaction than consumer customers and, as a result, the impact of changes in consumer Trading Volume on transaction revenue is more pronounced than the impact of changes in institutional Trading Volume.
Generally, Trading Volume on our platform is primarily influenced by overall market dynamics, namely the price of crypto assets, crypto asset volatility, and macroeconomic conditions, and by our share of total crypto market spot trading volume. In periods of high crypto asset prices and crypto asset volatility, we have experienced correspondingly high levels of Trading Volume on our platform.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
Trading Volume (in billions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
221 |
|
$ |
75 |
|
|
|
195 |
|
|
|
Institutional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
941 |
|
393 |
|
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
Total Trading Volume |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,162 |
|
$ |
468 |
|
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trading Volume by crypto asset |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bitcoin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
32 |
% |
|
34 |
% |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
|
|
Ethereum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
(40) |
|
|
|
USDT(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
Other crypto assets(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
100% |
|
100% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
____________________________________
(1)USDT is a stablecoin issued by Tether Operations Limited.
(2)No crypto assets other than those shown in this table individually represented more than 10% of our Trading Volume.
For the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023, Trading Volume increased reflecting an increase in both the total market and our market share in the U.S., where our business is concentrated:
•Total market — Crypto Asset Volatility1 increased 37% and average total crypto market capitalization increased 103%. These two macro inputs have historically been highly correlated with Trading Volume and are typically influenced by overall crypto market sentiment, activity in the crypto market, and changes in average crypto asset prices; and
•Market share — Trading Volume growth outpaced the 105% growth in overall U.S. spot market trading volume, as we were able to capture a larger portion of the trading activity due to our competitive position and product strategy.
1 Crypto Asset Volatility represents our internal measure of crypto asset volatility in the market relative to prior periods. The volatility is based on intraday returns of a volume-weighted basket of all assets listed on our trading platform. These returns are used to compute the basket’s intraday volatility which is then scaled to a daily window. These daily volatility values are then averaged over the applicable time period as needed.
Results of Operations
The following table presents the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands), as well as each component as a percentage of total revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
%(1) |
|
$ |
|
%(1) |
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue |
$ |
6,293,246 |
|
|
96 |
|
|
$ |
2,926,540 |
|
|
94 |
|
Other revenue |
270,782 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
181,843 |
|
|
6 |
|
Total revenue |
6,564,028 |
|
|
100 |
|
|
3,108,383 |
|
|
100 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transaction expense |
897,707 |
|
|
14 |
|
|
420,705 |
|
|
14 |
|
Technology and development |
1,468,252 |
|
|
22 |
|
|
1,324,541 |
|
|
43 |
|
Sales and marketing |
654,444 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
332,312 |
|
|
11 |
|
General and administrative |
1,300,257 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
1,074,308 |
|
|
35 |
|
Gains on crypto assets held for operations, net |
(71,725) |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Crypto asset impairment, net |
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(34,675) |
|
|
(1) |
|
Restructuring |
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
142,594 |
|
|
5 |
|
Other operating expense, net |
7,933 |
|
|
— |
|
|
10,260 |
|
|
— |
|
Total operating expenses |
4,256,868 |
|
|
65 |
|
|
3,270,045 |
|
|
105 |
|
Operating income (loss) |
2,307,160 |
|
|
35 |
|
|
(161,662) |
|
|
(5) |
|
Interest expense |
80,645 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
82,766 |
|
|
3 |
|
Gains on crypto assets held for investment, net |
(687,055) |
|
|
(10) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Other income, net |
(29,074) |
|
|
— |
|
|
(167,583) |
|
|
(5) |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
2,942,644 |
|
|
45 |
|
|
(76,845) |
|
|
(2) |
|
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes |
363,578 |
|
|
6 |
|
|
(171,716) |
|
|
(6) |
|
Net income |
$ |
2,579,066 |
|
|
39 |
|
|
$ |
94,871 |
|
|
3 |
|
__________________
(1)Figures presented above may not sum precisely due to rounding.
For information on what is included in each of the line items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, including the associated business drivers and accounting, please see Part I, Item 1. Business and Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and management’s discussion of the results of operations below.
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
Revenue
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 we generated 83% and 88%, respectively, of total revenue in the U.S. No other country accounted for more than 10% of total revenue during the years presented. International revenue comprised mainly transaction revenue in both years presented.
Transaction revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer, net(1) |
|
$ |
3,430,322 |
|
|
$ |
1,334,018 |
|
|
$ |
2,096,304 |
|
|
157 |
|
Institutional, net |
|
345,598 |
|
|
90,164 |
|
|
255,434 |
|
|
283 |
|
Other transaction revenue, net(1) |
|
210,193 |
|
|
95,472 |
|
|
114,721 |
|
|
120 |
|
Total transaction revenue |
|
$ |
3,986,113 |
|
|
$ |
1,519,654 |
|
|
$ |
2,466,459 |
|
|
162 |
|
__________________
(1)Prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to current period presentation. See Note 3. Revenue of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
Transaction revenue increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023, due to:
•an increase in consumer transaction revenue of $2.6 billion due to a 195% increase in consumer Trading Volume. This increase was offset in part by a decrease of $482.5 million attributed to a lower average blended fee rate, primarily due to changes in the mix of Trading Volume from Simple to Advanced trading;
•an increase in institutional transaction revenue of $139.1 million primarily due to a 139% increase in institutional Trading Volume, as well as growth in revenue from derivatives trading on our international exchange, which was launched in the second quarter of 2023; and
•an increase in other transaction revenue of $77.8 million from transactions on Base, which was launched in the third quarter of 2023, as well as higher revenue from instant transfer withdrawals.
The percentage of transaction revenue from trading on our platform broken down by crypto asset was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bitcoin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 |
% |
|
35 |
% |
|
|
|
(14) |
|
|
|
Ethereum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
(24) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other crypto assets(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
____________________________________
(1)No other crypto asset individually represented more than 10% of the total.
Subscription and services revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stablecoin revenue |
|
$ |
910,464 |
|
|
$ |
694,247 |
|
|
$ |
216,217 |
|
|
31 |
|
Blockchain rewards |
|
705,757 |
|
|
330,885 |
|
|
374,872 |
|
|
113 |
|
Interest and finance fee income(1) |
|
265,799 |
|
|
186,685 |
|
|
79,114 |
|
|
42 |
|
Custodial fee revenue |
|
141,706 |
|
|
69,501 |
|
|
72,205 |
|
|
104 |
|
Other subscription and services revenue(1) |
|
283,407 |
|
|
125,568 |
|
|
157,839 |
|
|
126 |
|
Total subscription and services revenue |
|
$ |
2,307,133 |
|
|
$ |
1,406,886 |
|
|
$ |
900,247 |
|
|
64 |
|
__________________
(1)Prior period amounts were reclassified to conform to current period presentation. See Note 3. Revenue of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
Subscription and services revenue increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023, due to:
•an increase in stablecoin revenue of $138.3 million primarily due to higher average customer USDC assets on platform and corporate balances, and $104.7 million attributable to an increase in overall USDC market capitalization, partially offset by increased expenses that are deducted prior to allocation of income from the arrangement with Circle;
•an increase of $350.5 million in blockchain rewards primarily due to higher average prices for Solana and Ethereum, as well as higher native units staked driving growth in both U.S. and international revenue, partially offset by a $62.3 million decrease attributable to changes in reward rates, primarily for Ethereum and Solana;
•an increase in interest and finance fee income primarily reflecting growth of $43.8 million in finance fees driven by higher average volumes of Prime Financing loan receivables, and growth of $25.0 million in interest income attributable to higher average customer custodial cash and cash equivalents balances;
•an increase in custodial fee revenue reflecting growth in average crypto assets and USDC under custody of $81.5 billion primarily driven by higher crypto asset prices, mainly Bitcoin, Solana, and Ethereum; and
•an increase in other subscription and services revenue primarily due to growth of $87.9 million in Coinbase One revenue, as the number of paid subscribers grew driven by positive market conditions and improvements to our product offerings, and an increase in revenue from expanding supported assets on our developer products.
Other revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate interest and other income |
|
$ |
270,782 |
|
|
$ |
181,843 |
|
|
$ |
88,939 |
|
|
49 |
|
Total other revenue |
|
$ |
270,782 |
|
|
$ |
181,843 |
|
|
$ |
88,939 |
|
|
49 |
|
Other revenue increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023, primarily due to higher average cash and cash equivalents balances.
Operating expenses
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.
Transaction expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Blockchain rewards fees |
|
$ |
455,946 |
|
|
$ |
229,851 |
|
|
$ |
226,095 |
|
|
98 |
|
Payment processing and account verification |
|
150,897 |
|
|
76,795 |
|
|
74,102 |
|
|
96 |
|
Transaction rebates and commissions |
|
122,372 |
|
|
6,876 |
|
|
115,496 |
|
|
nm |
Transaction reversal losses |
|
79,639 |
|
|
51,501 |
|
|
28,138 |
|
|
55 |
|
Blockchain transaction fees |
|
80,926 |
|
|
55,467 |
|
|
25,459 |
|
|
46 |
|
Other |
|
7,927 |
|
|
215 |
|
|
7,712 |
|
|
nm |
Total transaction expense |
|
$ |
897,707 |
|
|
$ |
420,705 |
|
|
$ |
477,002 |
|
|
113 |
|
__________________
nm - not meaningful
Transaction expense increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023, due to:
•higher blockchain rewards fees, which rose generally in line with blockchain rewards revenue;
•an increase in payment processing fees of $56.4 million, reflecting Trading Volume growth of 148%, offset in part by savings from reduced fees at higher volumes; and
•higher transaction rebates and commissions, driven primarily by rebates earned by institutional customers providing liquidity on our international exchange, driven by growth in volume.
There were no material changes to note within transaction reversal losses, blockchain transaction fees, or other.
Transaction expense as a percentage of total revenue will vary depending on the composition of the Company’s total revenue, as certain revenue streams incur little or no transaction costs while others have associated expenses. For example, if interest income and stablecoin revenue increase as a percentage of total revenue, transaction expenses as a percentage of total revenue will decrease as there are no transaction expenses directly attributed to these revenues. Conversely, if blockchain rewards increase as a percentage of total revenue, transaction expenses as a percentage of total revenue will increase since the majority of blockchain rewards revenue is distributed to the customer. There was no change in overall transaction expense as a percentage of total revenue when comparing the periods presented.
Technology and development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Personnel-related |
|
$ |
1,038,154 |
|
|
$ |
936,881 |
|
|
$ |
101,273 |
|
|
11 |
|
Website hosting and infrastructure |
|
228,392 |
|
|
192,009 |
|
|
36,383 |
|
|
19 |
|
Amortization, depreciation, and impairment |
|
122,595 |
|
|
131,611 |
|
|
(9,016) |
|
|
(7) |
|
Other |
|
79,111 |
|
|
64,040 |
|
|
15,071 |
|
|
24 |
|
Total technology and development |
|
$ |
1,468,252 |
|
|
$ |
1,324,541 |
|
|
$ |
143,711 |
|
|
11 |
|
Technology and development expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023, due to:
•an increase in personnel-related expenses primarily reflecting higher stock-based compensation expense of $104.1 million as a result of the 2023 annual employee equity awards being granted at a lower stock price as compared to the 2024 annual employee equity awards, offset in part by the roll-off of non-recurring multi-year stock-based compensation awards. Further, personnel-related expenses increased $42.6 million due to higher average headcount; and
•higher website hosting and infrastructure expenses driven by increased activity on our platform.
There were no material changes to note within amortization, depreciation, and impairment or other.
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketing programs |
|
$ |
247,087 |
|
|
$ |
134,018 |
|
|
$ |
113,069 |
|
|
84 |
|
USDC rewards |
|
224,255 |
|
|
34,944 |
|
|
189,311 |
|
|
542 |
|
Personnel-related |
|
151,054 |
|
|
143,762 |
|
|
7,292 |
|
|
5 |
|
Other |
|
32,048 |
|
|
19,588 |
|
|
12,460 |
|
|
64 |
|
Total sales and marketing |
|
$ |
654,444 |
|
|
$ |
332,312 |
|
|
$ |
322,132 |
|
|
97 |
|
Sales and marketing expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023, due to:
•an increase in marketing programs expenses primarily due to $75.4 million higher digital advertising spend, and an increase in customer referral and other promotional initiatives; and
•an increase in USDC rewards payouts of $112.4 million due to higher reward rates offered to customers in an effort to enhance customer acquisition, retention, and platform engagement, with the remainder primarily due to growth in average customer USDC assets on platform.
There were no material changes to note within personnel-related or other.
General and administrative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Personnel-related |
|
$ |
608,786 |
|
|
$ |
571,083 |
|
|
$ |
37,703 |
|
|
7 |
|
Professional services |
|
202,956 |
|
|
182,908 |
|
|
20,048 |
|
|
11 |
|
Customer support (1) |
|
124,940 |
|
|
48,804 |
|
|
76,136 |
|
|
156 |
|
Other |
|
363,575 |
|
|
271,513 |
|
|
92,062 |
|
|
34 |
|
Total general and administrative |
|
$ |
1,300,257 |
|
|
$ |
1,074,308 |
|
|
$ |
225,949 |
|
|
21 |
|
__________________
(1)Excludes personnel-related and professional services expenses.
General and administrative expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023, due to:
•an increase in personnel-related expenses largely driven by increased stock-based compensation expense as a result of the 2023 annual employee equity awards being granted at a lower stock price as compared to the 2024 annual employee equity rewards;
•higher professional services expenses driven by an increase of $30.0 million in legal advisory services, offset in part by lower business consulting expenses;
•an increase in customer support costs as a result of increased capacity needs. Our capacity needs typically increase in periods following higher Trading Volumes; and
•an increase in other, largely reflecting:
▪an additional $33.3 million in policy spend as we increased our crypto advocacy efforts;
▪an increase of $31.0 million in taxes, licenses, and fees primarily due to higher indirect taxes directly associated with the growth in revenue and the application of certain indirect tax rules;
▪an increase in legal costs of $23.4 million due to higher spend; offset in part by
▪lower lease costs, as we recognized a one-time lease termination fee of $25.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 related to the closure of our San Francisco office space.
▪The remaining variance in other was due to increases across various expenses, with no material changes to note.
Gains on crypto assets held for operations, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains on crypto assets held for operations, net |
|
$ |
(71,725) |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
(71,725) |
|
|
nm |
_____________
nm - not meaningful
Gains on crypto assets held for operations, net during the year ended December 31, 2024 resulted primarily from flows of crypto assets held for operations during a period of rising crypto asset prices. Though gross inflows and outflows of these assets were each $1.5 billion in 2024, gains on changes in the fair value of the assets were limited as these assets are converted to cash or used for expenses nearly immediately after receipt.
Crypto asset impairment, net
During the year ended December 31, 2023, crypto asset impairment, net reflected a $34.7 million expense, driven by gross crypto asset impairments resulting from challenging crypto market conditions, followed by expense recoveries as we sold previously impaired assets at recovered prices. Beginning January 2024, we adopted ASU 2023-08, and as a result no longer record crypto asset impairments.
Restructuring
Restructuring expense was $142.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, comprising separation pay, stock-based compensation expense, and other personnel costs related to the workforce reduction in January 2023. There were no restructuring expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Other operating expense, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Platform-related incidents |
|
$ |
28,070 |
|
|
$ |
15,717 |
|
|
$ |
12,353 |
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
(20,137) |
|
|
(5,457) |
|
|
(14,680) |
|
|
269 |
|
Total other operating expense, net |
|
$ |
7,933 |
|
|
$ |
10,260 |
|
|
$ |
(2,327) |
|
|
(23) |
|
There were no material changes to note within Other operating expense, net.
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
$ |
80,645 |
|
|
$ |
82,766 |
|
|
$ |
(2,121) |
|
|
(3) |
|
There were no material changes to note within Interest expense.
Gains on crypto assets held for investment, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains on crypto assets held for investment, net |
|
$ |
(687,055) |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
(687,055) |
|
|
nm |
__________________
nm - not meaningful
Gains on crypto assets held for investment, net during the year ended December 31, 2024 were primarily due to remeasurement of the fair value of crypto assets held, mainly reflecting increases in the prices of Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Other income, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Losses (gains) on strategic investments, net |
|
$ |
11,553 |
|
|
$ |
(24,368) |
|
|
$ |
35,921 |
|
|
(147) |
|
Gain on extinguishment of long-term debt, net |
|
— |
|
|
(117,383) |
|
|
117,383 |
|
|
nm |
Other |
|
(40,627) |
|
|
(25,832) |
|
|
(14,795) |
|
|
57 |
|
Total other income, net |
|
$ |
(29,074) |
|
|
$ |
(167,583) |
|
|
$ |
138,509 |
|
|
(83) |
|
__________________
nm - not meaningful
Other income, net changed for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023, due to:
•a decrease in gains on strategic investments, net driven by a gain of $49.9 million resulting from an equity investment transaction with Circle US Holding, Inc. during the third quarter of 2023; and
•a net gain on the repurchase of certain of our 2026 Convertible Notes and certain of our Senior Notes during 2023.
There were no material changes to note within other.
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
Change |
(in thousands, except %) |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes |
|
$ |
363,578 |
|
|
$ |
(171,716) |
|
|
$ |
535,294 |
|
|
(312) |
|
For the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023, the increase in provision for income taxes was primarily due to higher pretax income, partially offset by tax benefits from stock-based compensation. Additionally, the 2023 income tax provision reflected a benefit from the reduction of a valuation allowance recorded on impairment charges and strategic investments.
In December 2021, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development introduced Pillar Two model rules imposing a 15% global minimum tax on companies such as ours. We operate in several jurisdictions that have introduced Pillar Two legislation with effect from January 1, 2024. Pillar Two did not have a material impact on our tax provision for 2024. However, we may be impacted in future years as this framework is modified and adjusted in the jurisdictions where we operate.
Non-GAAP Financial Measure
In addition to our results determined in accordance with GAAP, we believe Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial performance measure, is useful information to help investors evaluate our operating performance because it: enables investors to compare this measure and component adjustments to similar information provided by peer companies and our past financial performance; provides additional company-specific adjustments for certain items that may be included in income from operations but that we do not consider to be normal, recurring, operating expenses (or income) necessary to operate our business given our operations, revenue generating activities, business strategy, industry, and regulatory environment; and provides investors with visibility to a measure management uses to evaluate our ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. For example:
•We believe it is useful to exclude certain non-cash expenses, such as depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation, from Adjusted EBITDA because the amounts of such expenses can vary significantly from period to period and may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations.
•We believe it is useful to exclude certain items that we do not consider to be normal, recurring, cash operating expenses and therefore, not reflective of our ongoing business operations. For example, we exclude: (i) other (income) expense, net, as the income and expenses recognized in this line item are not part of our core operating activities and are considered non-operating activities under GAAP, (ii) gains and losses on crypto assets held for investment (post-adoption of ASU 2023-08) because such investments are considered primarily long-term holdings, we do not plan on engaging in regular trading of crypto assets, and, as an operating company, our investing activities in crypto are not part of our revenue generating activities, which are based on transactions on our platform and the sales of subscriptions and services, and (iii) the impact of our restructuring in 2023, which was not related to our normal business operations.
•We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to items such as stock-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization expense, interest expense, other (income) expense, net, restructurings, and benefit from or provision for income taxes that can vary substantially from company to company depending upon their financing, capital structures, and the method by which assets were acquired.
Limitations of Adjusted EBITDA
We believe that Adjusted EBITDA may be helpful to investors for the reasons noted above. However, Adjusted EBITDA is presented for supplemental informational purposes only, has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. There are a number of limitations related to Adjusted EBITDA rather than net income (loss), which is the nearest GAAP equivalent of Adjusted EBITDA. Some of these limitations are that Adjusted EBITDA excludes:
•provision for (benefit from) income taxes;
•interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt, which reduces cash available to us;
•depreciation and amortization expense and, although these are non-cash expenses, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future;
•stock-based compensation expense, which has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a significant recurring expense for our business and an important part of our compensation strategy;
•net gains or losses on our crypto assets held for investment, net, after the adoption of ASU 2023-08;
•other (income) expense, net, which represents foreign exchange gains or losses, gains or losses on strategic investments, net, gains on the repurchase of certain of our long-term debt, and other non-operating income and expense activity;
•non-recurring lease charges, which represent a non-recurring fee and write-off related to an early lease termination;
•non-recurring accrued legal contingencies, settlements, and related costs, which reduces cash available to us;
•impairment on crypto assets still held, net, which represents impairment on crypto assets still held and is a non-cash expense, prior to the adoption of ASU 2023-08; and
•the impact of restructuring, which is not related to normal operations but impacted our results in 2023.
In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of our disclosure of Adjusted EBITDA as a tool for comparison. A reconciliation is provided below for Adjusted EBITDA to Net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure stated in accordance with GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measure and the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net income (loss), and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.
Revised definition of Adjusted EBITDA
During the first quarter of 2024, we revised our definition of Adjusted EBITDA as follows and recast the prior period for comparability:
•to adjust for other (income) expense, net in total, as the entire line item represents non-operating activity, and as a majority of the activity recorded in other (income) expense, net had been included in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA previously in separate rows while this combined presentation is more streamlined and easily reconciled to our Consolidated Statements of Operations;
•to revise our definition of Adjusted EBITDA to remove the adjustment for crypto asset borrowing costs on Prime Financing, as even though these costs are akin to interest expense on debt, we believe they represent normal, recurring, operating expenses necessary to expand and grow Prime Financing; and
•to revise our definition of Adjusted EBITDA to change what is adjusted with respect to gains and losses on crypto assets in connection with the adoption of ASU 2023-08, adjusting post-adoption only for gains and losses on crypto assets held for investment, as they do not represent normal, recurring, operating expenses (or income) necessary to operate our business.
The following table provides a reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA. The prior period comparative reconciliation has been updated to conform to the current period presentation (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
Net income |
$ |
2,579,066 |
|
|
$ |
94,871 |
|
|
|
Adjusted to exclude the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes |
363,578 |
|
|
(171,716) |
|
|
|
Interest expense |
80,645 |
|
|
82,766 |
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
127,518 |
|
|
139,642 |
|
|
|
Stock-based compensation expense(1) |
912,838 |
|
|
780,668 |
|
|
|
Gains on crypto assets held for investment, net (post-adoption of ASU 2023-08) |
(687,055) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Other income, net(2) |
(29,074) |
|
|
(167,583) |
|
|
|
Non-recurring lease charges |
— |
|
|
31,955 |
|
|
|
Non-recurring accrued legal contingencies, settlements, and related costs |
— |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
Impairment on crypto assets still held, net (pre-adoption of ASU 2023-08) |
— |
|
|
29,481 |
|
|
|
Restructuring |
— |
|
|
142,594 |
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ |
3,347,516 |
|
|
$ |
977,678 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revised definition no longer adjusts for: |
|
|
|
|
|
Crypto asset borrowing costs |
|
|
$ |
4,807 |
|
|
|
Other impairment expense |
|
|
18,793 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revised definition newly adjusts for: |
|
|
|
|
|
Additional other income, net(3) |
|
|
(37,624) |
|
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA, previous definition |
|
|
$ |
963,654 |
|
|
|
__________________
(1)Amount in 2023 excludes stock-based compensation expense recognized in relation to restructuring, which is included below in the restructuring line in this table. See Note 20. Restructuring, of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
(2)See Note 16. Other (Income) Expense, Net, of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
(3)Represents the portion of Other (income) expense, net that was not previously included as an adjustment to arrive at Adjusted EBITDA.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We continue to believe our existing cash and cash equivalents and USDC will be sufficient in both the short and long term to meet our requirements and plans for cash, including meeting our working capital and capital expenditure requirements. Our ability to meet our requirements and plans for cash, including meeting our working capital and capital expenditure requirements, will depend on many factors, including market acceptance of crypto assets and blockchain technology, our growth, our ability to attract and retain customers on our platform, the continuing market acceptance of our products and services, the introduction of new subscription products and services on our platform, expansion of sales and marketing activities, and overall economic conditions. We anticipate satisfying our short-term cash requirements with our existing cash and cash equivalents and USDC and with future cash flows from operations and may satisfy our long-term cash requirements additionally with proceeds from a future equity or debt financing. The sale of additional equity would result in additional dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of additional debt financing would result in debt service obligations, and the instruments governing such debt could provide for operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations.
Primary resources and commitments
Cash and cash equivalents and USDC
Our cash and cash equivalents and USDC balances consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash equivalents(1) |
$ |
6,607,023 |
|
|
$ |
3,682,917 |
|
|
|
Cash held at banks |
1,848,700 |
|
|
1,367,643 |
|
|
|
Cash held at venues |
88,180 |
|
|
88,791 |
|
|
|
Total cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
8,543,903 |
|
|
$ |
5,139,351 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USDC(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
USDC loaned(3) |
$ |
168,795 |
|
|
$ |
205,645 |
|
|
|
USDC pledged as collateral(3) |
329,832 |
|
|
29,577 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USDC not loaned or pledged as collateral |
743,181 |
|
|
340,806 |
|
|
|
Total USDC |
$ |
1,241,808 |
|
|
$ |
576,028 |
|
|
|
__________________
(1)Cash equivalents consists of money market funds.
(2)USDC is a stablecoin redeemable on a one-to-one basis for U.S. dollars. While not accounted for as cash or cash equivalents, we treat our USDC holdings as a liquidity resource.
(3)USDC loaned represents loaned assets that do not meet the criteria for derecognition in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. USDC pledged as collateral represents assets pledged as collateral that do not meet derecognition criteria against our crypto asset borrowings in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Collateralized arrangements and financing of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.
Long-term debt
On March 18, 2024, we issued $1.3 billion in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes that mature on April 1, 2030, unless converted, redeemed or repurchased on an earlier date. As of December 31, 2024, we held $4.3 billion in aggregate principal amount of long-term debt.
As market conditions warrant, we may, from time to time, repurchase our outstanding long-term debt securities in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, by exchange transaction, or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity, and other factors, and may be commenced or suspended at any time. The amounts involved and total consideration paid may be material. In 2023, we repurchased $427.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our outstanding long-term debt securities for cash payments aggregating $303.5 million.
See Note 10. Long-Term Debt of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details on our long-term debt, including maturities and repurchases.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our ratings with S&P Global Ratings were BB- for both issuer credit and senior unsecured debt. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our ratings with Moody’s Ratings were B2 for corporate family and B1 for guaranteed senior unsecured notes.
Other resources and commitments
Crypto assets
The Company holds crypto assets for investment and operating purposes, as well as borrowed crypto assets and crypto assets held as collateral. Effective January 1, 2024, we adopted ASU 2023-08 using a modified retrospective approach and recognized an associated fair value adjustment of $739.5 million on the crypto assets we held at that time.
This adjustment caused the carrying values of the crypto assets we already held at the time to reflect their fair values and, as such, this adjustment does not represent additional capital resources generated during 2024.
Crypto assets held for operations
We primarily receive crypto assets held for operations as payments for transaction revenue, blockchain rewards, custodial fee revenue, and other subscriptions and services revenue. Our intent is to convert crypto assets received as a form of payment to cash or to use them to fulfill expenses, primarily blockchain rewards, nearly immediately. During times of instability in the crypto assets market, we may not be able to sell our crypto assets at reasonable prices or at all. As a result, our crypto assets held for operations are considered less liquid than our cash and cash equivalents and may not be able to serve as a source of liquidity for us to the same extent as cash and cash equivalents. See Note 5. Crypto Assets Held for Operations of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details.
Crypto assets held as collateral
Crypto assets held as collateral represent institutional customers’ crypto assets pledged as collateral on certain Prime Financing loans. See Note 4. Collateralized Arrangements and Financing of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details related to collateral held and our obligation to return collateral. As Prime Financing grows, we will continue to evaluate how to best utilize these resources to help fund the growth of this business.
Crypto assets borrowed and borrowings
We borrow crypto assets from eligible institutional customers. These borrowings generally have open-ended terms or have a term of less than one year. We are required to maintain a collateral to loan ratio per our borrowing agreements. Any significant change in crypto asset prices could impact the value of the crypto assets borrowed or the value of crypto assets pledged as collateral. If crypto asset prices rise, we will post additional collateral to maintain required collateral loan ratios. We were in compliance with all collateral requirements as of December 31, 2024. See Note 4. Collateralized Arrangements and Financing of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details relating to crypto assets borrowed and borrowings.
Crypto assets held for investment
We view our crypto asset investments as primarily long-term holdings and we do not and do not plan to engage in regular trading of these crypto assets. In case of a liquidity stress event, or for other episodic purposes, which may necessitate the use of these assets, we may change our policy and sell crypto assets held for investment to generate liquidity. See Note 7. Crypto Assets Held for Investment of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details.
Customer assets and liabilities
Recognized customer assets and liabilities comprise customer custodial funds and corresponding customer custodial liabilities that represent our obligation to return these assets to the customers. We also hold additional customer Assets on Platform that we do not recognize in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Key Business Metrics—Assets on Platform above, and Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Customer custodial funds and Customer custodial fund liabilities of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details. We do not use customer crypto assets as collateral for any loan, margin, rehypothecation, or other similar activities to which we or our affiliates are a party, without the customer’s consent.
Our business model does not expose us to liquidity risk if we have excessive redemptions or withdrawals from customers. As of December 31, 2024, we have not experienced excessive redemptions or withdrawals, or prolonged suspended redemptions or withdrawals, of crypto assets to date. See Risk Factors—Depositing and withdrawing crypto assets into and from our platform involves risks, which could result in loss of customer assets, customer disputes and other liabilities, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition included in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.
Capital requirements and contractual obligations
Certain jurisdictions where we operate require us to hold eligible liquid assets, as defined by applicable regulatory requirements and commercial law in these jurisdictions, equal to at least 100% of the aggregate amount of all customer custodial fund liabilities. Depending on the jurisdiction, eligible liquid assets can include cash and cash equivalents, customer custodial funds, and in-transit customer receivables. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our eligible liquid assets were greater than the aggregate amount of customer custodial fund liabilities. We are also required to hold corporate liquid assets at our subsidiaries to meet capital requirements established by our regulators based on the value of crypto assets held in custody. As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with these capital requirements.
As of December 31, 2024, our material cash requirements and contractual obligations arising in the normal course of business due within the next 12 months and in total consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts Due |
|
Next 12 Months |
|
Total |
Operating leases(1) |
$ |
9,885 |
|
|
$ |
132,327 |
|
Non-cancelable purchase obligations(2) |
119,874 |
|
|
198,486 |
|
Long-term debt(3) |
|
|
|
Interest |
70,010 |
|
|
349,089 |
|
Principal |
— |
|
|
4,275,470 |
|
Total |
$ |
199,769 |
|
|
$ |
4,955,372 |
|
_______________
(1) Primarily relating to lease payments due for corporate offices. See Note 12. Other Consolidated Balance Sheets Details of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details.
(2) Committed spend for non-cancellable purchase obligations greater than $2.0 million per obligation, primarily relating to technology and marketing.
(3) Assumes that our long-term debt is not repurchased, redeemed, or converted prior to maturity. See Note 10. Long-Term Debt of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details.
See Notes 12. Other Consolidated Balance Sheets Details, 17. Income Taxes, and 21. Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional details relating to our short- and long-term material cash requirements and contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024.
In October 2024, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $1.0 billion of our Class A common stock without expiration (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Repurchases may be made at management’s discretion from time to time on the open market (including through trading plans intended to qualify under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act), through privately negotiated transactions, or by other methods in accordance with applicable securities laws and other restrictions. The timing and amount of any repurchases will depend on market conditions and other considerations. The Share Repurchase Program does not obligate us to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of our Class A common stock, and the program may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time. We anticipate that repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program will be funded using our existing cash and cash equivalents and USDC and with future cash flows from operations.
As of December 31, 2024, no shares have been repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program.
Cash flows
The following table summarizes our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ |
2,556,844 |
|
|
$ |
922,951 |
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(282,385) |
|
|
5,392 |
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
2,828,921 |
|
|
(811,332) |
|
|
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
5,103,380 |
|
|
$ |
117,011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in customer custodial cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
1,634,934 |
|
|
$ |
(585,666) |
|
|
Operating activities
Our largest source of cash provided by operations are revenues generated from transaction fees. Our primary uses of cash from operating activities include payments to employees for compensation, website hosting and infrastructure services, and professional services.
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $1.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to:
•an increase in cash as a result of the $3.5 billion increase in total revenue; offset in part by
•a $801.7 million increase in cash used to purchase USDC in order to facilitate growth in Prime Financing as well as to provide liquidity for normal business operations;
•a $115.2 million increase in cash used for annual employee performance compensation given our strong financial performance during the prior year;
•a $106.1 million increase in cash used to pay income taxes; and
•an overall increase in other cash expenses as we continue to grow our business.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased by $287.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023 due to:
•an increase of $138.6 million in cash used for the origination of fiat loans, net of repayments, reflecting growth in Prime Financing and lower net cash inflows in 2024 related to the discontinuation of a retail lending program; and
•$41.6 million in cash provided by net sales of crypto assets held for investment for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to $184.0 million in cash provided by net sales of crypto assets held prior to the adoption of ASU 2023-08 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities increased by $3.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to:
•a $1.9 billion increase in customer custodial cash attributable to increased Trading Volume;
•a $1.1 billion net increase in cash due to proceeds from the issuance of our 2030 Convertible Notes less cash paid for associated capped calls;
•a $303.5 million decrease in cash outflows in 2024 related to long-term debt repurchases in 2023; and
•a $22.5 million net increase in recognized fiat collateral pledged by institutional customers related to Prime Financing loans.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements also requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, costs, and expenses and related disclosures. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ significantly from our estimates. To the extent that there are differences between our estimates and actual results, our future financial statement presentation, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows will be affected.
See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a summary of significant accounting policies and significant estimates and assumptions and their effects on our financial statements. Below are the significant estimates and assumptions that we consider critical because they involve a significant amount of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Business combinations, goodwill, and intangible assets
We determined that business combinations, goodwill, and intangible assets represent critical accounting estimates, as they involve significant judgment, estimates, and assumptions and to the extent that our estimates and assumptions materially change or if actual circumstances differ from those in the assumptions, our financial statements could be materially impacted.
We account for our business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires, among other things, allocation of the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. When determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to non-crypto intangible assets. These intangible assets do not have observable prices and have primarily consisted of customer relationships, developed technology, licenses, trademarks and trade names, and non-compete agreements, which are subsequently measured at acquisition date fair value, less accumulated amortization. These estimates and assumptions can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future, the appropriate weighted-average cost of capital, the number of working hours required to recreate the intangible asset (if following the cost approach), and the estimated useful lives. Changes in these assumptions could affect the carrying value of these assets. Our estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.
Goodwill
We perform an impairment test annually in the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill might not be fully recoverable. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, a company can assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a goodwill impairment test. Alternatively, a company may elect to proceed directly to a quantitative goodwill impairment test. We do the former and assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a goodwill impairment test. We review factors including changes in our stock price, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors, overall financial performance, changes in any key personnel, and any changes in the composition of the carrying amount of our assets.
There were no changes to the qualitative factors considered indicating an impairment of goodwill for the reporting periods presented. In the future, if there are material changes in the underlying estimates and assumptions pertaining to the impairment assessment, our financial statements could be materially impacted. For the reporting periods presented, we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit was more than the respective related carrying amounts, including goodwill, and therefore we did not record any goodwill impairment.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets are initially valued at fair value using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. Intangible assets assessed as having indefinite lives are not amortized, but are assessed for indicators that the useful life is no longer indefinite or for indicators of impairment each period. Indicators we review, as applicable, include whether there has been a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which our assets are being used, a significant adverse change in legal factors affecting our assets, customer attrition, and/or a cash flow loss. Due to the dynamic nature of our business and the regulatory environment in which we operate, it is not practicable to model sensitivity of the valuation of these assets to these factors. Each reporting period, we evaluate the estimated remaining useful life of our intangible assets and whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. We did not identify indicators of impairment of our intangible assets during the reporting periods presented. In the future, if there are material changes in the underlying estimates and assumptions pertaining to the impairment assessment, our financial statements could be materially impacted.
Strategic investments
We hold strategic investments in privately held companies in the form of equity securities without readily determinable fair values in which we do not have a controlling interest or significant influence. The vast majority of these investments are accounted for under the measurement alternative method (“the measurement alternative”) and are measured at cost, less impairment, subject to upward and downward adjustments resulting from observable price changes for identical or similar investments of the same issuer (“pricing adjustments”). We determined that valuation of privately-held strategic investments represents a critical accounting estimate because impairment evaluations involve significant judgment, estimates, and assumptions, and to the extent that these estimates and assumptions change materially or if actual circumstances differ from those in the assumptions, our financial statements could be materially impacted.
Pricing adjustments
Pricing adjustments require quantitative assessments of the fair value of our strategic investments, which may require the use of unobservable inputs. Pricing adjustments are determined by using various valuation methodologies and involve the use of estimates using the best information available, which may include cash flow projections or other available market data.
Impairment
Privately-held strategic investments are evaluated quarterly for impairment. Our qualitative analysis includes a review of indicators such as: operating results when available, business prospects of the investees, changes in the regulatory and macroeconomic environment, observable price changes in similar transactions, and general market conditions of the geographical area or industry in which our investees operate. If indicators of impairment exist, we prepare quantitative measurements of the fair value of our equity investments using an Option-Pricing Model that uses publicly available market data of comparable companies and other unobservable inputs including expected volatility, expected time to liquidity, adjustments for other company-specific developments, and the rights and obligations of the securities we hold.
When the quantitative remeasurements of fair value indicate an impairment exists, we write down the investment to its current fair value.
We anticipate volatility to our net income (loss) in future periods due to changes in the fair values associated with these investments and changes in observable prices and similar transactions that could impact our fair value assessments. Based on future market conditions, these changes could be material to our financial statements. For more information regarding these market conditions and related sensitivity, see the section titled “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk – Equity investment risk. See Note 13. Fair Value Measurements of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details of changes in our strategic investments for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Income taxes
We determined that income taxes involve critical accounting estimates because management makes significant estimates, assumptions, and judgments to determine our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets, and to the extent that our estimates and assumptions materially change, or if actual circumstances differ materially from those in the assumptions, our financial statements could be materially impacted.
We utilize the asset and liability method for computing our income tax provision. Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the expected future consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss, capital loss, and tax credit carryforwards, using enacted tax rates. We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance. Assessing the need for a valuation allowance requires a great deal of judgment and we consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets are recoverable. We evaluate all available evidence including, but not limited to, history of earnings and losses, forecasts of future taxable income, and the weight of evidence that can be objectively verified. See Note 17. Income Taxes of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details of changes in our valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized within the provision for income taxes. See Note 17. Income Taxes of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details of changes in unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
For U.S. federal tax purposes, crypto asset transactions are treated under the same tax principles as property transactions. We recognize a gain or loss when crypto assets are exchanged for other property, in the amount of the difference between the fair market value of the property received and the tax basis of the exchanged crypto assets. Receipts of crypto assets in exchange for goods or services are included in taxable income at the fair market value on the date of receipt.
Legal and other contingencies
We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, the outcomes of which are inherently uncertain, and such uncertainty may be enhanced due to the industry in which we operate. We record a liability when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable, the determination of which requires significant judgment. In addition, we record recoveries of these losses when it is probable that they will be collected.
These estimates are highly sensitive to change and involve variables that are not completely within our control nor practicable to model, including decisions made by regulators and settlement negotiations. Resolution of legal and other contingencies in a manner inconsistent with management’s expectations could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. See the section titled “—Results of operations—Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023—Operating expenses—General and administrative” above for discussion of material changes in legal and other contingencies during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Recent accounting pronouncements
See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Recent accounting pronouncements of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements adopted and not yet adopted as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk is the risk to our financial statements associated with the effect of changes in market factors, including risks associated with interest rates, foreign currency, derivatives, equity investments, and crypto assets. These assets, liabilities, and equities are held for purposes other than trading.
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to changes in interest rates primarily relates to interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents and customer custodial funds and from our arrangement with Circle Internet Financial (“Circle”).
Our investment policy and strategy related to our cash and cash equivalents and customer custodial funds is to preserve capital and meet liquidity requirements without increasing risk. These funds consist of cash deposits and money market funds, and therefore the fair value of our cash and cash equivalents and customer custodial funds would not be significantly affected by either an increase or a decrease in interest rates. However, the amount of interest we earn on these balances, especially the cash equivalents, may be significantly impacted. The Federal Reserve has adjusted the Federal Funds Rate significantly in recent years in an effort to control inflation, raising it from a low of under 0.1% as of March 2022 to a peak of 5.33% from July 2023 to September 2024, followed by declines to arrive at 4.33% as of December 31, 2024. This activity reflects an increase of over 500 basis points, followed by a decrease of nearly 100 basis points, and as a result, we believe additional significant changes in interest rates are reasonably possible. The gross increase between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2024, a period which we currently deem to be a reasonable proxy for near term future changes in interest rates, was approximately 200 basis points. A hypothetical 200 basis points increase or decrease in average interest rates applied to our average month end cash equivalents balances for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, would have resulted in an impact of $165.8 million and $122.9 million, respectively, on interest earned on these funds.
We also earn stablecoin revenue from an arrangement with Circle. Interest income is earned by Circle on USDC reserve balances held. Circle reported that, as of December 31, 2024, underlying reserves were held in cash within segregated accounts titled for the benefit of USDC holders and a government money market fund that held cash, short-duration U.S. Treasuries, and overnight U.S. Treasury repurchase agreements, and therefore the fair value of these balances would not be significantly affected by either an increase or a decrease in interest rates. However, the related amount of stablecoin revenue we earn may be significantly impacted. A hypothetical 200 basis points increase or decrease in average interest rates applied to daily USDC reserve balances held by Circle for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, would have resulted in an impact of $387.8 million and $294.2 million, respectively, on stablecoin revenue.
Foreign Currency Risk
Foreign currency transaction risk
Revenues, expenses, and financial results of our foreign subsidiaries are recorded in the functional currency of these subsidiaries. Our foreign currency exposure is primarily related to transactions denominated in Euros and British Pounds attributable to cash and cash equivalents, customer custodial funds and customer custodial fund liabilities, and intercompany transactions where the transaction currency is different from a subsidiary’s functional currency. Changes in foreign exchange rates, and in particular a weakening of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar may negatively affect our results of operations as expressed in U.S. dollars. We have experienced and will continue to experience fluctuations in our results of operations and cash flows as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, including from gains or losses on the settlement and the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are not the functional currency of the respective entity. From time to time, we may enter into derivatives or other financial instruments in an attempt to hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. No such instruments were outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 or during the year ended December 31, 2024.
See Note 16. Other (Income) Expense, Net of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for losses on foreign exchange, net for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. If an adverse 10% foreign currency exchange rate change was applied to the largest foreign currency exposure (e.g. Euro) or to all foreign currency exposures in aggregate, of monetary assets, liabilities, and commitments denominated in currencies other than its functional currency as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, it would not have a material impact on our financial results. Our international operations expose us to exchange rate fluctuations otherwise. Such fluctuations could have a material impact on our future results of operations and cash flows, the impact of which is difficult to predict as it depends on many factors that we cannot forecast with reliable accuracy, including the volume and nature of our transactions and the particular currencies in which these transactions are denominated.
Foreign currency translation risk
Fluctuations in functional currencies from our net investment in international subsidiaries expose us to foreign currency translation risk, where changes in foreign currency exchange rates may adversely affect our results of operations upon translation into U.S. dollars. See our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive income (loss) in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for translation adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, a 10% increase or decrease in foreign currency exchange rates used in translating the financial statements of subsidiaries with functional currencies other than our reporting currency would not have a material impact on our financial results.
Equity Investment Risk
We hold strategic investments in privately held companies in the form of equity securities without readily determinable fair values in which we do not have a controlling interest or significant influence. These investments are subject to a wide variety of market and price-related risks due to the lack of readily available market data, which requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions that could substantially impact the carrying value of the investments. We perform a qualitative assessment of our portfolio of strategic equity investments on a quarterly basis for indicators of impairment. Our analysis includes a review of indicators such as: operating results when available; business prospects of the investees; changes in the regulatory and macroeconomic environment; observable price changes in similar transactions; and general market conditions of the geographical area or industry in which our investees operate. If indicators of impairment exist and the estimated fair value of an investment is below the carrying amount, we will write down the investment to fair value.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our strategic equity investments in privately held companies were $374.2 million and $343.0 million, respectively. Adjustments to the fair value of our investments are recorded in Other (income) expense, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized immaterial impairment expense related to our strategic investments in privately held companies. We anticipate volatility to our net income (loss) in future periods due to changes in the fair values associated with these investments and observable price changes in similar transactions that could impact our fair value assessments. Based on future market conditions, these changes could be material to our financial results. For more information, see Notes 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Investments and 13. Fair Value Measurements of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Market Risk of Crypto Assets
We generate a large portion of our total revenue from transaction fees on our platform in connection with the purchase, sale, and trading of crypto assets by our customers. Transaction revenue is based on transaction fees that are either a flat fee or a percentage of the value of each transaction and may vary depending on payment type and the value of the transaction. We also generate a large portion of our total revenue from our subscription products and services, and such revenue has grown over time. Accordingly, crypto asset price risk could adversely affect our operating results. In particular, our future profitability may depend upon the market price of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, as well as other crypto assets. Crypto asset prices, along with our operating results, have fluctuated significantly from quarter to quarter. There is no assurance that crypto asset prices will reflect historical trends. A decline in the market price of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and other crypto assets has in the past had and could in the future have an adverse effect on our earnings and our future cash flows. This may also affect our liquidity and ability to meet ongoing obligations.
In addition to the exposures described above, we hold crypto assets for various reasons. As of December 31, 2024, we held the following crypto assets: $1.6 billion held for investment; $261.1 million that were borrowed; $82.8 million held for operations; and $767.5 million held as collateral. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, customers had pledged $178.6 million of crypto assets that are not recognized as collateral. See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of these different categories of assets.
Beginning on January 1, 2024, as a result of our adoption of ASU 2023-08, we changed how we value and present crypto assets held in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and thus there are no comparable figures reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023. However, prior to adoption, we classified our crypto assets held according to these same categories and have utilized these balances in preparing the following disclosures.
Crypto assets held for investment are primarily held long term, and historically, we have not attempted to reduce our market risk exposure associated with these crypto assets. Crypto asset prices have been volatile, as demonstrated by the one year historical volatility of Bitcoin and Ethereum of approximately 50% implied from the annualized standard deviation of daily price returns observed in the past 24 months. A hypothetical 50% increase or decrease in crypto assets prices as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 would result in a $776.5 million and $514.0 million impact, respectively, to the value of our Crypto assets held for investment and would have, under ASU 2023-08, been recorded as a gain or loss in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Our market risk exposure on all remaining categories of crypto assets that we hold is limited, either due to their short-term nature or to naturally offsetting positions. Crypto assets held for operations are received as a form of payment and are converted to cash or used to fulfill expenses, primarily blockchain rewards, nearly immediately, and therefore are subject to limited market risk. A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in crypto asset prices applied to the value of our Crypto assets held for operations as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and applied to the simple average of our gross inflows and outflows of these assets for their weighted average period outstanding during 2024, would not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our market risk exposure on Crypto assets borrowed and Crypto assets held as collateral is limited through naturally offsetting positions of the crypto asset borrowings and obligation to return crypto asset collateral which contain embedded derivatives that are remeasured each reporting period. See —Borrowings and related collateral derivative positions below. Similarly, we do not have market risk exposure on crypto assets received but not recognized as collateral as we are obligated to return that collateral.
Market Risk of Derivatives
We have exposure to derivatives measured and recorded at fair value. Market risk on derivatives is the exposure created by potential fluctuations in market prices and other factors and is a function of the type of derivative product, the volume of transactions, the tenor and terms of the agreement, and the underlying volatility.
Strategic derivative positions
In certain market conditions, we may opportunistically employ derivative strategies within a disciplined risk management framework to attempt to hedge our exposure to foreign currency or crypto assets held for investment. We did not have any such positions as of December 31, 2024 or 2023.
Our remaining derivative positions, including all of those held during the periods presented, arise from our operations and reflect a strategy of largely mitigating these remaining exposures through naturally offsetting positions, regardless of whether hedge accounting is achieved. See below for a discussion of these derivatives.
Borrowings and related collateral derivative positions
Our market risk exposure on derivative crypto asset borrowings and obligations to return crypto asset collateral (when combined with their host contracts, “Gross Financing Derivatives”) is naturally offset, at least in part, by the associated non-derivative crypto assets borrowed, crypto assets held as collateral, and crypto asset loan receivables originated with borrowed assets, all of which are recorded and held at fair value. The following table summarizes our Gross Financing Derivatives and net exposures after considering the naturally offsetting non-derivative positions, related to our crypto asset borrowings and associated collateral (“Net Financing Positions”) (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Gross Financing Derivatives |
$ |
1,067,594 |
|
|
$ |
416,988 |
|
Net Financing Positions |
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
73 |
|
The following table presents the impact of changes in fair value of the derivatives noted above when considered gross and net of the naturally offsetting non-derivative positions in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Losses on Gross Financing Derivatives(1) |
$ |
(114,521) |
|
|
$ |
(103,338) |
|
|
Losses on Net Financing Positions(2) |
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
(5,016) |
|
|
__________________
(1)Gains and losses on derivatives are recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in the locations shown in Note 11. Derivatives of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(2)As of January 1, 2024, the date of our adoption of ASU 2023-08, net gains and losses after considering the associated naturally offsetting non-derivative positions are recorded in Transaction expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Prior to adoption of ASU 2023-08, net gains and losses after considering the naturally offsetting non-derivative positions were recorded in Other operating expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, a hypothetical 50% increase or decrease in the fair value of these derivative positions, after considering the associated naturally offsetting positions, would not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. This hypothetical 50% is calculated as discussed above under Market Risk of Crypto Assets, as the fair value of these derivatives is also derived primarily from the volatility of Bitcoin and Ethereum over a similar period.
Other derivative positions
Our market risk exposure to derivatives arising from accounts receivable and payable denominated in crypto assets (when combined with their host contracts, “Other Derivatives”) represents unmitigated exposure. However, these assets and liabilities are short-term in nature. The following table summarizes these Other Derivatives exposures, on a gross basis, as the receivables and payables may be unrelated (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Gross Other Derivatives |
$ |
228,712 |
|
|
$ |
65,082 |
|
The following table presents the impact of changes in fair value of the derivatives noted above in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Gains on Gross Other Derivatives(1) |
$ |
83,269 |
|
|
$ |
37,031 |
|
|
__________________
(1)Gains and losses on derivatives are recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in the locations shown in Note 11. Derivatives of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the fair value of these Other Derivatives positions would not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
For more information on our derivatives, see Notes 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Derivative contracts, 4. Collateralized Arrangements and Financing, 6. Accounts Receivable, Net, 11. Derivatives, and 12. Other Consolidated Balance Sheets Details of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
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Index to Consolidated Financial Statements |
Page |
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of Coinbase Global, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Coinbase Global, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income (Loss), Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, and Cash Flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024, and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 13, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Crypto Assets Held in Cold Storage — including Corporate Crypto Assets Held, USDC and Customer Crypto Assets - Refer to Notes 2, 4, 5, 7, 11 and 21 of the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
Crypto assets are generally accessible only by the possessor of the unique private key relating to the digital wallet in which the crypto assets are held. Accordingly, private keys must be safeguarded and secured in order to prevent an unauthorized party from accessing the crypto assets within a digital wallet. The Company primarily holds crypto assets for its own use, and on behalf of customers, in wallets within its cold storage environment. The loss, theft, or otherwise compromise of access to the private keys required to access the crypto assets in cold storage could adversely affect the Company’s ability to access the crypto assets within its environment. This could result in loss of corporate crypto assets held or loss of crypto assets safeguarded on behalf of customers.
We identified crypto assets in cold storage as a critical audit matter due to the nature and extent of audit effort required to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to address the risks of material misstatement related to the existence and rights & obligations of crypto assets in cold storage. The nature and extent of audit effort required to address the matter includes significant involvement of more experienced engagement team members and discussions and consultations with subject matter experts related to the matter.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to crypto assets in cold storage included the following, among others:
•We consulted with subject matter experts regarding our planned audit response to address certain risks of material misstatement of crypto assets in cold storage.
•We tested the effectiveness of controls within the Company’s private key management process including controls related to physical access, key generation, and segregation of duties across the processes.
•We tested the effectiveness of management’s reconciliation control of internal books and records to external blockchains.
•We tested the effectiveness of management’s control to segregate corporate crypto asset balances from customer crypto asset balances.
•We tested the effectiveness of controls within the processes of customer crypto asset deposits and customer crypto asset withdrawals.
•We obtained evidence to evaluate crypto asset balances for appropriate segregation between corporate crypto assets and customer crypto assets.
•We utilized our proprietary audit tool to independently obtain evidence from public blockchains to test the existence of crypto asset balances.
•We obtained evidence that management has control of the private keys required to access crypto assets in cold storage through a combination of decoding cryptographic messages signed using selected private keys or through observing the movement of selected crypto assets.
•We evaluated the reliability of audit evidence obtained from public blockchains.
Commitments and Contingencies - SEC complaint and legal actions by U.S. state securities regulators — Refer to Note 21 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filed a complaint against the Company in 2023 alleging that the Company has acted as an unregistered securities exchange, broker, and clearing agency and has, through its staking program, offered and sold securities without registering its offers and sales. Additionally, the Company is the subject of various legal actions initiated by U.S. state securities regulators. The Company reviews its lawsuits, regulatory investigations, and other legal proceedings on an ongoing basis and provides disclosure and records loss contingencies in accordance with the loss contingencies accounting guidance. In accordance with such guidance, the Company establishes accruals for such matters when potential losses become probable and can be reasonably estimated. If the Company determines that a loss is reasonably possible and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, the Company discloses the possible loss in the financial statements. Because the outcome of these matters remains uncertain, the Company has not recorded or disclosed a loss contingency as of December 31, 2024. An adverse resolution of the SEC’s complaint or legal actions initiated by U.S. state securities regulators could have a material impact on the Company’s business and financial statements.
We identified the evaluation of potential loss contingencies, and related disclosures, related to the SEC complaint and legal actions initiated by U.S. state securities regulators as a critical audit matter because auditing management's judgment in determining the probability and estimate of loss required significant auditor judgment.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the potential loss contingencies involving the SEC complaint and legal actions initiated by the U.S. state securities regulators included the following, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of internal controls related to management's review of loss contingencies and approval of the accounting treatment and related disclosures.
•We inquired of the Company's internal and external legal counsel to understand the legal merits and the basis for the Company's conclusion specific to the likelihood of loss and the estimate of potential loss or range of loss, as applicable.
•We obtained and evaluated management's evaluation of the probability of loss and estimation of loss through inquiries, reading the court rulings and briefs prepared by management, and obtaining written responses from internal and external legal counsels.
•We evaluated events subsequent to December 31, 2024 that might impact our evaluation of the probability of loss, including any related accrual or disclosure.
•We obtained written representations from executives of the Company.
•We evaluated whether the Company's disclosures were consistent with our testing.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
San Francisco, California
February 13, 2025
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of Coinbase Global, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Coinbase Global, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024 of the Company and our report dated February 13, 2025, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
San Francisco, California
February 13, 2025
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Assets |
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
8,543,903 |
|
|
$ |
5,139,351 |
|
Restricted cash and cash equivalents |
38,519 |
|
|
22,992 |
|
USDC |
1,241,808 |
|
|
576,028 |
|
Customer custodial funds |
6,158,949 |
|
|
4,570,845 |
|
|
|
|
|
Crypto assets held for operations |
82,781 |
|
|
74,103 |
|
Loan receivables |
475,370 |
|
|
193,425 |
|
Crypto assets held as collateral |
767,484 |
|
|
354,008 |
|
Crypto assets borrowed |
261,052 |
|
|
45,212 |
|
Accounts receivable, net |
265,251 |
|
|
168,290 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other current assets |
277,536 |
|
|
212,540 |
|
Total current assets |
18,112,653 |
|
|
11,356,794 |
|
Crypto assets held for investment |
1,552,995 |
|
|
330,610 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
941,298 |
|
|
1,272,233 |
|
|
|
|
|
Software and equipment, net |
200,080 |
|
|
192,550 |
|
Goodwill |
1,139,670 |
|
|
1,139,670 |
|
Intangible assets, net |
46,804 |
|
|
86,422 |
|
Other non-current assets |
548,451 |
|
|
375,622 |
|
Total assets |
$ |
22,541,951 |
|
|
$ |
14,753,901 |
|
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity |
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
Customer custodial fund liabilities |
$ |
6,158,949 |
|
|
$ |
4,570,845 |
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
63,316 |
|
|
39,294 |
|
Crypto asset borrowings |
300,110 |
|
|
62,980 |
|
|
|
|
|
Obligation to return collateral |
792,125 |
|
|
355,071 |
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
626,820 |
|
|
456,889 |
|
Total current liabilities |
7,941,320 |
|
|
5,485,079 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt |
4,234,081 |
|
|
2,979,957 |
|
Other non-current liabilities |
89,708 |
|
|
7,216 |
|
Total liabilities |
12,265,109 |
|
|
8,472,252 |
|
Commitments and contingencies (Note 21) |
|
|
|
Stockholders’ equity: |
|
|
|
Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value; 500,000 shares authorized and zero shares issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 |
— |
|
|
— |
|
Class A common stock, $0.00001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; 209,762 and 195,192 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively |
2 |
|
|
2 |
|
Class B common stock, $0.00001 par value; 500,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; 43,878 and 46,856 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively |
— |
|
|
— |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
5,365,990 |
|
|
4,491,571 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(50,051) |
|
|
(30,270) |
|
Retained earnings |
4,960,901 |
|
|
1,820,346 |
|
Total stockholders’ equity |
10,276,842 |
|
|
6,281,649 |
|
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
$ |
22,541,951 |
|
|
$ |
14,753,901 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
120
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue |
|
$ |
6,293,246 |
|
|
$ |
2,926,540 |
|
|
$ |
3,148,815 |
|
Other revenue |
|
270,782 |
|
|
181,843 |
|
|
45,393 |
|
Total revenue |
|
6,564,028 |
|
|
3,108,383 |
|
|
3,194,208 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transaction expense |
|
897,707 |
|
|
420,705 |
|
|
629,880 |
|
Technology and development |
|
1,468,252 |
|
|
1,324,541 |
|
|
2,326,354 |
|
Sales and marketing |
|
654,444 |
|
|
332,312 |
|
|
510,089 |
|
General and administrative |
|
1,300,257 |
|
|
1,074,308 |
|
|
1,600,586 |
|
Gains on crypto assets held for operations, net |
|
(71,725) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Crypto asset impairment, net |
|
— |
|
|
(34,675) |
|
|
722,211 |
|
Restructuring |
|
— |
|
|
142,594 |
|
|
40,703 |
|
Other operating expense, net |
|
7,933 |
|
|
10,260 |
|
|
74,593 |
|
Total operating expenses |
|
4,256,868 |
|
|
3,270,045 |
|
|
5,904,416 |
|
Operating income (loss) |
|
2,307,160 |
|
|
(161,662) |
|
|
(2,710,208) |
|
Interest expense |
|
80,645 |
|
|
82,766 |
|
|
88,901 |
|
Gains on crypto assets held for investment, net |
|
(687,055) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Other (income) expense, net |
|
(29,074) |
|
|
(167,583) |
|
|
265,473 |
|
Income (loss) before income taxes |
|
2,942,644 |
|
|
(76,845) |
|
|
(3,064,582) |
|
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes |
|
363,578 |
|
|
(171,716) |
|
|
(439,633) |
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
2,579,066 |
|
|
$ |
94,871 |
|
|
$ |
(2,624,949) |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
2,577,755 |
|
|
$ |
94,752 |
|
|
$ |
(2,624,949) |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
2,591,248 |
|
|
$ |
94,751 |
|
|
$ |
(2,631,179) |
|
Net income (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
10.42 |
|
|
$ |
0.40 |
|
|
$ |
(11.81) |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
9.48 |
|
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
$ |
(11.83) |
|
Weighted-average shares of common stock used to compute net income (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
247,374 |
|
|
235,796 |
|
|
222,314 |
|
Diluted |
|
273,377 |
|
|
254,391 |
|
|
222,338 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
121
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Net income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,579,066 |
|
|
$ |
94,871 |
|
|
$ |
(2,624,949) |
|
Other comprehensive (loss) income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
(19,653) |
|
|
9,077 |
|
|
(41,502) |
|
Income tax effect |
|
|
|
|
128 |
|
|
741 |
|
|
(6,291) |
|
Translation adjustment, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
(19,781) |
|
|
8,336 |
|
|
(35,211) |
|
Comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,559,285 |
|
|
$ |
103,207 |
|
|
$ |
(2,660,160) |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
122
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional Paid-In Capital |
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
|
Retained Earnings |
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Amount |
|
|
|
Total |
Balance at January 1, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
217,117 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
2,034,658 |
|
|
$ |
(3,395) |
|
|
$ |
4,350,424 |
|
|
$ |
6,381,689 |
|
Issuance of equity instruments as consideration for business combinations |
|
|
|
|
1,663 |
|
|
— |
|
|
314,356 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
314,356 |
|
Issuance of common stock to settle contingent consideration |
|
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
— |
|
|
4,661 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
4,661 |
|
Issuance of common stock upon settlement of stock awards, net of shares withheld |
|
|
|
|
7,870 |
|
|
— |
|
|
(351,867) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(351,867) |
|
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options, net of repurchases |
|
|
|
|
3,883 |
|
|
— |
|
|
56,737 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
56,737 |
|
Issuance of common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) |
|
|
|
|
275 |
|
|
— |
|
|
21,622 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
21,622 |
|
Stock-based compensation (inclusive of capitalized stock-based compensation) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
1,683,840 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
1,683,840 |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
3,679 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
3,679 |
|
Other comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(35,211) |
|
|
— |
|
|
(35,211) |
|
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(2,624,949) |
|
|
(2,624,949) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
230,866 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
3,767,686 |
|
|
$ |
(38,606) |
|
|
$ |
1,725,475 |
|
|
$ |
5,454,557 |
|
Issuance of equity instruments as consideration for business combination |
|
|
|
|
961 |
|
|
— |
|
|
11,302 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
11,302 |
|
Issuance of common stock to settle contingent consideration |
|
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
— |
|
|
2,291 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
2,291 |
|
Issuance of common stock upon settlement of stock awards, net of shares withheld |
|
|
|
|
6,833 |
|
|
— |
|
|
(277,798) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(277,798) |
|
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options, net of repurchases |
|
|
|
|
2,979 |
|
|
— |
|
|
50,804 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
50,804 |
|
Issuance of common stock under the ESPP |
|
|
|
|
381 |
|
|
— |
|
|
18,959 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
18,959 |
|
Stock-based compensation (inclusive of capitalized stock-based compensation) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
834,285 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
834,285 |
|
Stock-based compensation expense recognized in relation to restructuring |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
84,042 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
84,042 |
|
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
8,336 |
|
|
— |
|
|
8,336 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
94,871 |
|
|
94,871 |
|
Balance at December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
242,048 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
4,491,571 |
|
|
$ |
(30,270) |
|
|
$ |
1,820,346 |
|
|
$ |
6,281,649 |
|
Cumulative-effect adjustment due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-08, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
561,489 |
|
|
561,489 |
|
Issuance of common stock upon settlement of stock awards, net of shares withheld |
|
|
|
|
5,608 |
|
|
— |
|
|
(117,225) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(117,225) |
|
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options, net of repurchases |
|
|
|
|
5,661 |
|
|
— |
|
|
126,733 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
126,733 |
|
Issuance of common stock under the ESPP, net of shares withheld |
|
|
|
|
361 |
|
|
— |
|
|
18,597 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
18,597 |
|
Stock-based compensation (inclusive of capitalized stock-based compensation) |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
960,906 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
960,906 |
|
Purchases of capped calls |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(104,110) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(104,110) |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
(38) |
|
|
— |
|
|
(10,482) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(10,482) |
|
Other comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(19,781) |
|
|
— |
|
|
(19,781) |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
2,579,066 |
|
|
2,579,066 |
|
Balance at December 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
253,640 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
5,365,990 |
|
|
$ |
(50,051) |
|
|
$ |
4,960,901 |
|
|
$ |
10,276,842 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
123
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
$ |
2,579,066 |
|
|
$ |
94,871 |
|
|
$ |
(2,624,949) |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
127,518 |
|
|
139,642 |
|
|
154,069 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment impairment expense |
18,717 |
|
|
29,375 |
|
|
101,445 |
|
Stock-based compensation expense |
912,838 |
|
|
780,668 |
|
|
1,565,823 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes |
151,315 |
|
|
(216,334) |
|
|
(468,035) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains on crypto assets held for operations, net |
(71,725) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Gains on crypto assets held for investment, net |
(687,055) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on extinguishment of long-term debt, net |
— |
|
|
(117,383) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains on crypto assets held, net (prior to ASU 2023-08) |
— |
|
|
(145,594) |
|
|
(36,666) |
|
Crypto asset impairment expense (prior to ASU 2023-08) |
— |
|
|
96,783 |
|
|
757,257 |
|
Crypto assets received as revenue (prior to ASU 2023-08) |
— |
|
|
(460,878) |
|
|
(470,591) |
|
Crypto asset payments for expenses (prior to ASU 2023-08) |
— |
|
|
298,255 |
|
|
383,221 |
|
Other operating activities, net |
4,172 |
|
|
97,340 |
|
|
84,455 |
|
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities |
(478,002) |
|
|
326,206 |
|
|
(1,031,448) |
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
2,556,844 |
|
|
922,951 |
|
|
(1,585,419) |
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Business combinations, net of cash acquired |
— |
|
|
(30,730) |
|
|
(186,150) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiat loans originated |
(1,700,055) |
|
|
(586,691) |
|
|
(207,349) |
|
Proceeds from repayment of fiat loans |
1,488,500 |
|
|
513,698 |
|
|
327,539 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of crypto assets held (prior to ASU 2023-08) |
— |
|
|
(277,367) |
|
|
(1,400,032) |
|
Sale of crypto assets held (prior to ASU 2023-08) |
— |
|
|
461,325 |
|
|
969,185 |
|
Other investing activities, net |
(70,830) |
|
|
(74,843) |
|
|
(167,015) |
|
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(282,385) |
|
|
5,392 |
|
|
(663,822) |
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options, net of repurchases |
126,140 |
|
|
47,944 |
|
|
51,497 |
|
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards |
(117,225) |
|
|
(277,798) |
|
|
(351,867) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer custodial fund liabilities |
1,638,087 |
|
|
(274,822) |
|
|
(5,562,558) |
|
Issuance of convertible senior notes, net |
1,246,025 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of capped calls |
(104,110) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayment of long-term debt |
— |
|
|
(303,533) |
|
|
— |
|
Fiat received as collateral |
567,806 |
|
|
66,014 |
|
|
— |
|
Fiat received as collateral returned |
(544,228) |
|
|
(64,952) |
|
|
— |
|
Proceeds from short-term borrowings |
— |
|
|
31,640 |
|
|
190,956 |
|
Repayments of short-term borrowings |
— |
|
|
(52,122) |
|
|
(191,073) |
|
Other financing activities, net |
16,426 |
|
|
16,297 |
|
|
24,527 |
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
2,828,921 |
|
|
(811,332) |
|
|
(5,838,518) |
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents |
5,103,380 |
|
|
117,011 |
|
|
(8,087,759) |
|
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents |
(48,367) |
|
|
8,772 |
|
|
(163,257) |
|
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
9,555,429 |
|
|
9,429,646 |
|
|
17,680,662 |
|
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
$ |
14,610,442 |
|
|
$ |
9,555,429 |
|
|
$ |
9,429,646 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
124
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Coinbase, Inc. was founded in 2012. In April 2014, in connection with a corporate reorganization, Coinbase, Inc. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coinbase Global, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company”).
The Company provides a trusted platform that serves as a compliant on-ramp to the onchain economy and enables users to engage in a wide variety of activities with their crypto assets in both proprietary and third-party product experiences enabled by access to decentralized applications. The Company offers (i) consumers their primary financial account for the cryptoeconomy, (ii) institutions a full-service prime brokerage platform with access to deep pools of liquidity across the crypto marketplace, and (iii) developers a suite of products granting access to build onchain.
The Company is remote-first and accordingly, does not maintain a headquarters. Substantially all of the Company’s executive team meetings are held virtually, with meetings occasionally held in-person at locations that are either not in the Company’s offices or in various of the Company’s offices distributed around the world. The Company holds all of its stockholder meetings virtually.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of presentation and preparation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries – entities in which the Company holds, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting rights, or where it exercises control. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and in management’s opinion, reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments, that are necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s Financial Statements.
Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions in the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto. Significant estimates and assumptions include the determination of the recognition, measurement, and valuation of current and deferred income taxes; the fair value of performance stock-based awards issued; the useful lives of long-lived assets; the impairment of long-lived assets; the valuation of privately-held strategic investments, including impairments; the identification and valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; the fair value of derivatives; loss contingency identification and valuation, including assessing the likelihood of adverse outcomes from positions, claims, and disputes, recoveries of losses recorded, and associated timing.
Actual results and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions due to risks and uncertainties. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, the Consolidated Financial Statements will be affected. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the result of which forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.
Certain prior period amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.
Change in accounting principle
Safeguarding customer crypto assets and safeguarding customer crypto liabilities
On January 30, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 122 (“SAB 122”). SAB 122 rescinds the previously-issued interpretative guidance included within SAB 121 with respect to accounting for obligations to safeguard crypto assets that an entity holds for its customers. SAB 122 directs an entity to apply Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 450-20, Loss Contingencies to determine whether an entity has a liability related to risk of loss from an obligation to safeguard crypto assets for customers.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company has adopted SAB 122 as of December 31, 2024 on a retrospective basis. As a result of the adoption of SAB 122, the Company has derecognized the Safeguarding customer crypto assets and Safeguarding customer crypto liabilities, and related deferred tax asset and liability, previously recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company has also reclassified crypto assets held as collateral and the related obligation to return collateral that were previously recognized within Safeguarding customer crypto assets and Safeguarding customer crypto liabilities to conform to current year presentation.
In accordance with GAAP, the periods presented have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect this change, with no impact on revenue, operating income, net income, earnings per share, or any other components of equity or net assets. The following table shows the changes in presentation in the Consolidated Balance Sheets upon the Company’s change in accounting principle to reflect the derecognition of Safeguarding customer crypto assets and Safeguarding customer crypto liabilities (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
As Previously Reported |
|
Adjustment |
|
As Adjusted |
Safeguarding customer crypto assets |
|
|
|
|
$ |
192,583,060 |
|
|
$ |
(192,583,060) |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Safeguarding customer crypto liabilities |
|
|
|
|
192,583,060 |
|
|
(192,583,060) |
|
|
— |
|
Recent accounting pronouncements
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
Segment reporting
On November 27, 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”). ASU 2023-07 amends ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”) to expand segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), the amount and description of other segment items, the title and position of the CODM, and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. ASU 2023-07 further permits disclosure of more than one measure of segment profit or loss and extends the full disclosure requirements of ASC 280 to companies with single reportable segments. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 on December 31, 2024 on a retrospective basis. See —Segment reporting below for additional information.
Crypto assets
On December 13, 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-08. ASU 2023-08 amends ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, to provide guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of crypto assets and requires that the Company (i) subsequently remeasure crypto assets at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and record gains and losses from remeasurement in Net income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (ii) present crypto assets separate from other intangible assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (iii) present the gains and losses from remeasurement of crypto assets separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations; and (iv) provide specific disclosures for crypto assets. The Company early adopted ASU 2023-08 on January 1, 2024 on a modified retrospective basis. Upon adoption, the Company recognized a fair value adjustment on crypto assets held of $739.5 million and established an associated deferred tax liability of $177.9 million, for a net cumulative-effect adjustment of $561.5 million increasing retained earnings. Contemporaneously with the adoption of ASU 2023-08, the Company dedesignated $62.9 million of crypto assets borrowed that previously qualified as fair value hedges against the corresponding crypto asset borrowings. There was a net zero impact of the cumulative fair value hedge basis adjustments that were reversed and recorded in Transaction expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2023, the cumulative amount of the fair value hedge adjustment was $3.9 million.
As a result of the adoption of ASU 2023-08, the Company introduced four new categories of crypto assets held in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their nature: Crypto assets held for investment, Crypto assets held for operations, Crypto assets borrowed, and Crypto assets held as collateral.
The following table shows the changes in presentation in the Consolidated Balance Sheets upon the Company’s adoption of ASU 2023-08 (in thousands) for previously recognized crypto assets held:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previously Reported |
|
Adjustment |
|
As Adjusted |
|
|
|
|
Crypto assets held |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
449,925 |
|
|
$ |
(449,925) |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
|
|
|
Crypto assets held for investment |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
330,610 |
|
|
330,610 |
|
|
|
|
|
Crypto assets held for operations |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
74,103 |
|
|
74,103 |
|
|
|
|
|
Crypto assets borrowed |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
45,212 |
|
|
45,212 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
449,925 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
449,925 |
|
|
|
|
|
See —Collateralized Arrangements and Financing, Crypto assets held for operations, and Crypto assets held for investments below, and Notes 4. Collateralized Arrangements and Financing, 5. Crypto Assets Held for Operations and 7. Crypto Assets Held for Investment for additional information.
As a result of the adoption of ASU 2023-08, the Company no longer records Crypto asset impairment, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, an immaterial amount and $722.2 million, respectively, was recorded.
Income taxes
On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 amends ASC 740, Income Taxes to expand income tax disclosures and requires that the Company disclose (i) the income tax rate reconciliation using both percentages and reporting currency amounts; (ii) specific categories within the income tax rate reconciliation; (iii) additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold; (iv) the composition of state and local income taxes by jurisdiction; and (v) the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. The Company early adopted ASU 2023-09 for the year ended December 31, 2024 on a prospective basis. See Note 17. Income Taxes for additional information.
Accounting pronouncements pending adoption
On November 4, 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (“ASU 2024-03”). ASU 2024-03 amends ASC 220, Comprehensive Income to expand income statement expense disclosures and require disclosure in the notes to the financial statements of specified information about certain costs and expenses. ASU 2024-03 is required to be adopted for fiscal years commencing after December 15, 2026, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on the Consolidated Financial Statements.As a
Segment reporting
The Company reports its segment information to reflect the manner in which the CODM reviews and assesses performance. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operating Officer have joint responsibility as the CODM and review and assess the performance of the Company as a whole.
The primary financial measures used by the CODM to evaluate performance and allocate resources are net income (loss) and operating income (loss). The CODM uses net income (loss) and operating income (loss) to evaluate the performance of the Company’s ongoing operations and as part of the Company’s internal planning and forecasting processes.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Information on Net income (loss) and Operating income (loss) is disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Segment expenses and other segment items are provided to the CODM on the same basis as disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The CODM does not evaluate performance or allocate resources based on segment assets, and therefore such information is not presented in the notes to the financial statements.
Revenue recognition
The Company determines revenue recognition from contracts with customers through the following steps:
•identification of the contract, or contracts, with the customer;
•identification of the performance obligations in the contract;
•determination of the transaction price;
•allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
•recognition of the revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
Transaction revenue
Consumer transaction revenue represents transaction fees earned from customers that are primarily individuals, while institutional transaction revenue represents transaction fees earned from institutional customers, such as hedge funds, family offices, principal trading firms, and financial institutions. Other transaction revenue includes Base sequencer revenue.
Consumer and institutional revenue
Transaction fees comprise a single performance obligation to provide a crypto asset matching service when customers buy, sell, or convert crypto assets. The Company is an agent in transactions between customers and presents revenue for the fees earned on a net basis.
Judgment is required in determining whether the Company is the principal or the agent in transactions between customers. The Company evaluates the presentation of revenue on a gross or net basis based on whether it controls the crypto asset provided before it is transferred to the customer (gross) or whether it acts as an agent by arranging for other customers to provide the crypto asset to the customer (net). The Company does not control the crypto asset being provided before it is transferred to the buyer, does not have inventory risk related to the crypto asset, and is not responsible for the fulfillment of the crypto asset. The Company also does not set the price for the crypto asset as the price is a market rate established by users of the platform. As a result, the Company has determined that it acts as an agent in facilitating the ability for a customer to purchase crypto assets from another customer.
The Company considers its performance obligation satisfied, and recognizes revenue, at the point in time the transaction is processed. Contracts with customers, which include user agreements, are open-ended and can be terminated by either party without a termination penalty. Therefore, contracts are defined at the transaction level and do not extend beyond the service already provided.
The Company charges a fee at the transaction level. The transaction price, represented by the transaction fee, is calculated based on volume and varies depending on payment type and the value of the transaction. For certain customers, the Company utilizes a tiered pricing strategy for crypto asset transactions, whereby the fee rates charged for purchase or sale transactions executed by a customer on the Company’s platform are driven primarily by transaction volume processed for a specific historical period.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company has concluded that this volume-based pricing approach does not constitute a future material right since the discount is within a range typically offered to a class of customers with similar volume. The transaction fee is collected from the customer at the time the transaction is executed. In certain instances, the transaction fee can be collected in crypto assets, with revenue measured based on the amount of crypto assets received and the fair value of the crypto assets at the time of the transaction.
Transaction revenue includes estimates for reductions in revenue from transaction fee reversals that may not be recovered from customers. Such reversals occur when the customer disputes a transaction processed on their credit card or their bank account for a variety of reasons and seeks to have the charge reversed after the Company has processed the transaction. These amounts are estimated based upon the most likely amount of consideration to which the Company will be entitled. All estimates are based on historical experience and the Company’s best judgment at the time to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue recognized will not occur. All estimates of variable consideration are reassessed periodically. The total transaction price is allocated to the single performance obligation. While the Company recognizes transaction fee reversals as a reduction of net revenue, crypto asset losses related to those same transaction reversals are included in Transaction expense.
Transaction fees for derivatives comprise trade execution fees recognized as revenue by the Company for meeting the performance obligation of executing a trade on its derivative exchanges. Trade execution fees can be variable based on trade volume tiered discounts, determined based on prior month trading volumes, and are reduced by any transaction-specific rebates provided to the customer. Trade execution fees, as well as any tiered volume discounts, are calculated in accordance with the Company’s published fee schedules.
Other transaction revenue
Other transaction revenue primarily comprises Base sequencer revenue and fees the Company charges customers at the transaction level to process deposits to, and withdrawals from, the Company’s platform, Generally, Other transaction revenue consists of a single performance obligation and is recognized at the time that a transaction is executed. Base sequencer revenue is denominated in crypto assets, with revenue measured based on the amount of crypto assets received and the fair value of the crypto assets at the time of the transaction.
Subscription and services revenue
Stablecoin revenue
The Company earns revenue through an arrangement, as updated in August 2023 and further updated in November 2024, with Circle Internet Financial, LLC (“Circle”). The Company’s revenue from this arrangement is determined based on the daily income generated from the reserves backing USDC, which is dependent on the total USDC market capitalization, defined as the total amount of USDC in circulation, less the management fees charged by non-affiliated third parties managing such reserves and certain other expenses (the “Payment Base”). From the Payment Base, (i) Circle retains a portion in consideration of its role as issuer of USDC, (ii) the Company and Circle earn an amount based on the share of USDC held on their respective platforms, (iii) other approved participants in the USDC ecosystem earn an amount based on terms agreed between the approved participant, Circle, and the Company, and (iv) the Company receives 50% of the remaining Payment Base. The arrangement is not within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) as Circle is not a customer of the Company. Revenue is accrued on a monthly basis as it becomes realizable.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Blockchain rewards
Blockchain rewards primarily comprises staking revenue, in which the Company participates in networks with proof-of-stake consensus algorithms through creating or validating blocks on the network using the staking validators that it controls. Blockchain protocols, or the participants that form the protocol networks, reward users for performing various activities on the blockchain. The most common form today is participating in proof-of-stake networks, however, there are other consensus algorithms. The Company considers itself the principal in transactions with the blockchain networks, and therefore presents such blockchain rewards earned on a gross basis. In exchange for participating in the consensus mechanism of these networks, the Company recognizes revenue in the form of the native token of the network. Each block creation or validation is a performance obligation. Revenue is recognized at the point when the block creation or validation is complete and the rewards are transferred into a digital wallet that the Company controls. Revenue is measured based on the number of tokens received and the fair value of the token at contract inception.
Interest and finance fee income
The Company holds customer custodial funds at certain third-party depository institutions and asset managers which earn interest. Interest income earned from customer custodial funds is calculated using the interest method and is not within the scope of ASC 606. Prime Financing interest income on fiat and USDC denominated loans receivable is accrued using the interest method over the term of the loan, and is not within the scope of ASC 606. Prime Financing fees earned on crypto asset loans receivable are denominated in crypto assets and are recognized on an accrual basis over the over term of the loan. The amount earned depends on the total loans issued and the contractual rates.
Custodial fee revenue
The Company provides a dedicated secure cold storage solution to customers through Prime Custody and earns a fee, which is based on a contractual percentage of the daily value of assets under custody. The fee is collected on a monthly basis. These contracts typically have one performance obligation which is provided and satisfied over the term of the contracts as customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the services. The contract may be terminated by a customer at any time, without incurring a penalty. Customers are billed on the last day of the month during which services were provided, with the amounts generally being due within thirty days of receipt of the invoice.
Other subscription and services revenue
Other subscription and services revenue primarily comprises revenue from: Coinbase One; developer product revenue, including items such as delegation, participation and infrastructure services; and revenue from other subscription licenses. Generally, revenue from other subscription and services contains one performance obligation, may have variable and non-cash consideration, and is recognized at a point in time or over the period that services are provided.
Other revenue
Corporate interest and other income
Corporate interest and other income primarily comprises interest income earned on corporate cash and cash equivalents held at third-party banks and asset managers, calculated using the interest method and reported within Other revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Collateralized arrangements and financing
Lending and related collateral
The Company lends corporate cash, USDC, crypto assets borrowed, and crypto assets held for investment to eligible institutional customers through Prime Financing. Prime Financing loans may have open ended or fixed terms that are less than one year, with the exception of trade finance arrangements, which enable customers to instantly invest in crypto assets without pre-funding their trade.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
These arrangements are typically settled in one to three days.
Fiat and crypto asset loan receivables are recorded in Loan receivables in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Fiat loans receivable are measured at amortized cost. The carrying value of fiat loan receivables approximates their fair value due to their short-term duration of less than 12 months. USDC loaned to customers is not derecognized from the Consolidated Balance Sheets as the borrower has an obligation to return the same financial assets (USDC) back to the Company in order to release the collateral pledged for the loan. If a lending arrangement is open-ended, there is a call option and written put option on the same or similar asset embedded within the loan. This constitutes a form of continuing involvement with the USDC transferred and therefore the Company maintains effective control over the USDC. USDC loaned remains recorded in USDC in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Crypto asset loan receivables are initially and subsequently measured at the fair value of the underlying crypto asset loaned with changes in fair value recognized in Transaction expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest receivable is recorded on an accrual basis separately from the carrying value of the loan receivables within Accounts receivable, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Fee income earned on these loans are recorded in Interest and finance fee income within Net revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Prime Financing loans are fully collateralized by a customer’s pledged fiat, USDC, or crypto assets, as applicable. The Company adheres to strict internal risk management and liquidation protocols for loan counterparty defaults, including restricting trading and withdrawals and liquidating assets in borrowers’ accounts as contractually permitted. The Company continuously and systematically monitors the fair value of the related collateral assets pledged compared to the fair value of the related loan receivable and customer loans not meeting recognition criteria, and if the value of the borrower’s eligible collateral falls below the required collateral requirement, the customer is obligated to deposit additional collateral up to the required collateral level. Accordingly, the Company applies the collateral maintenance provision practical expedient to determine if an allowance for doubtful accounts is required on loans receivable (including loans that do not meet the criteria for derecognition of the USDC or recognition of the related loans receivable). The Company’s credit exposure is significantly limited and no allowance, write-offs, or recoveries have been recorded against loan receivables or customer loans not meeting recognition criteria for the periods presented due to the collateral requirements the Company applies to such loans, the Company’s process for collateral maintenance, and collateral held on the Company’s platform. The Company would recognize credit losses on these loans if there is a collateral shortfall and it is not reasonably expected that the borrower will replenish such a shortfall. Due to the nature of the collateral the Company requires to be pledged, the Company is readily able to liquidate in the case of the borrower’s default.
The Company accounts for collateral it receives as follows, with an associated obligation to return collateral, as applicable:
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Collateral Received |
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Recognition Trigger |
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Fiat |
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Fiat collateral is recognized if the Company obtains control of the collateral. |
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USDC |
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USDC collateral on fiat or crypto asset loan receivables are recognized only in the event of default. If USDC collateral is sold, the associated proceeds are recognized.
USDC collateral on USDC loans not meeting the recognition criteria is recognized if the Company has the right to sell, pledge, or rehypothecate the collateral.(1)
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Crypto assets |
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Crypto asset collateral is recognized if the Company obtains control of the collateral.(1) |
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(1)The Company does not reuse or rehypothecate customer USDC or crypto assets nor grant security interests in such assets, in each case unless required by law or expressly agreed to by the customer.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Crypto assets held as collateral are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently remeasured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in Transaction expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Fair value is measured using quoted crypto asset prices within the Company’s principal market at the time of measurement. Crypto assets held as collateral includes collateral within the Company’s control and may exceed the required contractual amounts. Crypto assets held as collateral are derecognized from the Consolidated Balance Sheets when the collateral is returned to the borrower or when the collateral is sold or rehypothecated. Gains and losses at the time of derecognition are determined on a weighted average cost basis.
Obligation to return collateral in the form of crypto assets is accounted for as a hybrid instrument, with a liability host contract that contains an embedded derivative based on the changes in fair value of the underlying crypto asset. The gain or loss on remeasurement of the Obligation to return collateral is recorded in Transaction expense.
See Note 23. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information for details on flows of non-cash collateral, including crypto assets.
Borrowings and related collateral
To facilitate Prime Financing loans, the Company may borrow USDC and crypto assets from third parties.
USDC borrowed by the Company that has not been subsequently sold or rehypothecated is not recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as it does not meet the criteria for recognition as the Company has an obligation to return the same financial assets (USDC) back to the lender in order to release the collateral pledged for the loan. If a borrowing arrangement is open-ended, there is a call option and written put option on the same or similar asset embedded within the borrowing. This constitutes a form of continuing involvement with the USDC transferred and therefore the lender maintains effective control over the USDC. USDC that has been subsequently sold or rehypothecated is recognized as USDC with a corresponding liability in Other payables in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Crypto assets borrowed by the Company are recorded in Crypto assets borrowed, and the associated liabilities are recorded in Crypto asset borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Crypto assets borrowed by the Company, that have not been loaned out, are recorded in Crypto assets borrowed in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Crypto assets borrowed are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently remeasured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, with changes in fair value recognized in Transaction expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Fair value is measured using quoted crypto asset prices within the Company’s principal market at the time of measurement. Crypto assets borrowed are derecognized from the Consolidated Balance Sheets when they are used to originate loans with customers, in which case they are recorded as Loan receivables in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, or when they are repaid to third parties. Gains and losses at the time of derecognition are determined using the specific identification method.
Crypto asset borrowings are accounted for as hybrid instruments. The liability host contract is not accounted for as a debt instrument because it is not a financial liability and is carried at the initial fair value of the assets acquired. The embedded derivative relates to the changes in the fair value of the underlying crypto asset and is subsequently measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in Transaction expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The term of these crypto asset borrowings either can be for a fixed term of less than one year or open-ended and repayable at the option of the Company or the lender. These borrowings bear a fee payable by the Company to the lender, which is based on a percentage of the amount borrowed. Fee expenses for crypto asset borrowings are accrued and recognized over the term of the loan to recognize the costs of the loan for the period that the loan is outstanding and are included in Transaction expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Under the terms of the Company’s USDC and crypto asset borrowing arrangements, the Company may be required to maintain a collateral to borrowing ratio and pledge fiat, USDC, or crypto assets as collateral. The lender is not obligated to return collateral equal to the fair value of the borrowings if the Company defaults on its borrowings. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has not defaulted on any of its borrowings.
The Company accounts for collateral it pledges as follows:
•Fiat pledged is derecognized and a related receivable is recognized within Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
•USDC pledged as collateral where the lender has the right to sell, pledge, or rehypothecate the collateral is recorded within Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
•USDC pledged as collateral where the lender does not have the right to sell, pledge, or rehypothecate the collateral remains recorded within USDC in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
•Crypto assets pledged as collateral are derecognized and a related receivable is recognized in Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets if the Company has lost control of collateral.
•Crypto assets pledged as collateral where the Company retains control of the collateral remains recorded within Crypto assets borrowed or Crypto assets held for investment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and interest-bearing highly liquid investments, such as money market funds, held at financial institutions and asset managers, cash on hand that is not restricted as to withdrawal or use with an initial maturity of three months or less, and cash held in accounts at venues. Venues include other crypto asset trading platforms that hold money transmitter licenses and payment processors.
Funds held at financial institutions
Cash and cash equivalents are primarily placed with financial institutions which are of high credit quality, primarily in highly liquid, highly rated instruments which are uninsured. The Company may also have corporate deposit balances with financial institutions which exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit of $250,000. The Company has not experienced losses on these accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk with respect to these accounts.
Funds held at trading venues, payment processors, and clearing brokers
The Company holds cash at trading venues, payment processors, and clearing brokers, and performs a regular assessment of these venues as part of its risk management process. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company held $88.2 million and $88.8 million, respectively, in cash at these venues.
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
The Company has restricted cash deposits and interest-bearing highly liquid investments held at financial institutions related to operational reserves.
USDC
USDC is a stablecoin redeemable on a one-to-one basis for U.S. dollars and is accounted for as a financial instrument in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Circle reported that, as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, underlying reserves were held in cash within segregated accounts titled for the benefit of USDC holders and a government money market fund that held cash, short-duration U.S. Treasuries, and overnight U.S. Treasury repurchase agreements and were in excess of the outstanding amount of USDC.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Crypto assets held for operations
The Company may receive crypto assets as a form of payment for transaction revenue, blockchain rewards, custodial fee revenue, and other subscriptions and services revenue, which are recorded in Crypto assets held for operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when received. Crypto assets received as a form of payment are converted to cash or used to fulfill expenses, primarily blockchain rewards, nearly immediately. Crypto assets held for operations are initially recorded at the transaction price of the crypto assets at initial recognition and are subsequently remeasured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, with changes in fair value recognized in Gains on crypto assets held for operations, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Realized gains and losses on disposition are recognized on a first-in-first-out basis. Fair value is measured using quoted crypto asset prices within the Company’s principal market at the time of measurement. Gains and losses are influenced by the volume and mix of crypto assets received and used, and the timing of the turnover of these crypto assets. Cash flows from crypto assets held for operations are recorded as Net changes in operating assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable are contractual rights to receive cash or crypto assets either on demand or on fixed or determinable dates, and are recognized as an asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accounts receivable, net consists of stablecoin revenue receivable, customer fee revenue receivable, and other receivables.
Stablecoin revenue receivable represents the Company’s portion of income earned and receivable on USDC reserves through its arrangement with Circle.
Customer fee revenue receivable primarily comprises receivables from custodial fee revenue and other subscription and services revenue.
Receivables are recorded at the transaction price, representing consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for satisfying performance obligations. For obligations satisfied over time, receivables are recognized as revenue is earned, typically monthly. For obligations satisfied at a point in time, receivables are recognized when the obligation is complete. Accounts receivable denominated in crypto assets represent rights to receive a fixed amount of crypto assets at the time of invoicing and are initially and subsequently measured at the fair value of the underlying crypto assets to be received, with changes in the fair value recorded in Other operating expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company recognizes an allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts receivable based on expected credit losses. In determining expected credit losses, the Company considers historical loss experience and the aging of its accounts receivable balances.
Crypto assets held for investment
Crypto assets held for investment are primarily held long term. The Company does not engage in regular trading of these assets but may lend them through Prime Financing or stake them. When crypto assets that were loaned are returned, they continue to be held for investment. See Note 4. Collateralized Arrangements and Financing for details on Prime Financing activities.
Crypto assets held for investment are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently remeasured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, with changes in fair value recognized in Gains on crypto assets held for investment, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Realized gains and losses on disposition are recognized on a specific identification basis.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Fair value is measured using quoted crypto asset prices within the Company’s principal market at the time of measurement.
Crypto assets held for investment that are loaned through Prime Financing are derecognized and related crypto asset loan receivables are recognized for the period that the loan is outstanding. See discussion of accounting for crypto asset loan receivables under —Lending and related collateral above.
Crypto assets held for investment that are staked remain recorded within Crypto assets held for investment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Staking rewards earned by the Company through staking of these assets are recognized as an addition to Crypto assets held for investment and in Other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period received.
Software and equipment, net
Software and equipment, net is stated at cost less associated accumulated depreciation and amortization, and consists mainly of capitalized internally developed software. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining lease term, as applicable. The estimated useful lives of capitalized internally developed software range from one to three years. The remaining balance of software and equipment consists of furniture and fixtures, computer equipment, and leasehold improvements, for which the useful lives generally range from one to eight years.
Capitalized software consists of costs incurred during the application development stage of internal-use software or implementation of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract. Capitalized costs consist of salaries and other compensation costs for employees, fees paid to third-party consultants who are directly involved in development efforts, and costs incurred for upgrades and enhancements to add functionality of the software. Other costs that do not meet the capitalization criteria are expensed as incurred.
Business combinations, goodwill, and acquired intangible assets
The results of businesses acquired in a business combination are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of the acquisition. The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires, among other things, allocation of the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. Any excess consideration over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Acquisition-related costs incurred by the Company are recognized as an expense in General and administrative expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to assign fair values to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The Company’s estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement.
During the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, and to the extent that the value was not previously finalized, the Company continues to collect information about facts and circumstances that existed at the date of acquisition, reevaluates these estimates and assumptions quarterly, and may record adjustments to the fair value of these tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill. In addition, uncertain tax positions and tax-related valuation allowances are initially recorded in connection with a business combination as of the acquisition date. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the fair value of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis (October 1 for the Company) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
Acquired intangible assets with a definite useful life are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. Each period, the Company evaluates the estimated remaining useful life of its intangible assets and whether events or changes in circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. Intangible assets assessed as having indefinite lives are not amortized, but are assessed for indicators that the useful life is no longer indefinite or for indicators of impairment each period. Amortization of acquired developed technology is recorded under Technology and development expense and amortization of other acquired intangible assets is recorded under General and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company evaluates the recoverability of acquired intangible assets on an annual basis, or more frequently whenever circumstances indicate an intangible asset may be impaired. When indicators of impairment exist, the Company estimates future undiscounted cash flows attributable to such assets. In the event future undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying amount of the assets, the asset would be considered impaired. The impairment loss is measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets.
Long-term debt and interest expense
Long-term debt is carried at amortized cost. The Company accounts for the 2030 and 2026 Convertible Notes wholly as debt because (1) the conversion features do not require bifurcation as a derivative under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), and (2) the 2030 and 2026 Convertible Notes were not issued at a substantial discount.
Coupon interest on the Company’s long-term debt comprises the majority of Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Debt discounts and debt issuance costs are also amortized to Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations using the effective interest method over the contractual term of the respective note.
Capped calls entered into in connection with the Company’s long-term debt meet the criteria for classification in equity, are not remeasured each reporting period, and are included as a reduction to Additional paid-in capital within Total stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company recognizes gains and losses on extinguishment of long-term debt as the difference between the reacquisition price and the net carrying amount of the debt, and these gains and losses are recognized in current-period earnings in Other (Income) Expense, Net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Customer custodial funds and Customer custodial fund liabilities
Customer custodial funds represent restricted cash and cash equivalents maintained in segregated accounts of the Company at financial institutions and asset managers that are held for the exclusive benefit of customers and deposits in transit from payment processors and financial institutions. Customer custodial fund liabilities represent the obligation to return cash deposits held by customers in their fiat wallets and unsettled fiat deposits and withdrawals. Deposits in transit represent settlements from third-party payment processors and banks for customer transactions. Deposits in transit are typically received within five business days of the transaction date. The Company establishes withdrawal-based limits in order to mitigate potential losses by preventing customers from withdrawing the associated crypto asset to an external blockchain address until the deposit settles. In certain jurisdictions, deposits in transit qualify as eligible liquid assets to meet regulatory requirements to fulfill the Company’s direct obligations under customer custodial fund liabilities. In these cases, the Company restricts the use of these assets and classifies them as current based on their purpose and availability to fulfill the Company’s direct obligation under Customer custodial fund liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Certain jurisdictions where the Company operates require the Company to hold eligible liquid assets, as defined by applicable regulatory requirements and commercial law in these jurisdictions, equal to at least 100% of the aggregate amount of all applicable customer custodial fund liabilities. Depending on the jurisdiction, eligible liquid assets can include cash and cash equivalents, customer custodial funds, and certain customer receivables. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s eligible liquid assets were greater than the aggregate amount of Customer custodial fund liabilities.
Customer custodial funds are primarily placed with financial institutions which are of high credit quality, primarily in highly liquid, highly rated instruments which are uninsured. The Company has not experienced losses on these accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk with respect to these accounts.
Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets are included in Other non-current assets, and current and non-current lease liabilities are included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term. Most leases do not provide an implicit rate, so the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate that the Company would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term for an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment to where the leased asset is located. The operating lease ROU assets also include any lease payments made before commencement and exclude lease incentives.
The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that those options will be exercised. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has made the policy election to account for short-term leases by recognizing the lease payments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term and not recognizing these leases in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Variable lease payments are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. The Company has real estate lease agreements with lease and non-lease components for which the Company has made the accounting policy election to account for these agreements as a single lease component.
Derivative contracts
The Company enters into arrangements that result in obtaining the right to receive or obligation to deliver a fixed amount of crypto assets in the future. These are hybrid instruments, consisting of a receivable or debt host contract that is initially measured at the fair value of the underlying crypto assets and is subsequently carried at amortized cost, and an embedded forward feature based on the changes in the fair value of the underlying crypto asset. The embedded forward is bifurcated from the host contract, and is subsequently measured at fair value.
These derivative contracts derive their value from underlying asset prices, other inputs, or a combination of these factors. Derivative contracts are recognized as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in Transaction expense, Other operating expense, net, or Other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, depending on the nature of the derivative. Cash flows from derivative contracts are recognized as investing activities and adjustments to reconcile Net income (loss) to Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, depending on the nature of the derivative.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Investments
The Company holds strategic investments, which are included in Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s strategic investments primarily include equity investments in privately held companies without readily determinable fair values where the Company (1) holds less than 20% ownership in the entity, and (2) does not exercise significant influence. These investments are recorded at cost and adjusted for: (i) observable transactions for same or similar investments of the same issuer (referred to as the measurement alternative) or (ii) impairment, which are recorded in Other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Fair value measurements
The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value. The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:
•Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
•Level 2: Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
•Level 3: Inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Transaction expense
Transaction expense includes certain costs incurred to operate the Company’s platform, process crypto asset trades, and perform wallet services, and are directly associated with generating revenue. These costs include blockchain rewards distributed to customers for their participation in blockchain activities such as staking, account verification fees, fees paid to payment processors and other financial institutions for customer transaction activity, contract acquisition costs, crypto asset losses due to transaction reversals, blockchain transaction fees to process transactions on blockchain networks, transaction rebates, and loan fees on crypto asset borrowings. Also included in Transaction expense are gains and losses from remeasurement of the fair value of crypto asset borrowings, obligations to return crypto asset collateral, crypto assets borrowed, crypto assets held as collateral, and crypto asset loan receivables originated with borrowed assets, which are by their nature offsetting and net to an immaterial amount. Fixed-fee costs are expensed over the term of the contract and transaction-level costs are expensed as incurred. The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that would otherwise have been recognized is one year or less.
Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing expenses primarily comprise personnel-related expenses (including employee cash, stock-based compensation, and other employee benefits), marketing programs costs, USDC rewards, and costs related to customer acquisition. Sales and marketing costs are expensed as incurred.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Stock-based compensation
Stock plans
The Company maintains four equity incentive plans: the Amended and Restated 2013 Stock Plan (the “2013 Plan”), the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”), and the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan,” and together with the 2013 Plan and the 2019 Plan, the “Plans”), and the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). Following the direct listing of its Class A common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (the “Direct Listing”) in 2021, the Company has only issued awards under the 2021 Plan and the ESPP, and no additional awards will be granted under the 2013 Plan and 2019 Plan. In addition, certain of the Company’s existing options assumed in connection with acquisitions are governed by the terms of the acquired company’s equity awards plan.
In February 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved and adopted the 2021 Plan and the ESPP, which became effective in March and April 2021, respectively. The 2021 Plan serves as the successor to the 2019 Plan. Outstanding awards under the 2013 Plan and 2019 Plan continue to be subject to their original terms and conditions. The 2021 Plan provides for the granting of stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), restricted stock (“restricted stock”), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), and performance and stock bonus awards. No SARs or stock bonus awards have been issued to date.
The number of shares available for grant and issuance under the 2021 Plan will be automatically increased on January 1st of each of the first 10 fiscal years during the term of the 2021 Plan by the lesser of (a) 5% of the total number of shares of all classes of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding on an as converted to common stock basis on each December 31st immediately prior to the date of increase or (b) such number of shares determined by the Board.
The number of shares available for grant and issuance under the ESPP will be automatically increased on January 1st of each of the first 10 fiscal years during the term of the ESPP by the lesser of (a) 1% of the total number of shares of all classes of the Company’s common stock outstanding on an as converted to common stock basis on each December 31st immediately prior to the date of increase or (b) such number of shares determined by the Board or the compensation committee of the Board.
Types of awards
Stock options
The Company has previously granted incentive stock options (“ISOs”) and nonqualified stock options (“NSOs”) with contractual periods of up to 10 years and at prices determined by the Board. ISOs were granted only to Company employees (including officers and directors who are also employees), while NSOs were granted to Company employees and non-employees. The exercise price of an option shall not be less than 100% of the estimated fair value of the underlying shares on the date of the grant (110% if granted to a stockholder who owns more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent or subsidiary).
Under the 2013 Plan and 2019 Plan, initial options granted generally vest over four years at a rate of 25% upon the first anniversary of the issuance date and 1/48 per month thereafter. Option grants made after initial grants generally vest in equal monthly installments over four years. Under the 2021 Plan, options generally vest in equal quarterly installments over a period of three years. Options with performance conditions vest upon achievement of certain specified thresholds.
The 2013 Plan and 2019 Plan each allow for a seven year exercise window post-termination for employees of the Company who have provided at least two years of continuous service to the Company as of their termination date, while the 2021 Plan allows for a three month exercise window post-termination regardless of service period.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
RSUs
The Company grants RSUs that vest upon the satisfaction of a service-based condition or performance condition. In general, RSUs with service-based conditions vest over a service period ranging from one to four years. Once vested, the RSUs are settled by delivery of Class A common stock. RSUs with performance conditions (“PRSUs”) vest upon achievement of certain specified thresholds.
Restricted stock
In connection with the Company’s acquisitions, the Company may issue shares of restricted Class A common stock. Vesting of restricted stock is dependent on a service-based vesting condition that is generally satisfied over three years. The Company has the right to repurchase shares at par value when the vesting condition is not satisfied.
ESPP
The ESPP allows eligible employees the option to purchase shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at a 15% discount, over a series of offering periods through accumulated payroll deductions over the period. The ESPP also includes a look-back provision for the purchase price if the stock price on the purchase date is higher than the stock price on the offering date. The grant date of the initial offering period was May 3, 2021, and that offering period ended on April 30, 2023. Subsequent offering periods commence each May and November after the start of the initial offering period.
Valuation of awards
The Company estimates the fair value of restricted stock and RSUs based on the fair value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the date of grant.
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options with only service-based conditions and purchase rights under the ESPP on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton Option-Pricing Model. The model requires management to make a number of assumptions, including the fair value and expected volatility of the Company’s underlying common stock price, expected life of the option, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividend yield, which are calculated as follows:
•The fair value of the underlying stock is the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Prior to the Direct Listing, this fair value was determined using the probability weighted expected return method, with a discounted cash flow model or a market multiples method used for each expected outcome. Following the Direct Listing, this fair value is the closing price of the Company’s Class A common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the grant date.
•The expected stock price volatility assumption for the Company’s stock is determined by using the historical volatility of the Company’s Class A common stock. Prior to the availability of sufficient trading history, a weighted average of the historical stock price volatility of comparable companies from a representative peer group was used.
•The Company uses historical exercise information and contractual terms of options to estimate the expected term.
•The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds with terms consistent with the expected term of the award at the time of grant.
•The expected dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of no dividend payouts.
The Company has two types of performance awards outstanding: performance stock options subject to a market condition and PRSUs with tranches that are subject to a market condition and tranches that are subject to a financial performance condition.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company determines the fair value of performance awards subject to a market condition using a Monte Carlo Simulation Model (a binomial lattice-based valuation model). The Monte Carlo Simulation Model uses multiple input variables to determine the probability of satisfying the market condition requirements. The fair values of the awards are not subject to change based on future market conditions. The fair value of PRSUs, or tranches thereof, subject to a financial performance condition is estimated based on the fair value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the date of grant.
Expense attribution
Stock-based compensation expense for RSUs and stock options with only service-based conditions, and purchase rights under the ESPP, is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The Company has elected to account for forfeitures of awards as they occur, with previously recognized compensation reversed in the period that the awards are forfeited.
The Company uses the accelerated attribution method to recognize expense over the requisite service period for performance awards, or tranches thereof, subject to a market condition. Once the associated market condition becomes probable of being achieved, stock-based compensation expense is recognized according to the market-based fair value measured on the grant date, subject to continued service over the period. This expense is recognized regardless of whether or not the market condition is ultimately satisfied.
For performance awards, or tranches thereof, subject to financial performance conditions, the Company evaluates the cumulative revenue and the cumulative adjusted EBITDA results at each reporting date to determine which performance conditions, if any, are probable to be achieved for the assessment period. Once probable that a threshold of achievement is reached, stock-based compensation expense is recognized, including cumulative catch-up adjustments as applicable, over the requisite service period based on the result that is probable of occurring at each reporting date until the final vesting date, subject to continued service over the period.
Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax asset and liability account balances are determined based on temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. A valuation allowance is established when management estimates that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future pre-tax earnings, the reversal of temporary differences between book and tax income, and the expected tax rates in future periods.
The Company is required to evaluate the tax positions taken in the course of preparing its tax returns to determine whether tax positions are more likely than not of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax benefits of positions not deemed to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the current year. The amount recognized is subject to estimate and management judgment with respect to the likely outcome of each uncertain tax position. The amount that is ultimately sustained for an individual uncertain tax position or for all uncertain tax positions in the aggregate could differ from the amount that is initially recognized. It is the Company’s practice to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
For U.S. federal tax purposes, crypto asset transactions are treated under the same tax principles as property transactions. The Company recognizes a gain or loss when crypto assets are exchanged for other property, in the amount of the difference between the fair market value of the property received and the tax basis of the exchanged crypto assets. Receipts of crypto assets in exchange for goods or services are included in taxable income at the fair market value on the date of receipt.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Net income (loss) per share
The Company computes net income (loss) per share using the two-class method required for participating securities. The two-class method requires income available to common stockholders for the period to be allocated between common stock and participating securities based upon their respective rights to receive dividends as if all income for the period had been distributed. Certain shares of the Company’s restricted stock granted as consideration in past acquisitions are deemed participating securities. These participating securities do not contractually require the holders of such shares to participate in the Company’s losses.
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock and, when dilutive, potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Potential shares of common stock consist of incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants, vesting of RSUs and restricted stock, conversion of the Company’s convertible notes, and settlement of contingent consideration.
Foreign currency transactions
The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The Company has exposure to foreign currency translation gains and losses arising from the Company’s net investment in foreign subsidiaries. The revenues, expenses, and financial results of these foreign subsidiaries are recorded in their respective functional currencies. The financial statements of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using a current rate of exchange, with gains or losses, net of tax as applicable, included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCI”) within the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity. Cumulative translation adjustments are released from AOCI and recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations when the Company disposes or loses control of a consolidated subsidiary. Gains and losses resulting from remeasurement are recorded in Other (income) expense, net within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Realized gains and losses on changes in foreign currency exchange rates resulting from settlement of the Company’s foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities and unrealized gains and losses resulting from remeasurement of transactions and monetary assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies are recognized as a component of Other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
3. REVENUE
The following table presents revenue of the Company disaggregated by type (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Net revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
Transaction revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer, net(1) |
$ |
3,430,322 |
|
|
$ |
1,334,018 |
|
|
$ |
2,123,368 |
|
Institutional, net |
345,598 |
|
|
90,164 |
|
|
119,344 |
|
Other transaction revenue, net(1) |
210,193 |
|
|
95,472 |
|
|
113,532 |
|
Total transaction revenue |
3,986,113 |
|
|
1,519,654 |
|
|
2,356,244 |
|
Subscription and services revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
Stablecoin revenue(2) |
910,464 |
|
|
694,247 |
|
|
245,710 |
|
Blockchain rewards |
705,757 |
|
|
330,885 |
|
|
275,507 |
|
Interest and finance fee income(3)(4) |
265,799 |
|
|
186,685 |
|
|
82,395 |
|
Custodial fee revenue |
141,706 |
|
|
69,501 |
|
|
79,847 |
|
Other subscription and services revenue(4) |
283,407 |
|
|
125,568 |
|
|
109,112 |
|
Total subscription and services revenue |
2,307,133 |
|
|
1,406,886 |
|
|
792,571 |
|
Total net revenue |
6,293,246 |
|
|
2,926,540 |
|
|
3,148,815 |
|
Other revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate interest and other income(2) |
270,782 |
|
|
181,843 |
|
|
45,393 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other revenue |
270,782 |
|
|
181,843 |
|
|
45,393 |
|
Total revenue |
$ |
6,564,028 |
|
|
$ |
3,108,383 |
|
|
$ |
3,194,208 |
|
__________________
(1)During the first quarter of 2024, the Company reclassified Base and payment-related revenue from Consumer, net to Other transaction revenue, net. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.
(2)Amounts represent revenue that is not accounted for as revenue from contracts with customers, as defined in ASC 606.
(3)Amounts primarily represent revenue that is not accounted for as revenue from contracts with customers, as well as an immaterial amount of finance fee income in all periods presented that is accounted for as revenue from contracts with customers. See also footnote 4 to this table.
(4)During the first quarter of 2024, the Company reclassified Prime Financing fee income from Other subscription and services revenue to Interest and finance fee income. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. Prime Financing fee income is immaterial for all periods presented.
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, one counterparty, and during the year ended December 31, 2022, no counterparty, accounted for more than 10% of total revenue in the respective period.
Revenue by geographic location
Below is Total revenue disaggregated by geography based on domiciles of the customer or other counterparty (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
U.S.(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,460,820 |
|
|
$ |
2,725,620 |
|
|
$ |
2,684,425 |
|
International(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,103,208 |
|
|
382,763 |
|
|
509,783 |
|
Total revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6,564,028 |
|
|
$ |
3,108,383 |
|
|
$ |
3,194,208 |
|
__________________
(1)Nearly all revenue that is not accounted for as revenue from contracts with customers, as defined in ASC 606, is with counterparties in the U.S.
(2)No country accounted for more than 10% of Total revenue.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4. COLLATERALIZED ARRANGEMENTS AND FINANCING
Loans and related collateral
The following table summarizes the Company’s Prime Financing lending arrangements (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Loan receivables |
|
|
|
Fiat loan receivables |
$ |
382,751 |
|
|
$ |
171,196 |
|
Crypto asset loan receivables |
92,619 |
|
|
22,229 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total loan receivables |
$ |
475,370 |
|
|
$ |
193,425 |
|
|
|
|
|
Customer loans not meeting recognition criteria |
|
|
|
USDC |
$ |
168,795 |
|
|
$ |
205,645 |
|
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had two and three counterparties, respectively, who accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s recorded Loan receivables. As of both of these dates, the Company also had three counterparties each, who accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s customer loans that did not meet the recognition criteria.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the collateral requirements for all loans outstanding, including customer loans not meeting recognition criteria, ranged from 100% to 300% of the fair value of the loan. No allowance, write-offs, or recoveries were recorded against loan receivables or customer loans not meeting recognition criteria during the periods presented, and none of these loans were past due.
Following are assets the Company holds and has recognized as collateral with a corresponding obligation to return the collateral to the borrower:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2024 |
|
December 31, 2023 |
(in thousands, except units) |
|
Units |
|
Cost Basis |
|
Fair Value |
|
Carrying Value |
Fiat(1) |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
$ |
24,641 |
|
|
$ |
1,063 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bitcoin |
|
6,918 |
|
|
$ |
414,745 |
|
|
647,568 |
|
|
351,760 |
|
Ethereum |
|
33,130 |
|
|
98,787 |
|
|
111,445 |
|
|
2,248 |
|
Other crypto assets(2) |
|
nm |
|
8,065 |
|
|
8,471 |
|
|
— |
|
Crypto assets held as collateral(3) |
|
|
|
$ |
521,597 |
|
|
767,484 |
|
|
354,008 |
|
Total recognized assets held as collateral |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
792,125 |
|
|
$ |
355,071 |
|
__________________
nm - not meaningful
(1)Fiat collateral held is recognized within Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)Includes various other crypto asset balances, none of which individually represented more than 5% of the carrying value of total Crypto assets held as collateral.
(3)Recorded at fair value as of December 31, 2023.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table provides a reconciliation of Crypto assets held as collateral (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2024 |
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
354,008 |
|
Collateral received |
|
3,030,311 |
|
Collateral returned |
|
(2,759,660) |
|
Gains |
|
175,480 |
|
Losses |
|
(32,655) |
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
767,484 |
|
No cumulative realized gains or losses occurred during the period presented as no Crypto assets held as collateral were sold or rehypothecated.
Following are assets the Company holds as collateral for which it has not recognized as collateral nor as an obligation to return the collateral to borrower (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fiat |
|
$ |
64,760 |
|
|
$ |
100,880 |
|
USDC |
|
45,222 |
|
|
9,327 |
|
Crypto assets |
|
178,619 |
|
|
136,363 |
|
Total customer collateral not recognized as collateral |
|
$ |
288,601 |
|
|
$ |
246,570 |
|
Borrowings and related collateral
The following table summarizes the units, cost basis, and fair value of Crypto assets borrowed and the associated Crypto asset borrowings (in thousands, except units):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2024 |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
Units |
|
Cost Basis |
|
Fair Value |
|
Carrying Value |
Crypto assets borrowed(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bitcoin |
|
1,923 |
|
|
$ |
191,986 |
|
|
$ |
179,480 |
|
|
$ |
36,368 |
|
Ethereum |
|
17,413 |
|
|
65,213 |
|
|
57,989 |
|
|
3,720 |
|
Solana |
|
19,278 |
|
|
935 |
|
|
3,640 |
|
|
3,516 |
|
Other crypto assets(2) |
|
nm |
|
17,766 |
|
|
19,943 |
|
|
1,608 |
|
Total borrowed |
|
|
|
$ |
275,900 |
|
|
$ |
261,052 |
|
|
$ |
45,212 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crypto asset borrowings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bitcoin |
|
2,178 |
|
|
$ |
213,096 |
|
|
$ |
203,370 |
|
|
$ |
50,679 |
|
Ethereum |
|
19,133 |
|
|
68,803 |
|
|
63,720 |
|
|
7,059 |
|
Solana |
|
19,278 |
|
|
935 |
|
|
3,640 |
|
|
3,513 |
|
Other crypto assets(2) |
|
nm |
|
27,206 |
|
|
29,380 |
|
|
1,729 |
|
Total borrowings |
|
|
|
$ |
310,040 |
|
|
$ |
300,110 |
|
|
$ |
62,980 |
|
__________________
nm - not meaningful
(1)Recorded at fair value as of December 31, 2023.
(2)Includes various other crypto asset balances, none of which individually represented more than 5% of the carrying value of total Crypto assets borrowed or total Crypto asset borrowings, as applicable.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the weighted average annual fees on these borrowings were 2.4% and 2.0%, respectively.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table provides a reconciliation of Crypto assets borrowed (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2024 |
Beginning balance |
|
|
|
$ |
45,212 |
|
Borrowing activity: |
|
|
|
|
Borrowings |
|
|
|
844,717 |
|
Repayment of borrowings |
|
|
|
(579,210) |
|
Lending activity: |
|
|
|
|
Origination of loan receivables(1) |
|
|
|
(1,346,485) |
|
Customer repayment of loan receivables(1) |
|
|
|
1,322,636 |
|
Gains |
|
|
|
4,023 |
|
Losses |
|
|
|
(29,841) |
|
Ending balance |
|
|
|
$ |
261,052 |
|
__________________
(1)Represents loans originated from borrowed assets. See Note 7. Crypto Assets Held for Investment for loans originated from assets held for investment.
No cumulative realized gains or losses occurred during the periods presented as no Crypto assets borrowed were sold.
The fair value of the Company’s corporate assets pledged as collateral against Crypto asset borrowings consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Assets pledged as collateral |
USDC |
$ |
4,009 |
|
|
$ |
51,880 |
|
Fiat |
— |
|
|
1,191 |
|
Total pledged as collateral |
$ |
4,009 |
|
|
$ |
53,071 |
|
|
|
|
|
Assets pledged as collateral not meeting derecognition criteria |
USDC |
$ |
329,832 |
|
|
$ |
29,577 |
|
5. CRYPTO ASSETS HELD FOR OPERATIONS
The following table summarizes Crypto assets held for operations (in thousands, except units):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2024 |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
Units |
|
Cost Basis |
|
Fair Value |
|
Carrying Value(1) |
Ethereum |
8,142 |
|
|
$ |
21,843 |
|
|
$ |
27,122 |
|
|
$ |
15,775 |
|
Solana |
69,280 |
|
|
14,526 |
|
|
13,245 |
|
|
10,275 |
|
Bitcoin |
57 |
|
7,814 |
|
|
5,473 |
|
|
7,243 |
|
Other crypto assets(2) |
nm |
|
51,871 |
|
|
36,941 |
|
|
40,810 |
|
Total held for operations |
|
|
$ |
96,054 |
|
|
$ |
82,781 |
|
|
$ |
74,103 |
|
__________________
nm - not meaningful
(1)Recorded at impaired cost as of December 31, 2023.
(2)Includes various other crypto asset balances, none of which individually represented more than 5% of the carrying value of total Crypto assets held for operations.
Crypto assets held for operations are received as a form of payment and are converted to cash or used to fulfill expenses nearly immediately, in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. A reconciliation of this crypto asset activity is not provided as the associated risk of exposure to crypto assets, even during periods of significant activity, is immaterial.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Stablecoin revenue receivable |
$ |
85,983 |
|
|
$ |
57,885 |
|
|
|
|
|
Customer fee revenue receivable |
39,317 |
|
|
23,603 |
|
Other accounts receivable |
169,380 |
|
|
109,361 |
|
Gross accounts receivable |
294,680 |
|
|
190,849 |
|
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts |
(29,429) |
|
|
(22,559) |
|
Total accounts receivable, net |
$ |
265,251 |
|
|
$ |
168,290 |
|
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had one and two counterparties, respectively, who accounted for more than 10% of Accounts receivable, net.
7. CRYPTO ASSETS HELD FOR INVESTMENT
The following table summarizes Crypto assets held for investment (in thousands, except units):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2024 |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
Units |
|
Cost Basis |
|
Fair Value |
|
Carrying Value(1) |
Bitcoin |
6,885 |
|
|
$ |
272,164 |
|
|
$ |
642,738 |
|
|
$ |
126,614 |
|
Ethereum |
115,700 |
|
|
260,674 |
|
|
385,314 |
|
|
129,131 |
|
Other crypto assets(2) |
nm |
|
347,827 |
|
|
524,943 |
|
|
74,865 |
|
Total held for investment |
|
|
$ |
880,665 |
|
|
$ |
1,552,995 |
|
|
$ |
330,610 |
|
__________________
nm - not meaningful
(1)Recorded at impaired cost as of December 31, 2023.
(2)Includes various other crypto asset balances, none of which individually represented more than 5% of the carrying value of total Crypto assets held for investment.
The following table provides a reconciliation of Crypto assets held for investment (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2024 |
Beginning balance |
|
$ |
330,610 |
|
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2023-08 |
|
717,373 |
|
Additions(1) |
|
107,580 |
|
Dispositions |
|
(243,595) |
|
|
|
|
Lending activity: |
|
|
Origination of loan receivables(2) |
|
(213,232) |
|
Customer repayment of loan receivables(2) |
|
167,204 |
|
Gains(3) |
|
799,804 |
|
Losses(3) |
|
(112,749) |
|
Ending balance |
|
$ |
1,552,995 |
|
__________________
(1)Additions represent purchases of, and staking rewards earned on, Crypto assets held for investment.
(2)Represents loans originated from Crypto assets held for investment. See Note 4. Collateralized Arrangements and Financing for loans originated from borrowed assets.
(3)The Company measures gains and losses by each asset held. These amounts include cumulative realized gains of $153.4 million and unrealized gains of $533.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $201.7 million of crypto assets subject to selling restrictions recorded in Crypto assets held for investment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The selling restrictions are time-based and lift between 2025 and 2029.
8. SOFTWARE AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Software and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Capitalized internally developed software |
$ |
361,760 |
|
|
$ |
293,467 |
|
Other(1) |
22,938 |
|
|
19,810 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total software and equipment, gross |
384,698 |
|
|
313,277 |
|
Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
(184,618) |
|
|
(120,727) |
|
Total software and equipment, net |
$ |
200,080 |
|
|
$ |
192,550 |
|
_______________
(1)Includes leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, and computers and equipment.
Total additions to capitalized internally developed software were $110.5 million, $112.0 million, and $178.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization expense associated with software and equipment was $100.5 million, $70.0 million, and $48.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, comprising primarily amortization of capitalized internally developed software, and there were no material impairment charges associated with these assets during these years.
Nearly all long-lived assets, which consist of software and equipment, net and operating lease ROU assets, are within the United States. No other individual country accounted for more than 10% of total long-lived assets.
9. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
Goodwill
The following table reflects the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Balance, beginning of period |
$ |
1,139,670 |
|
|
$ |
1,073,906 |
|
Additions due to business combinations |
— |
|
|
65,764 |
|
Balance, end of period |
$ |
1,139,670 |
|
|
$ |
1,139,670 |
|
There was no impairment recognized against goodwill at the beginning or end of the periods presented. Further, there were no measurement period adjustments during the periods presented.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, net, as disclosed in this footnote exclude internally developed software and crypto assets, which are presented within Software and equipment, net and the various crypto assets held line items in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. Intangible assets, net and their associated weighted average remaining useful lives in years (“Life”) consisted of the following (in thousands, except years):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2024 |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
Gross Carrying Amount |
|
Accumulated Amortization |
|
Intangible Assets, Net |
|
Life |
|
Gross Carrying Amount |
|
Accumulated Amortization |
|
Intangible Assets, Net |
|
Life |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortizing intangible assets |
Customer relationships |
$ |
75,711 |
|
|
$ |
(65,989) |
|
|
$ |
9,722 |
|
|
0.4 |
|
$ |
103,791 |
|
|
$ |
(66,279) |
|
|
$ |
37,512 |
|
|
3.1 |
Acquired developed technology |
30,700 |
|
|
(21,962) |
|
|
8,738 |
|
|
1.6 |
|
124,291 |
|
|
(105,139) |
|
|
19,152 |
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
3,400 |
|
|
(3,306) |
|
|
94 |
|
|
0.1 |
|
66,602 |
|
|
(65,094) |
|
|
1,508 |
|
|
1.0 |
Indefinite-lived intangible assets |
Licenses |
28,000 |
|
|
— |
|
|
28,000 |
|
|
N/A |
|
28,000 |
|
|
— |
|
|
28,000 |
|
|
N/A |
Other |
250 |
|
|
— |
|
|
250 |
|
|
N/A |
|
250 |
|
|
— |
|
|
250 |
|
|
N/A |
Total |
$ |
138,061 |
|
|
$ |
(91,257) |
|
|
$ |
46,804 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
322,934 |
|
|
$ |
(236,512) |
|
|
$ |
86,422 |
|
|
|
Amortization expense for these intangible assets was $27.0 million, $69.6 million, and $106.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and there were no material impairment charges associated with these assets during these years. The Company estimates that there is no significant residual value related to these amortizing intangible assets.
Prior to the adoption of ASU 2023-08, the Company recorded gross impairment charges when the observed market price of crypto assets held decreased below the carrying value, and recovered certain impairments through subsequent crypto asset sales and disposals. Collectively, these activities were recorded in Crypto asset impairment, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2023-08, the Company no longer records impairment charges or recovery of impairments on crypto assets held. See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Recent accounting pronouncements for additional details on the adoption of ASU 2023-08. In the applicable periods, Crypto asset impairment, net comprised the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gross crypto asset impairment expense |
|
|
|
$ |
96,783 |
|
|
$ |
757,257 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recoveries |
|
|
|
(131,458) |
|
|
(35,046) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crypto asset impairment, net |
|
|
|
$ |
(34,675) |
|
|
$ |
722,211 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
10. LONG-TERM DEBT
The components of Long-term debt were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective Interest Rate |
|
Principal Amount |
|
Unamortized Debt Discount and Issuance Costs |
|
Net Carrying Amount |
December 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.50% 2026 Convertible Notes due on June 1, 2026 |
|
0.98 |
% |
|
$ |
1,273,013 |
|
|
$ |
(9,395) |
|
|
$ |
1,263,618 |
|
3.38% 2028 Senior Notes due on October 1, 2028 |
|
3.57 |
% |
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
(6,562) |
|
|
993,438 |
|
0.25% 2030 Convertible Notes due on April 1, 2030 |
|
0.55 |
% |
|
1,265,000 |
|
|
(19,322) |
|
|
1,245,678 |
|
3.63% 2031 Senior Notes due on October 1, 2031 |
|
3.77 |
% |
|
737,457 |
|
|
(6,110) |
|
|
731,347 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
$ |
4,275,470 |
|
|
$ |
(41,389) |
|
|
$ |
4,234,081 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.50% 2026 Convertible Notes due on June 1, 2026 |
|
0.98 |
% |
|
$ |
1,273,013 |
|
|
$ |
(15,378) |
|
|
$ |
1,257,635 |
|
3.38% 2028 Senior Notes due on October 1, 2028 |
|
3.57 |
% |
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
(8,218) |
|
|
991,782 |
|
3.63% 2031 Senior Notes due on October 1, 2031 |
|
3.77 |
% |
|
737,457 |
|
|
(6,917) |
|
|
730,540 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
$ |
3,010,470 |
|
|
$ |
(30,513) |
|
|
$ |
2,979,957 |
|
Convertible senior notes
2026 Convertible Notes
In May 2021, the Company issued an aggregate principal amount of $1.4 billion of convertible senior notes due in 2026 (the “2026 Convertible Notes”) pursuant to an indenture, dated May 18, 2021 (the “2026 Convertible Notes Indenture”), between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The 2026 Convertible Notes were offered and sold in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
The 2026 Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and bear interest at a rate of 0.5% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2021. The 2026 Convertible Notes mature on June 1, 2026, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. The proceeds received of $1.4 billion were net of a 1% original issue discount and immaterial debt issuance costs. In 2023, the Company paid $126.4 million to repurchase $164.5 million of aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes with a carrying value of $162.4 million, net of immaterial unamortized issuance costs, original issue discount, and legal fees. The Company recorded a corresponding net gain on extinguishment of long-term debt during the year ended December 31, 2023 of $35.8 million in Other (income) expense, net within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The initial conversion rate for the 2026 Convertible Notes is 2.6994 shares of the Company's Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2026 Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $370.45 per share of the Class A common stock. The conversion rate and conversion price are subject to customary adjustments under certain circumstances in accordance with the terms of the 2026 Convertible Notes Indenture.
The 2026 Convertible Notes will be convertible at the option of the holders before December 1, 2025 only upon the occurrence of certain events, and from and after December 1, 2025, at any time at their election until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding June 1, 2026, only under certain circumstances. Upon conversion, the Company may satisfy its conversion obligation by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of the Company’s Class A common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, at the Company’s election, based on the applicable conversion rate. In addition, if certain corporate events that constitute a make-whole fundamental change (as defined in the 2026 Convertible Notes Indenture) occur, then the conversion rate will, in certain circumstances, be increased for a specified period of time.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Additionally, in the event of a corporate event constituting a fundamental change (as defined in the 2026 Convertible Notes Indenture), holders of the 2026 Convertible Notes may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their 2026 Convertible Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes being repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest or additional interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of the fundamental change repurchase.
2030 Convertible Notes
In March 2024, the Company issued an aggregate principal amount of $1.3 billion of convertible senior notes due 2030 (the “2030 Convertible Notes”), which included the full exercise by the initial purchasers of their option to purchase up to an additional $165.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2030 Convertible Notes, pursuant to an indenture, dated March 18, 2024 between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (the “2030 Convertible Notes Indenture”). The 2030 Convertible Notes were offered and sold in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
The 2030 Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and accrue interest of 0.25% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on October 1, 2024. The 2030 Convertible Notes mature on April 1, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. The proceeds received of $1.2 billion, were net of a 1.5% original issue discount and immaterial debt issuance costs.
The 2030 Convertible Notes will be convertible into cash, shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, or a combination thereof, at the Company’s election at an initial conversion rate of 2.9981 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes. This is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $333.54 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock. The conversion rate and conversion price are subject to customary adjustments under certain circumstances in accordance with the terms of the 2030 Convertible Notes Indenture.
Beginning with the third quarter of 2024, the 2030 Convertible Notes are convertible at the option of the holder if the last reported sale price per share of Class A common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price for each of at least 20 trading days, during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter. Upon conversion, the Company may satisfy its conversion obligation by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, at the Company’s election, based on the applicable conversion rate. In addition, if certain corporate events that constitute a make-whole fundamental change (as defined in the 2030 Convertible Notes Indenture) occur, then the conversion rate will, in certain circumstances, be increased for a specified period of time. Additionally in the event of a corporate event constituting a fundamental change (as defined in the 2030 Convertible Notes Indenture), holders of the 2030 Convertible Notes may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their 2030 Convertible Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2030 Convertible Notes being repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest or additional interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of the fundamental change repurchase.
The Company accounts for the 2030 Convertible Notes wholly as debt because (1) the conversion features do not require bifurcation as a derivative under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging and (2) the 2030 Convertible Notes were not issued at a substantial premium.
Capped calls
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
On May 18, 2021, in connection with the pricing of the 2026 Convertible Notes, on March 13, 2024, in connection with the pricing of the 2030 Convertible Notes, and on March 14, 2024, in connection with the full exercise by the initial purchasers of their option to purchase additional 2030 Convertible Notes, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions (the “2026 Capped Calls” and “2030 Capped Calls,” respectively, and “the Capped Calls,” collectively) with certain financial institutions (the “2026 Option Counterparties” and “2030 Option Counterparties,” respectively, and the “Option Counterparties” collectively) at a cost of $90.1 million and $104.1 million, respectively, in each case in exchange for the right to receive a predetermined amount of cash, shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, or a combination thereof, at the Company’s election. The Capped Calls cover, subject to customary adjustments, the number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock initially underlying each of the 2026 Convertible Notes and 2030 Convertible Notes (collectively, the “Convertible Notes”), as applicable. The Capped Calls allow the Company to hedge the economic effect of the conversion options embedded in the Convertible Notes and purchase shares of its own Class A common stock at a specified strike price. By entering into the Capped Calls, the Company expects to reduce the potential dilution to its Class A common stock (or, in the event a conversion of the Convertible Notes is settled in cash, to reduce its cash payment obligation) in the event that at the time of conversion of the Convertible Notes its Class A common stock price exceeds the conversion price of the Convertible Notes. The 2026 Capped Calls have an initial strike price of approximately $370.45 per share of Class A common stock (the “2026 Initial Strike Price”) and an initial cap price of approximately $478.00 per share of Class A common stock (the “2026 Initial Cap Price”). The 2030 Capped Calls have an initial strike price of approximately $333.54 per share of Class A common stock (the “2030 Initial Strike Price”) and an initial cap price of approximately $503.46 per share of Class A common stock (the “2030 Initial Cap Price”). Upon expiration of the agreements underlying the Capped Calls, the Capped Calls will be automatically exercised. If the closing market price of the Class A common stock is above the applicable initial cap price, the initial investments will be returned with a premium in either cash or shares at the Company’s election. If the closing market price of the Class A common stock is at or below the applicable initial strike price, the Company will receive the number of shares specified in the agreements.
Upon certain extraordinary events, nationalization, insolvency or delisting event, or additional disruption events, the Capped Calls are contractually structured to terminate. The Company has the contractual right to terminate the Capped Calls upon repurchase, redemption, or conversion (in the case of conversion, prior to December 1, 2025 or October 1, 2029, for the 2026 Capped Calls and 2030 Capped Calls, respectively) of the underlying Convertible Notes, in certain circumstances.
The Capped Calls also include early termination provisions based on beneficial ownership positions of the counterparties. That is, if at any time the counterparty’s holdings exceed 8% beneficial ownership of the Company (as defined under Section 13 of the Exchange Act) and the counterparty is unable, after commercially reasonable efforts, to effect a transfer or assignment of all or a portion of the transaction such that an excess ownership position no longer exists, the counterparty may early terminate a portion of the Capped Calls, in which case the Company can settle in cash or shares of its Class A common stock.
Senior notes
In September 2021, the Company completed the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion of senior notes due on October 1, 2028 (the “2028 Senior Notes”) and an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion of senior notes due on October 1, 2031 (the “2031 Senior Notes” and together with the 2028 Senior Notes, the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes were issued within the United States only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act.
In August and September 2023, the Company paid $177.2 million to repurchase $262.5 million of aggregate principal amount of the 2031 Senior Notes with a carrying value of $259.9 million, net of immaterial unamortized issuance costs and legal fees. The Company recorded a corresponding net gain on extinguishment of long-term debt during the year of $81.6 million in Other (income) expense, net within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company issued the Senior Notes at par, with the proceeds net of immaterial debt issuance costs. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning in April 2022 at 3.375% per annum for the 2028 Senior Notes and 3.625% per annum for the 2031 Notes. The entire principal amount of the Senior Notes is due at the time of maturity, unless repurchased or redeemed at an earlier date. The Senior Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated September 17, 2021, among the Company, the Guarantor (as defined below) and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Senior Notes Indenture”).
The Senior Notes are redeemable at the Company’s discretion, in whole or in part, at any time. If redeemed prior to October 1, 2024 for the 2028 Senior Notes and October 1, 2026 for the 2031 Senior Notes, the redemption price is subject to a make-whole premium calculated by reference to then-current U.S. Treasury rates plus a fixed spread, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. If redeemed on or after those respective dates, the make-whole premium does not apply.
If the 2028 Senior Notes are redeemed before October 1, 2025, the Company may redeem any or all of the notes at the redemption prices equal to 101.688% of the principal amount of the 2028 Senior Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any to, but excluding the redemption date.
Upon the occurrence of a change of control triggering event (as defined in the Senior Notes Indenture), the Company must offer to repurchase each series of the Senior Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes to be repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, to, but excluding, the applicable repurchase date.
The Senior Notes are guaranteed by one of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, Coinbase, Inc. (the “Guarantor”).
The Senior Notes Indenture contains customary covenants that restrict the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to incur debt and liens. The Company is not aware of any instances of non-compliance with the covenants as of December 31, 2024.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
11. DERIVATIVES
During the periods presented, the Company’s derivatives were all embedded forward contracts to receive or deliver a fixed amount of crypto assets in the future.
Impact of derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
The following table summarizes the balance sheet impact of derivative instruments as measured in U.S. dollar equivalents (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets Location |
|
Notional |
|
Fair Value, Net |
|
Total |
December 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Not designated as hedging instruments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net(1) |
|
$ |
16,264 |
|
|
$ |
18,557 |
|
|
$ |
34,821 |
|
Other current assets(1) |
|
99,265 |
|
|
61,304 |
|
|
160,569 |
|
Crypto asset borrowings |
|
310,040 |
|
|
(9,930) |
|
|
300,110 |
|
Obligation to return collateral(1) |
|
526,337 |
|
|
241,147 |
|
|
767,484 |
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities(1) |
|
37,428 |
|
|
(4,106) |
|
|
33,322 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Designated as hedging instruments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crypto asset borrowings |
|
$ |
31,666 |
|
|
$ |
13,547 |
|
|
$ |
45,213 |
|
Obligation to return collateral(1) |
|
255,686 |
|
|
98,322 |
|
|
354,008 |
|
Not designated as hedging instruments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net(1) |
|
16,335 |
|
|
28,065 |
|
|
44,400 |
|
Crypto asset borrowings |
|
12,503 |
|
|
5,264 |
|
|
17,767 |
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities(1) |
|
20,092 |
|
|
590 |
|
|
20,682 |
|
__________________
(1)Represents the portion of the Consolidated Balance Sheet line item that is denominated in crypto assets.
The following table summarizes information on derivatives by accounting designation (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Derivative Assets |
|
Gross Derivative Liabilities |
Consolidated Balance Sheets Location |
|
Not Designated as Hedges |
|
Designated as Hedges |
|
Total Derivative Assets |
|
Not Designated as Hedges |
|
Designated as Hedges |
|
Total Derivative Liabilities |
December 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
$ |
20,368 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
20,368 |
|
|
$ |
1,811 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
1,811 |
|
Other current assets |
|
61,304 |
|
|
— |
|
|
61,304 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Crypto asset borrowings |
|
18,030 |
|
|
— |
|
|
18,030 |
|
|
8,100 |
|
|
— |
|
|
8,100 |
|
Obligation to return collateral |
|
2,149 |
|
|
— |
|
|
2,149 |
|
|
243,296 |
|
|
— |
|
|
243,296 |
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
6,814 |
|
|
— |
|
|
6,814 |
|
|
2,708 |
|
|
— |
|
|
2,708 |
|
Total fair value of derivatives |
|
$ |
108,665 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
108,665 |
|
|
$ |
255,915 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
255,915 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net |
|
$ |
28,065 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
28,065 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Crypto asset borrowings |
|
26 |
|
|
(25) |
|
|
1 |
|
|
5,290 |
|
|
13,522 |
|
|
18,812 |
|
Obligation to return collateral |
|
— |
|
|
389 |
|
|
389 |
|
|
— |
|
|
98,711 |
|
|
98,711 |
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
2,511 |
|
|
— |
|
|
2,511 |
|
|
3,101 |
|
|
— |
|
|
3,101 |
|
Total fair value of derivatives |
|
$ |
30,602 |
|
|
$ |
364 |
|
|
$ |
30,966 |
|
|
$ |
8,391 |
|
|
$ |
112,233 |
|
|
$ |
120,624 |
|
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Impact of derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Losses) gains on changes in the fair value of derivative instruments recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivatives |
|
Hedged Items |
|
Income Statement Impact(5) |
|
Derivatives |
|
Hedged Items |
|
Income Statement Impact |
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2024 |
|
Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Designated as hedging instruments |
Crypto asset futures(1) |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
(40,191) |
|
|
$ |
46,453 |
|
|
$ |
6,262 |
|
Crypto asset borrowings(1) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(75,249) |
|
|
117,393 |
|
|
42,144 |
|
Obligation to return collateral(2) |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(98,322) |
|
|
98,322 |
|
|
— |
|
Not designated as hedging instruments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crypto asset borrowings(3) |
|
28,304 |
|
|
— |
|
|
28,304 |
|
|
(47,160) |
|
|
— |
|
|
(47,160) |
|
Obligation to return collateral(2) |
|
(142,825) |
|
|
— |
|
|
(142,825) |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Other(4) |
|
83,269 |
|
|
— |
|
|
83,269 |
|
|
37,031 |
|
|
— |
|
|
37,031 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
(31,252) |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
(31,252) |
|
|
$ |
(223,891) |
|
|
$ |
262,168 |
|
|
$ |
38,277 |
|
__________________
(1)Changes in fair value are recorded in Other operating expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2)Changes in fair value are recorded in Transaction expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(3)As of January 1, 2024, the date of the Company’s adoption of ASU 2023-08, changes in fair value are recorded in Transaction expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Prior to adoption of ASU 2023-08, changes in fair value were recorded in Other operating expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(4)Changes in fair value are recorded in Other (income) expense, net or Other operating expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations depending on the nature of the derivative.
(5)The income statement impact of Crypto asset borrowings and Obligation to return collateral derivatives is naturally offset, at least in part, by the impact of associated naturally offsetting positions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
12. OTHER CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DETAILS
The following table presents certain other details of the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Other current assets |
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses |
$ |
88,500 |
|
|
$ |
79,552 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes receivable |
5,530 |
|
|
63,726 |
|
Other |
183,506 |
|
|
69,262 |
|
Total other current assets |
$ |
277,536 |
|
|
$ |
212,540 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other non-current assets |
|
|
|
Strategic investments |
$ |
374,161 |
|
|
$ |
343,045 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes receivable |
60,004 |
|
|
— |
|
Lease ROU assets |
81,151 |
|
|
12,737 |
|
Other |
33,135 |
|
|
19,840 |
|
Total other non-current assets |
$ |
548,451 |
|
|
$ |
375,622 |
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
|
Accrued payroll and payroll related expenses |
$ |
186,151 |
|
|
$ |
224,237 |
|
Other accrued expenses |
145,369 |
|
|
89,254 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes payable |
90,910 |
|
|
17,366 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other payables |
204,390 |
|
|
126,032 |
|
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
$ |
626,820 |
|
|
$ |
456,889 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
Lease liabilities |
$ |
85,789 |
|
|
$ |
3,821 |
|
Other |
3,919 |
|
|
3,395 |
|
Total other non-current liabilities |
$ |
89,708 |
|
|
$ |
7,216 |
|
Leases
The Company has operating leases for corporate offices. The leases have remaining lease terms of less than one year to 11 years, generally with options to extend or terminate the lease that were not included in determining the lease terms as the Company is not reasonably certain to exercise those options.
Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025 |
$ |
9,885 |
|
2026 |
14,069 |
|
2027 |
13,137 |
|
2028 |
12,203 |
|
Thereafter |
83,033 |
|
Total lease payments |
132,327 |
|
Less: imputed interest |
(36,941) |
|
Total lease liabilities |
$ |
95,386 |
|
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Other information related to leases was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) |
9.8 |
|
1.5 |
Weighted-average discount rate |
6.36 |
% |
|
4.05 |
% |
13. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
|
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash equivalents(1) |
$ |
6,607,023 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,682,917 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
|
Restricted cash equivalents(2) |
1,415 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Customer custodial funds(3) |
4,269,410 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
3,301,029 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Crypto assets held for operations |
82,781 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Crypto asset loan receivables |
— |
|
|
92,619 |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
22,229 |
|
|
|
Crypto assets held as collateral(4) |
767,484 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
354,008 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Crypto assets borrowed(4) |
261,052 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
45,212 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Crypto assets held for investment |
1,552,995 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Derivative assets(5) |
— |
|
|
108,665 |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
30,966 |
|
|
|
Total assets |
$ |
13,542,160 |
|
|
$ |
201,284 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
7,383,166 |
|
|
$ |
53,195 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative liabilities(5) |
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
255,915 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
120,624 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
__________________
(1)Represents cash equivalents, which comprise money market funds. Excludes cash, comprising $1.8 billion of corporate cash held in deposit at banks and $88.2 million held at venues as of December 31, 2024, and $1.4 billion of corporate cash held in deposit at banks and $88.8 million held at venues as of December 31, 2023.
(2)Represents restricted cash equivalents, which comprise money market funds. Excludes restricted cash, comprising $37.1 million held in deposit at banks and held at venues as of December 31, 2024.
(3)Represents customer custodial cash equivalents, which comprise money market funds. Excludes customer custodial funds, comprising $1.9 billion and $1.3 billion held in deposit at financial institutions and customer custodial funds in transit as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
(4)The December 31, 2023 amount represents crypto assets designated as hedged items in fair value hedges.
(5)See Note 11. Derivatives for additional details.
The Company has valued all Level 2 assets and liabilities using quoted market prices for the underlying crypto assets.
Assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis
The Company’s non-financial assets, such as software and equipment, goodwill, crypto assets held prior to the adoption of ASU 2023-08, and other intangible assets, are adjusted to fair value when an impairment charge is recognized.
The Company’s strategic investments are recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value for observable transactions for same or similar investments of the same issuer or for impairment, on a non-recurring basis. Fair value measurements for strategic investments are based predominantly on Level 3 inputs to an Option-Pricing Model that uses publicly available market data of comparable companies and other unobservable inputs including expected volatility, expected time to liquidity, adjustments for other company-specific developments, and the rights and obligations of the securities the Company holds.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The changes in the carrying value of strategic investments accounted for under the measurement alternative are presented below (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Beginning balance |
$ |
330,346 |
|
|
$ |
315,285 |
|
Net additions(1) |
48,031 |
|
|
60,979 |
|
Upward adjustments |
1,861 |
|
|
62 |
|
Previously-held interest in acquiree(2) |
— |
|
|
(20,000) |
|
Impairments and downward adjustments |
(18,717) |
|
|
(25,980) |
|
Ending balance |
$ |
361,521 |
|
|
$ |
330,346 |
|
__________________
(1)Net additions include additions from purchases and reductions due to exits of strategic investments.
(2)See Note 19. Acquisitions for additional details on the Company’s 2023 acquisition.
The following table summarizes the cumulative impact from remeasurement of measurement alternative investments outstanding at the dates shown, recorded in Other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Cumulative upward adjustments |
$ |
6,774 |
|
|
$ |
4,913 |
|
Cumulative impairments and downward adjustments |
$ |
(145,762) |
|
|
$ |
(127,045) |
|
Assets and liabilities not measured and recorded at fair value
Certain of the Company’s financial instruments are not measured and recorded at fair value because carrying values of these instruments approximate their fair values due to their liquid or short-term nature. These include cash, restricted cash, USDC, certain customer custodial funds and related liabilities, and the following financial instruments denominated in fiat or USDC, as applicable: accounts receivable, loan receivables, collateral pledged, obligations to return collateral, and accounts payable. If these financial instruments were recorded at fair value, they would be based on Level 1 valuation inputs, except for the following financial instruments denominated in fiat or USDC, as applicable, which would be based on Level 2 valuation inputs: loan receivables, certain other receivables, and certain payables.
The Company’s long-term debt is not measured and recorded at fair value. As of December 31, 2024, the estimated fair value of the 2026 Convertible Notes, the 2030 Convertible Notes, the 2028 Senior Notes, and the 2031 Senior Notes were $1.3 billion, $1.4 billion, $901.3 million, and $625.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the estimated fair value of the 2026 Convertible Notes, the 2028 Senior Notes, and the 2031 Senior Notes were $1.2 billion, $828.4 million, and $557.8 million, respectively. These are based on quoted prices for these instruments in markets that are not active and other market observable inputs, which are considered Level 2 valuation inputs.
14. CAPITAL STOCK
Preferred stock
In connection with the Direct Listing, the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Restated Certificate of Incorporation”) became effective, which authorized the issuance of 500,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock with a par value of $0.00001 per share with rights and preferences, including voting rights, designated from time to time by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”).
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Common stock
Pursuant to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board is authorized to issue 10,000,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, 500,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, and 500,000,000 shares of undesignated common stock.
Dividend rights
Shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will be treated equally, identically, and ratably, on a per share basis, with respect to dividends that may be declared by the Board.
Voting rights
Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 20 votes per share. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock generally vote together as a single class on all matters (including the election of directors) submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company.
Right to receive liquidation distributions
Upon a liquidation, dissolution, or winding-up of the Company, the assets legally available for distribution to stockholders would be distributed ratably among the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock and any participating preferred stock or new series of common stock outstanding at that time, subject to prior satisfaction of all outstanding debt and liabilities and the preferential rights of and the payment of liquidation preferences, if any, on any outstanding shares of preferred stock or new series of common stock.
Conversion
Shares of Class B common stock are convertible at any time at the option of the holder into shares of Class A common stock on a one-to-one basis. In addition, each share of Class B common stock will automatically convert into a share of Class A common stock upon a sale or transfer (other than with respect to certain estate planning and other transfers). Further, upon certain events specified in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, all outstanding shares of Class B common stock will convert automatically into shares of Class A common stock. Once converted into Class A common stock, the Class B common stock will not be reissued.
Share repurchase program
In October 2024, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion of the Company’s Class A common stock without expiration. Repurchases may be made at management’s discretion from time to time on the open market (including through trading plans intended to qualify under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act), through privately negotiated transactions, or by other methods in accordance with applicable securities laws and other restrictions. The timing and amount of any repurchases will depend on market conditions and other considerations. The Share Repurchase Program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, and the program may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time. As of December 31, 2024, no shares have been repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program.
15. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Stock plans
As of December 31, 2024, there were 23,649,488 shares of Class A common stock subject to issued and outstanding options, RSUs, and PRSUs, and 2,352,610 shares of Class B common stock subject to issued and outstanding options under the Plans. Under the 2021 Plan, there were 56,740,929 shares of Class A common stock available for future issuance.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Stock options
A summary of stock options activity, including performance-based options, is as follows (in thousands, except per share and years data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
|
Options Outstanding |
|
Exercise Price Per Share |
|
Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
|
Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
Balance at January 1, 2024 |
28,697 |
|
|
$ |
25.01 |
|
|
6.1 |
|
$ |
4,295,055 |
|
Exercised |
(5,687) |
|
|
22.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited and cancelled |
(81) |
|
|
59.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2024 |
22,929 |
|
|
$ |
25.59 |
|
|
5.2 |
|
$ |
5,106,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2024 |
16,795 |
|
|
$ |
26.36 |
|
|
5.1 |
|
$ |
3,727,374 |
|
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2024 |
16,795 |
|
|
$ |
26.36 |
|
|
5.1 |
|
$ |
3,727,374 |
|
As of December 31, 2024, there was total unrecognized compensation cost of $25.6 million related to unvested stock options, which cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.
The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying stock option award and the estimated fair value of the Company’s common stock. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $1.2 billion, $226.5 million, and $336.3 million, respectively.
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, 1,647,333, 4,567,625, and 7,592,673 stock options, respectively, vested with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $24.81, $15.93, and $12.46 per share, respectively.
The weighted-average assumptions used under the Black-Scholes-Merton Option-Pricing Model to calculate the fair value of the options granted during the periods presented were as follows (in percentages, except as noted):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Dividend yield |
|
0.0 |
|
0.0 |
Expected volatility |
|
90.5 |
|
59.3 |
Expected term (in years) |
|
5.8 |
|
5.8 |
Risk-free interest rate |
|
3.9 |
|
2.1 |
Chief Executive Officer performance stock options
On August 11, 2020, the Company granted its Chief Executive Officer an option award to purchase up to 9,293,911 shares of Class A common stock, at an exercise price of $23.46 per share. Vesting of the award is dependent on both performance-based and market-based conditions being met. The total grant date fair value of this award was $56.7 million.
The performance condition was contingent on the Company’s registration statement being declared effective by the SEC under the Securities Act. The occurrence of this event was considered to not be probable until such time that it occurred. During April 2021, as a result of the Company’s registration statement being declared effective by the SEC, the performance condition of the option award granted to the Chief Executive Officer was met. No awards vested at that time as none of the accompanying market-based conditions had been met.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The market conditions are contingent on the Company’s Class A common stock price achieving certain stock price target milestones. On July 8, 2021, the first price target of the award was met, resulting in the vesting of 3,159,930 shares of Class A common stock subject to the option award. During each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, stock-based compensation expense of $3.9 million was recognized related to this award.
Restricted stock units
A summary of RSU activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share |
Balance at January 1, 2024 |
3,016 |
|
|
$ |
108.07 |
|
Granted |
6,233 |
|
|
158.85 |
|
Vested |
(6,189) |
|
|
135.10 |
|
Forfeited and cancelled |
(710) |
|
|
133.75 |
|
Balance at December 31, 2024 |
2,350 |
|
|
$ |
163.82 |
|
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the weighted-average grant date fair value per share granted was $108.07 and $112.35, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, the aggregate fair value as of the vest date of RSUs that vested was $1.4 billion, $753.9 million, and $947.9 million, respectively.
In December 2022, the Company modified certain RSU awards held by 1,198 employees to accelerate vesting of the remaining unvested awards on December 21, 2022 instead of the original vest date of February 20, 2023. The modification of awards did not result in any incremental compensation cost, however $36.1 million of stock-based compensation expense was accelerated and recognized upon modification.
As of December 31, 2024, there was total unrecognized compensation cost of $307.2 million related to unvested RSUs, which cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.
Performance restricted stock units
A summary of PRSU activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share |
Balance at January 1, 2024 |
804 |
|
|
$ |
55.42 |
|
|
|
|
|
Vested |
(80) |
|
|
55.42 |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2024 |
724 |
|
|
$ |
55.42 |
|
President & Chief Operating Officer performance award
On April 20, 2023, the Company’s Compensation Committee granted the President & Chief Operating Officer an award of PRSUs covering a target of 401,983 shares of Class A common stock and up to a maximum of 803,966 shares of Class A common stock (the “2023 COO Performance Award”).
Up to 40% of the 2023 COO Performance Award is subject to vesting based upon achievement of certain cumulative revenue and cumulative adjusted EBITDA target values which are separately evaluated for the period commencing January 1, 2023 and ending on December 31, 2025, subject to her continued employment until February 20, 2026 (the “Financial Performance Tranches”).
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Up to 60% of the 2023 COO Performance Award is subject to vesting in increments based upon a relative shareholder return target value for the three annual periods between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025, and the three year period between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025, subject to her continued employment through the applicable year end dates (the “Market Tranches”). The total grant date fair value of the Market Tranches of this award was $25.1 million, while the grant date fair value of the Financial Performance Tranches was $19.5 million assuming maximum achievement.
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, stock-based compensation expense of $10.0 million and $9.8 million was recognized, respectively, related to this award.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, certain conditions were met that triggered expensing of a portion of Financial Performance Tranches that were previously not being expensed until such conditions were met. The Company is not yet recognizing expense with respect to the remaining portion of these tranches; as of December 31, 2024, the remaining grant date fair value of the Financial Performance Tranches that is not yet expensing is $17.0 million. As of December 31, 2024, there was total unrecognized compensation cost of $7.7 million related to the unvested PRSUs that are currently expensing, which costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of one year.
Restricted stock
A summary of restricted stock activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share |
Balance at January 1, 2024 |
543 |
|
|
$ |
114.22 |
|
|
|
|
|
Vested |
(199) |
|
|
138.05 |
|
Forfeited and cancelled |
(4) |
|
|
267.48 |
|
Balance at December 31, 2024 |
340 |
|
|
$ |
98.49 |
|
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the weighted-average grant date fair value per share granted was $114.22 and $137.05, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, the aggregate fair value as of the vest date of restricted stock that vested was $37.8 million, $56.0 million, and $148.6 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2024, there was total unrecognized compensation cost of $8.5 million related to unvested restricted stock, which cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.9 years.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, total stock-based compensation expense of $13.4 million, $17.3 million, and $28.4 million, respectively, was recognized related to the ESPP. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had a liability of $5.1 million and $4.1 million, respectively, related to the accumulated payroll deductions, which are refundable to employees who withdraw from the ESPP. This amount is recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2024, there were 11.0 million shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under the ESPP.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Stock-based compensation
The effects of stock-based compensation on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Statements of Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
Technology and development |
$ |
564,726 |
|
|
$ |
476,478 |
|
|
$ |
1,093,983 |
|
Sales and marketing |
69,460 |
|
|
59,000 |
|
|
76,153 |
|
General and administrative |
278,652 |
|
|
245,190 |
|
|
395,687 |
|
Restructuring |
— |
|
|
84,042 |
|
|
— |
|
Total stock-based compensation expense |
$ |
912,838 |
|
|
$ |
864,710 |
|
|
$ |
1,565,823 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheets |
|
|
|
|
|
Software and equipment, net(1) |
$ |
48,068 |
|
|
$ |
53,617 |
|
|
$ |
118,017 |
|
_______________
(1)Represents capitalized stock-based compensation that was recorded to Software and equipment, net during the years presented. See Note 8. Software and Equipment, Net for additional details.
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $537.7 million, $205.6 million, and $246.6 million, respectively, related to stock-based compensation expense.
16. OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET
Other (income) expense, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Losses (gains) on strategic investments, net |
$ |
11,553 |
|
|
$ |
(24,368) |
|
|
$ |
101,219 |
|
Losses on foreign exchange, net |
2,485 |
|
|
10,609 |
|
|
161,749 |
|
Gain on extinguishment of long-term debt, net |
— |
|
|
(117,383) |
|
|
— |
|
Other |
(43,112) |
|
|
(36,441) |
|
|
2,505 |
|
Total other (income) expense, net |
$ |
(29,074) |
|
|
$ |
(167,583) |
|
|
$ |
265,473 |
|
17. INCOME TAXES
The components of income (loss) before income taxes were attributable to the following regions (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Domestic |
$ |
2,909,765 |
|
|
$ |
(113,067) |
|
|
$ |
(3,071,951) |
|
Foreign |
32,879 |
|
|
36,222 |
|
|
7,369 |
|
Total income (loss) before income taxes |
$ |
2,942,644 |
|
|
$ |
(76,845) |
|
|
$ |
(3,064,582) |
|
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
$ |
120,412 |
|
|
$ |
8,761 |
|
|
$ |
1,654 |
|
State |
59,961 |
|
|
24,236 |
|
|
3,985 |
|
Foreign |
31,890 |
|
|
11,621 |
|
|
22,763 |
|
Total current |
212,263 |
|
|
44,618 |
|
|
28,402 |
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
Federal |
134,719 |
|
|
(218,165) |
|
|
(361,056) |
|
State |
22,376 |
|
|
416 |
|
|
(126,713) |
|
Foreign |
(5,780) |
|
|
1,415 |
|
|
19,734 |
|
Total deferred |
151,315 |
|
|
(216,334) |
|
|
(468,035) |
|
Total provision for (benefit from) income taxes |
$ |
363,578 |
|
|
$ |
(171,716) |
|
|
$ |
(439,633) |
|
The table below provides the updated requirements of ASU 2023-09 for 2024. See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Recent accounting pronouncements for additional details on the adoption of ASU 2023-09.
The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2024 differs from the statutory federal income tax rate as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2024 |
|
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
|
Provision for income taxes at U.S. federal statutory rate |
|
$ |
617,955 |
|
|
21.00 |
% |
|
|
|
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit(1) |
|
66,325 |
|
|
2.25 |
|
|
|
|
Foreign tax effects |
|
18,705 |
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
|
Effect of changes in tax laws or rates enacted in the current period |
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
Effect of cross-border tax laws: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”) |
|
(11,592) |
|
|
(0.39) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
(1,472) |
|
|
(0.05) |
|
|
|
|
Tax credits: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development (“R&D”) credits |
|
(69,603) |
|
|
(2.37) |
|
|
|
|
Valuation allowance |
|
(7,493) |
|
|
(0.25) |
|
|
|
|
Non-taxable or non-deductible items: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation |
|
(276,645) |
|
|
(9.40) |
|
|
|
|
Non-deductible compensation |
|
24,114 |
|
|
0.82 |
|
|
|
|
Uncertain tax positions |
|
3,244 |
|
|
0.11 |
|
|
|
|
Adjustment to prior period provision |
|
(1,110) |
|
|
(0.04) |
|
|
|
|
Other adjustments |
|
1,150 |
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
|
Total tax provision and effective tax rate |
|
$ |
363,578 |
|
|
12.36 |
% |
|
|
|
________________
(1)State taxes in California, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois made up the majority (greater than 50%) of the tax effect in this category.
The Company’s effective tax rate of 12.36% for the year ended December 31, 2024 is due primarily to tax benefits related to stock-based compensation and federal R&D credits, reduced by state taxes and certain nondeductible compensation.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As previously disclosed for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, prior to the adoption of ASU 2023-09, the effective income tax rate differs from the statutory federal income tax rate as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
U.S. statutory rate |
|
|
|
21.00 |
% |
|
|
21.00 |
% |
State income taxes, net of federal benefit |
|
|
|
6.08 |
|
|
|
5.04 |
|
Foreign rate differential |
|
|
|
(0.14) |
|
|
|
(0.02) |
|
Non-deductible compensation |
|
|
|
(48.93) |
|
|
|
(1.34) |
|
Equity compensation |
|
|
|
43.51 |
|
|
|
(3.43) |
|
Adjustment to prior year provision |
|
|
|
24.85 |
|
|
|
(0.23) |
|
R&D credits |
|
|
|
62.20 |
|
|
|
1.40 |
|
Change in valuation allowance |
|
|
|
195.59 |
|
|
|
(6.37) |
|
Foreign tax credit |
|
|
|
6.31 |
|
|
|
— |
|
FDII |
|
|
|
0.65 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (GILTI) |
|
|
|
(18.55) |
|
|
|
(0.94) |
|
Uncertain tax positions |
|
|
|
(56.06) |
|
|
|
(0.60) |
|
Other |
|
|
|
(13.05) |
|
|
|
(0.16) |
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
|
|
223.46 |
% |
|
|
14.35 |
% |
The Company’s effective tax rate of 223.46% for the year ended December 31, 2023 is due primarily to a reduction of a valuation allowance related to impairment charges on crypto assets held and strategic investments and tax benefits related to federal R&D credits, reduced by certain nondeductible compensation, tax on non-U.S. earnings, and other nondeductible expenses related to political contributions.
The Company’s effective tax rate of 14.35% for the year ended December 31, 2022 reflects a tax benefit on pretax loss reduced by certain nondeductible compensation and a valuation allowance recorded on impairment charges related to crypto assets held and strategic investments.
The Company’s effective tax rate can be volatile based on the amount of pretax income or loss in the reporting period. For example, when pretax income is lower, the effect of reconciling items to the U.S. statutory rate, such as nondeductible expenses, will have a greater impact on the effective tax rate.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
Obligation to return crypto assets held as collateral |
$ |
163,452 |
|
|
$ |
61,077 |
|
Accruals and reserves |
27,262 |
|
|
13,847 |
|
Net operating loss carryforward |
53,107 |
|
|
55,563 |
|
Lease liability |
22,645 |
|
|
4,494 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax credit carryforward |
240,977 |
|
|
351,003 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
30,663 |
|
|
21,284 |
|
Intangibles |
48,641 |
|
|
49,255 |
|
Capitalized expenses |
951,665 |
|
|
759,789 |
|
Capital losses - realized/unrealized |
— |
|
|
207,563 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gross deferred tax assets |
1,538,412 |
|
|
1,523,875 |
|
Less: valuation allowance |
(124,202) |
|
|
(102,250) |
|
Total deferred tax assets |
1,414,210 |
|
|
1,421,625 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
Crypto assets held as collateral |
(163,452) |
|
|
(61,077) |
|
State taxes |
(40,141) |
|
|
(13,169) |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
(33,370) |
|
|
(32,246) |
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses |
(14,457) |
|
|
(10,870) |
|
Lease ROU assets |
(20,369) |
|
|
(3,894) |
|
Installment gain |
(8,863) |
|
|
(10,918) |
|
Capital gains - unrealized |
(184,473) |
|
|
— |
|
Other |
(7,787) |
|
|
(17,218) |
|
Total deferred tax liabilities |
(472,912) |
|
|
(149,392) |
|
Total net deferred tax assets |
$ |
941,298 |
|
|
$ |
1,272,233 |
|
At each reporting date, management considers new evidence, both positive and negative, that could affect its view of the future realization of deferred tax assets. On the basis of this evaluation, only the portion of the deferred tax asset that is more likely than not to be realized was recognized. However, if the Company is not able to generate sufficient taxable income from its operations in the future, then a valuation allowance to reduce the Company’s U.S. deferred tax assets may be required, which would increase the Company’s expenses in the period the allowance is recognized.
Activity related to the Company’s valuation allowance consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Balance, beginning of period |
|
|
|
|
$ |
102,250 |
|
|
$ |
252,258 |
|
|
$ |
54,383 |
|
Charged (credited) to expenses |
|
|
|
|
21,952 |
|
|
(150,008) |
|
|
197,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of period |
|
|
|
|
$ |
124,202 |
|
|
$ |
102,250 |
|
|
$ |
252,258 |
|
The Company’s valuation allowance as of December 31, 2024 was higher compared to 2023 due primarily to an increase in the valuation allowance related to newly generated California R&D credits.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2024, the Company also had R&D credits of $116.8 million and $124.2 million for federal and state income tax purposes, respectively. If not utilized, the federal R&D credits will expire in various amounts beginning in 2042. However, the state of California R&D credits can be carried forward indefinitely. The Company also had U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of $45.8 million as of December 31, 2024, and an estimated $105.0 million as of December 31, 2023. The U.S. federal net operating losses carry forward indefinitely. Additionally, the Company had U.S. state net operating losses of approximately $549.8 million as of December 31, 2024. Generally, California and other significant U.S. states have a twenty-year carryforward for net operating losses.
Activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Balance, beginning of period |
$ |
171,693 |
|
|
$ |
124,106 |
|
|
$ |
111,019 |
|
Settlements |
(67) |
|
|
— |
|
|
(6,128) |
|
Increase related to tax positions taken during a prior year |
2,433 |
|
|
30,685 |
|
|
13,940 |
|
Decrease related to tax positions taken during a prior year |
(18,378) |
|
|
— |
|
|
(9,187) |
|
Increase related to tax positions taken during the current year |
35,263 |
|
|
16,902 |
|
|
14,462 |
|
Balance, end of period |
$ |
190,944 |
|
|
$ |
171,693 |
|
|
$ |
124,106 |
|
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $136.8 million and $126.8 million, respectively, which would reduce income tax expense and affect the effective tax rate, if recognized. The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to exposures as a component of income tax expense. The Company recorded $2.5 million and $3.5 million of accrued interest and penalties, respectively, as of December 31, 2024 and $1.6 million and $0.5 million of accrued interest and penalties, respectively, as of December 31, 2023.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. (federal and state) and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is currently under audit by the IRS with respect to its federal income tax returns for 2020 and 2021, and California with respect to its state income tax returns for 2018 and 2019. The Company is also under audit in foreign jurisdictions for certain years including the United Kingdom, India, Kenya, and Philippines.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
18. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
The computation of Net income (loss) per share, including the weighted average shares outstanding used in the computation (“WASO”), is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Numerators |
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
$ |
2,579,066 |
|
|
$ |
94,871 |
|
|
$ |
(2,624,949) |
|
Less: Net income allocated to participating shares |
(1,311) |
|
|
(119) |
|
|
— |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, basic |
$ |
2,577,755 |
|
|
$ |
94,752 |
|
|
$ |
(2,624,949) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
$ |
2,579,066 |
|
|
$ |
94,871 |
|
|
$ |
(2,624,949) |
|
Add: Interest on the Convertible Notes, net of tax |
13,375 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
Less: Net income allocated to participating shares |
(1,193) |
|
|
(120) |
|
|
— |
|
Less: Fair value gain on contingent consideration arrangement, net of tax |
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
(6,230) |
|
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, diluted |
$ |
2,591,248 |
|
|
$ |
94,751 |
|
|
$ |
(2,631,179) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominators |
|
|
|
|
|
WASO - basic |
247,374 |
|
|
235,796 |
|
|
222,314 |
|
Weighted-average effect of potentially dilutive shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
Stock options |
16,958 |
|
|
16,845 |
|
|
— |
|
Convertible Notes |
6,462 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
RSUs |
1,933 |
|
|
1,447 |
|
|
— |
|
PRSUs |
369 |
|
|
158 |
|
|
— |
|
Restricted common stock |
281 |
|
|
145 |
|
|
— |
|
Contingent consideration |
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
24 |
|
WASO - diluted |
273,377 |
|
|
254,391 |
|
|
222,338 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
$ |
10.42 |
|
|
$ |
0.40 |
|
|
$ |
(11.81) |
|
Diluted |
$ |
9.48 |
|
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
$ |
(11.83) |
|
The rights, including the liquidation and dividend rights, of the holders of Class A and Class B common stock are identical, except with respect to voting. As a result, the undistributed earnings are allocated on a proportionate basis and the resulting income (loss) per share will, therefore, be the same for both Class A and Class B common stock on an individual or combined basis.
The following potentially dilutive shares were not included in the calculation of diluted shares outstanding as the effect would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Stock-based compensation awards(1) |
|
|
|
|
6,582 |
|
|
9,175 |
|
|
40,671 |
|
Convertible Notes |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
3,437 |
|
|
3,880 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
6,582 |
|
|
12,612 |
|
|
44,551 |
|
__________________
(1)Includes shares under the ESPP.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
19. ACQUISITIONS
Information on acquisitions completed during the periods presented is set forth below. The results of operations of all acquired businesses have been recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements since the dates of acquisition. The impact of these acquisitions was not considered significant to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the periods presented, and pro forma financial information has not been provided. In addition, all acquisition costs incurred were immaterial and were recorded in General and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the year of acquisition.
2023 acquisition
On March 3, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of One River Digital Asset Management, LLC (“ORDAM”) by acquiring all issued and outstanding membership units of ORDAM.
The total purchase consideration transferred in the acquisition was $96.8 million, which included $31.8 million in cash and cash payable, $20.0 million in a previously-held interest on the acquisition date, and $45.0 million in Class A common stock of the Company. The net assets acquired in acquisition was $31.0 million, and the excess purchase price of $65.8 million was recorded as goodwill.
2022 acquisitions
Unbound Security, Inc.
On January 4, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of Unbound Security, Inc. (“Unbound”) by acquiring all issued and outstanding shares of capital stock and stock options of Unbound. Unbound is a pioneer in a number of cryptographic security technologies, which the Company believes will play a key role in the Company’s product and security roadmap.
In accordance with ASC 805, the acquisition was accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method. The purchase consideration was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date with the excess recorded as goodwill, as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
$ |
222,732 |
|
Intangible assets |
28,500 |
|
Other assets and liabilities, net |
6,752 |
|
Net assets acquired |
$ |
257,984 |
|
None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill balance is primarily attributed to the assembled workforce, synergies, and the use of purchased technology to develop future products and technologies. No material measurement period adjustments were recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022.
The total consideration transferred in the acquisition was $258.0 million, consisting of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash payable |
$ |
151,550 |
|
Class A common stock of the Company |
103,977 |
|
RSUs for shares of the Company’s Class A common stock |
2,457 |
|
Total purchase consideration |
$ |
257,984 |
|
Included in the purchase consideration are $21.7 million in cash and 85,324 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock that were subject to an indemnity holdback and that were released within 18 months from the closing date of the transaction.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
FairXchange, Inc.
On February 1, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of FairXchange, Inc. (“FairX”) by acquiring all issued and outstanding shares of capital stock, stock options, and warrants of FairX. FairX is a derivatives exchange which is registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a designated contract market (“DCM”) and the Company believes it has been a key stepping stone on the Company’s path to offer crypto derivatives to consumers and institutional customers in the United States.
In accordance with ASC 805, the acquisition was accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method. The purchase consideration was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date with the excess recorded as goodwill, as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
$ |
231,685 |
|
Intangible assets |
41,000 |
|
Other assets and liabilities, net |
2,405 |
|
Net assets acquired |
$ |
275,090 |
|
None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill balance is primarily attributed to the assembled workforce, market presence, synergies, and the use of purchased technology to develop future products and technologies. No material measurement period adjustments were recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022.
The total consideration transferred in the acquisition was $275.1 million, consisting of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash payable |
$ |
67,168 |
|
Class A common stock of the Company |
207,922 |
|
Total purchase consideration |
$ |
275,090 |
|
The aggregate purchase consideration includes 170,397 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock for a value of $33.7 million to be issued after the acquisition date. The fair value of these shares on the acquisition date is included in additional paid-in capital. Additionally, included in the purchase consideration are $4.7 million in cash and 83,035 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock that were subject to an indemnity holdback and were released or cancelled in December 2024.
20. RESTRUCTURING
In January 2023, the Company announced a restructuring impacting 21% of the Company’s headcount as of that date. The restructuring was intended to manage the Company’s operating expenses in response to the then-ongoing market conditions impacting the cryptoeconomy and business prioritization efforts. As a result, in 2023, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $142.6 million, which included $84.0 million in stock-based compensation, $56.7 million in separation pay, and an immaterial amount of other personnel costs. The restructuring was completed and all amounts were settled in 2023.
In June 2022, the Company announced a restructuring impacting approximately 18% of the Company’s headcount as of that date. This strategic reduction of the existing global workforce was intended to manage the Company’s operating expenses in response to market conditions and ongoing business prioritization efforts. As a result, in 2022, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $40.7 million, which included $38.7 million in separation pay and immaterial amount of other personnel costs. The restructuring was completed and all amounts were settled in 2022.
There were no restructuring charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
21. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Crypto assets and USDC on platform
The Company is obligated to securely store all crypto assets and USDC that it holds in custodial products on behalf of customers. As such, the Company may be liable to its users for losses arising from the Company’s failure to secure these assets from theft or loss. The Company has not incurred any losses related to such obligations and therefore has not accrued any liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The Company holds crypto assets and USDC in custodial products on its platform on behalf of its customers totaling $404.0 billion and $191.2 billion at fair value at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These assets are not recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Similarly, as the Company has an obligation to securely store all of these assets, it has a corresponding unrecorded liability of $404.0 billion and $191.2 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Since the risk of loss is remote, the Company did not record a contingent liability at December 31, 2024 or 2023. The Company has no reason to believe it will incur any expense associated with such potential liability because (i) it has no known or historical experience of claims to use as a basis of measurement, (ii) it accounts for and continually verifies the amount of crypto assets within its control, and (iii) it has established security around custodial product private keys to minimize the risk of theft or loss.
Indemnifications
In the event any registrable securities are included in a registration statement, the Company’s Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement (the “IRA”) entered into with certain of the Company’s stockholders provides indemnity to each stockholder, their partners, members, officers, directors, and stockholders and certain of their advisors; each underwriter, if any; and each person who controls each stockholder or underwriter, against any damages incurred in connection with investigating or defending any claim or proceeding arising as a result of such registration from which damages may result. The Company will reimburse each such party for any legal and any other expenses reasonably incurred, provided that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent the damages arise out of or are based upon any actions or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by or on behalf of such stockholder or underwriter and stated to be specifically for use therein.
The Company also has indemnity agreements with certain officers and directors of the Company pursuant to which the Company must indemnify the officer or director against all expenses, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement reasonably incurred in connection with a third party proceeding, if the indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.
It is not possible to determine the maximum potential exposure under these indemnification agreements: (i) because the facts and circumstances involved in each claim are unique and the Company cannot predict the number or nature of claims that may be made; (ii) due to the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement; and (iii) due to the requirement for a registration of the Company’s securities before any of the indemnification obligations contemplated in the IRA become effective.
The Company has also provided indemnities or similar commitments on standard commercial terms in the ordinary course of business.
Legal and regulatory proceedings
The Company is subject to various litigation, regulatory investigations, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. The Company is also subject to regulatory oversight by numerous regulatory and other governmental agencies. The Company reviews its lawsuits, regulatory investigations, and other legal proceedings on an ongoing basis and provides disclosure and records loss contingencies in accordance with the loss contingencies accounting guidance.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In accordance with such guidance, the Company establishes accruals for such matters when potential losses become probable and can be reasonably estimated. If the Company determines that a loss is reasonably possible and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, the Company discloses the possible loss in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In July and August 2021, three purported securities class actions were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against the Company, its directors, certain of its officers and employees, and certain venture capital and investment firms. The complaints alleged violations of Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act, in connection with the registration statement and prospectus filed in connection with the Direct Listing. In November 2021, these actions were consolidated and recaptioned as In re Coinbase Global Securities Litigation, and an amended complaint was filed. The plaintiff seeks, among other relief, unspecified compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs. The Company disputes the claims in these cases and is vigorously defending against them. Based on the preliminary nature of the proceedings in these cases, the outcome of these matters remain uncertain and the Company cannot estimate the potential impact, if any, on its business or financial statements at this time. The Company has subsequently received, and expects to receive in the future, similar shareholder claims.
In October 2021, a purported class action captioned Underwood et al. v. Coinbase Global, Inc., was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “District Court”) against the Company alleging claims under Sections 5, 15(a)(1) and 29(b) of the Exchange Act, and violations of certain California and Florida state statutes. On March 11, 2022, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint adding Coinbase, Inc. and Brian Armstrong as defendants and adding causes of action, including alleging claims under Sections 5, 12(a)(1) and 15 of the Securities Act and violations of certain New Jersey state statutes. Among other relief requested, the plaintiffs sought injunctive relief, unspecified damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. On February 1, 2023, the District Court dismissed all federal claims (with prejudice) and state law claims (without prejudice) against Coinbase Global, Inc., Coinbase, Inc. and Brian Armstrong. Subsequently, on February 9, 2023, the plaintiffs appealed that ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (the “Court of Appeals”), and the parties completed briefing the appeal on September 13, 2023. Oral argument took place on February 1, 2024 and on April 5, 2024, the Court of Appeals issued a Summary Order affirming the District Court’s dismissal order with respect to the claims alleging violations of the Exchange Act, and reversing the District Court’s dismissal order with respect to the claims alleging violations of the Securities Act and violations of the state statutes. On June 27, 2024, defendants filed an answer to the amended complaint, and on July 29, 2024, the defendants filed a Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings requesting the District Court dismiss the remaining claims. On February 7, 2025, the District Court denied defendants’ Motion for Judgement on the Pleadings and allowed the case to proceed to bifurcated discovery, followed by summary judgment motions. The defendants continue to dispute the claims in this case and intend to vigorously defend against them. Based on the nature of the proceedings in this case, the outcome of this matter remains uncertain and the Company cannot estimate the potential impact, if any, on its business or financial statements at this time.
In December 2021, a shareholder derivative suit captioned Shin v. Coinbase Global, Inc., was filed in New York state court against the Company and its directors, alleging breach of fiduciary duties, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, and waste of corporate assets, and seeking unspecified damages and injunctive relief. The Company has subsequently received, and expects to receive in the future, similar derivative claims. The Company disputes the claims in these cases and intends to vigorously defend against them. Based on the preliminary nature of the proceedings in these cases, the outcome of these matters remain uncertain and the Company cannot estimate the potential impact, if any, on its business or financial statements at this time.
During 2022, the Company’s subsidiary, Coinbase, Inc., which holds a BitLicense from the New York Department of Financial Services (“NYDFS”) and is therefore subject to examinations and investigations by the NYDFS, was subject to an investigation by the NYDFS relating to its compliance program including compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and sanctions laws, cybersecurity, and customer support. In January 2023, the NYDFS announced a consent order focused on historical shortcomings in Coinbase, Inc.'s compliance program.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Pursuant to the consent order, Coinbase, Inc. paid a $50.0 million penalty in January 2023 and completed an agreed additional investment of $50.0 million in its compliance function as of the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
In April 2022, a dissenting stockholder to the Company’s acquisition of FairXchange, Inc. (“FairX”) filed a Verified Petition for Appraisal of Stock in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware seeking, among other relief, an appraisal of the fair value of their common and preferred shares of FairX stock. Petitioners contended that the valuation of FairX was higher than the valuation ascribed by the parties at the time of the transaction. The case was captioned Hyde Park Venture Partners Fund III, L.P. et al. v. FairXchange, LLC, et al. Trial took place in November 2023 and post-trial briefing and argument was completed on March 5, 2024 and March 22, 2024, respectively. A settlement offer was made and rejected in November 2023, and another settlement offer was made and rejected in May 2024. On July 30, 2024, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware issued an opinion determining the fair value of FairX to be the deal price ascribed by the parties at the time of the transaction, plus both pre- and post-judgment interest. On October 29, 2024, final judgment was entered reflecting this fair value, and the appeal period expired on December 2, 2024 without an appeal filed by either party. The total amount paid by the Company in satisfaction of the final judgment during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $57.7 million of which $10.1 million was recovered from an indemnity holdback established in connection with the FairX acquisition in 2022, including the cancellation of 38,041 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock subject to the indemnity holdback.
In June 2023, the SEC filed a complaint in the District Court against the Company and Coinbase, Inc. alleging that Coinbase, Inc. has acted as an unregistered securities exchange, broker, and clearing agency in violation of Sections 5, 15(a) and 17A(b) of the Exchange Act and that, through its staking program, Coinbase, Inc. has offered and sold securities without registering its offers and sales in violation of Sections 5(a) and 5(c) of the Securities Act. The SEC has also alleged that the Company is liable for the alleged violations as an alleged control person of Coinbase, Inc. The case is captioned SEC v. Coinbase, Inc. et al. The SEC seeks, among other relief, injunctive relief, disgorgement and civil money penalties. The Company and Coinbase, Inc. filed an answer to the SEC complaint in June 2023, dispute the claims in this case, and intend to vigorously defend against them. On August 4, 2023, the Company and Coinbase, Inc. filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings. The SEC filed its response on October 3, 2023 and the Company and Coinbase, Inc. filed their reply on October 24, 2023. Oral argument took place on January 17, 2024. On March 27, 2024, the District Court denied in part the Company and Coinbase, Inc.’s motion for judgment on the pleadings with respect to the SEC’s claims that Coinbase, Inc. has operated as an unregistered securities exchange, broker, and clearing agency and has engaged in an unregistered offer and sale of securities through the Company’s staking program. The District Court dismissed the SEC’s claim that Coinbase, Inc. acts as an unregistered broker through its wallet service. Subsequently, on April 12, 2024, the Company and Coinbase, Inc. filed a motion with the District Court seeking certification of an interlocutory appeal to the Court of Appeals. The District Court granted that motion on January 7, 2025 and stayed proceedings in the District Court. On January 17, 2025, the Company and Coinbase, Inc. filed a petition for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeals. Based on the preliminary nature of the proceedings in this case, the outcome of this matter remains uncertain and the Company cannot estimate the potential impact, if any, on its business or financial statements at this time. An adverse resolution of the SEC’s lawsuit could have a material impact on the Company’s business and financial statements.
In June 2023, the Company and Coinbase, Inc. were issued notices, show-cause orders, and cease-and-desist letters, and became the subject of various legal actions initiated by U.S. state securities regulators in the states of Alabama, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin alleging violations of state securities laws with respect to staking services provided by Coinbase, Inc. In July 2023, the Company and Coinbase, Inc. entered into agreements with state securities regulators in California, New Jersey, South Carolina and Wisconsin, pursuant to which customers in those states will no longer be able to stake new funds, in each case pending final adjudication of the matters.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In October 2023, the Company and Coinbase, Inc. entered into a similar agreement with the Maryland state securities regulator. The Company and Coinbase, Inc. dispute the claims of the state securities regulators and intend to vigorously defend against them. Based on the preliminary nature of these actions, the final outcome of these matters remains uncertain and the Company cannot estimate the potential impact on its business or financial statements at this time. An adverse resolution could have a material impact on the Company’s business and financial statements.
The Company has, from time to time, received investigative subpoenas and requests from regulators for documents and information, including about certain customer programs, operations, and existing and intended future products, including the Company’s processes for listing assets, the classification of certain listed assets, its staking programs, and its stablecoin and yield-generating products.
Except as otherwise disclosed, the Company believes the ultimate resolution of existing legal and regulatory investigation matters will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company. However, in light of the uncertainties inherent in these matters, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of one or more of these matters may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations for a particular period, and future changes in circumstances or additional information could result in additional accruals or resolution in excess of established accruals, which could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, potentially materially.
Tax regulation
Current tax rules related to crypto assets are evolving and require significant judgments to be made in interpretation of the law, including but not limited to the areas of income tax, information reporting, value added taxes, digital services tax, transaction level taxes, and the withholding of tax at source. Further, it is possible that additional legislation or guidance may be issued by U.S. and non-U.S. governing bodies that may differ significantly from the Company's practices or interpretation of the law, which could have unforeseen effects on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and accordingly, the Company is unable to determine an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss beyond amounts already accrued. As a result, the Company may have exposure to additional tax liabilities that could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operating results and financial condition.
22. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Revenue and Accounts receivable, net
Certain of the Company’s directors, executive officers, and principal owners, including immediate family members, are users of the Company’s platform. The Company recognized revenue from related party customers of $22.7 million, $17.9 million, and $12.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Accounts receivable, net from related party customers were $2.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively.
Customer custodial funds and liabilities
Customer custodial funds and Customer custodial fund liabilities for related parties as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $44.0 million and $348.0 million, respectively.
Other assets
The Company made strategic investments of an aggregate of $12.1 million and an $4.0 million amount for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, in investees in which certain related parties of the Company held an interest over 10%.
Expenses and Accounts payable
During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company incurred $1.5 million, $2.5 million, respectively, for professional and consulting services provided by entities affiliated with related parties.
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
There were no professional and consulting services provided by entities affiliated with related parties to note during the year ended December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, Accounts payable to related parties were none and immaterial, respectively.
23. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Changes in operating assets and liabilities affecting cash were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
USDC |
$ |
(547,091) |
|
|
$ |
254,571 |
|
|
$ |
(848,138) |
|
Accounts receivable, net |
(100,568) |
|
|
80,375 |
|
|
(141,023) |
|
Customer custodial funds in transit |
46,829 |
|
|
(115,391) |
|
|
28,952 |
|
Income taxes, net |
77,099 |
|
|
8,547 |
|
|
1,906 |
|
Other current and non-current assets |
48,564 |
|
|
28,033 |
|
|
19,237 |
|
Other current and non-current liabilities |
(2,835) |
|
|
70,071 |
|
|
(92,382) |
|
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities |
$ |
(478,002) |
|
|
$ |
326,206 |
|
|
$ |
(1,031,448) |
|
The following is a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
8,543,903 |
|
|
$ |
5,139,351 |
|
|
$ |
4,425,021 |
|
Restricted cash and cash equivalents |
38,519 |
|
|
22,992 |
|
|
25,873 |
|
Customer custodial cash and cash equivalents |
6,028,020 |
|
|
4,393,086 |
|
|
4,978,752 |
|
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
14,610,442 |
|
|
$ |
9,555,429 |
|
|
$ |
9,429,646 |
|
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following is a supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crypto asset loan receivables originated |
$ |
1,559,716 |
|
|
$ |
396,981 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
Crypto asset loan receivables repaid |
1,489,839 |
|
|
469,763 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crypto assets received as collateral |
3,030,311 |
|
|
886,403 |
|
|
— |
|
Crypto assets received as collateral returned |
2,759,660 |
|
|
630,682 |
|
|
— |
|
USDC received as collateral |
— |
|
|
255,383 |
|
|
26,874 |
|
USDC received as collateral returned |
— |
|
|
282,257 |
|
|
— |
|
Crypto assets borrowed |
844,717 |
|
|
450,663 |
|
|
920,379 |
|
Crypto assets borrowed repaid |
579,210 |
|
|
559,191 |
|
|
1,432,688 |
|
Crypto assets pledged as collateral |
— |
|
|
25,027 |
|
|
10,743 |
|
Crypto assets pledged as collateral returned |
— |
|
|
35,770 |
|
|
— |
|
USDC borrowed |
122,566 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
USDC borrowed repaid |
48,407 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
USDC pledged as collateral |
98,034 |
|
|
131,936 |
|
|
47,634 |
|
USDC pledged as collateral returned |
145,905 |
|
|
127,690 |
|
|
— |
|
Dispositions of crypto asset investments |
182,168 |
|
|
42,551 |
|
|
617 |
|
Cumulative-effect adjustment due to the adoption of ASU 2023-08 |
561,489 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash consideration paid for business combinations |
— |
|
|
51,494 |
|
|
324,925 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following is a supplemental schedule of cash paid for interest and income taxes (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
|
|
Cash paid during the period for interest |
$ |
68,543 |
|
|
$ |
76,142 |
|
|
$ |
82,399 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net of refunds: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Federal |
$ |
63,884 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
|
U.S. State and local |
50,672 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Foreign |
25,785 |
|
|
— |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
Total cash paid during the period for income taxes |
$ |
140,341 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the period for income taxes (prior to ASU 2023-09) |
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
39,122 |
|
|
$ |
35,888 |
|
|
|
Individual jurisdictions equaling 5% or more of the total income taxes paid (net of refunds) for the year ended December 31, 2024 include U.S. Federal at $63.9 million, California at $8.8 million, New York State at $8.6 million, and New York City at $7.3 million.
24. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On February 5, 2025, 1,226,796 performance-based options granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as described in Note 15. Stock-Based Compensation, vested in accordance with their original terms due to the Company’s Class A common stock price achieving a specified stock price target milestone.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our management, with the participation and supervision of our Chief Executive Officer (our principal executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (our principal financial officer), has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2024. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of December 31, 2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were, in design and operation, effective at a reasonable assurance level.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the Exchange Act) to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
The effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting, including ours, is subject to inherent limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing, implementing, operating, and evaluating the controls and procedures, and the inability to eliminate misconduct completely. Accordingly, in designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any system of internal control over financial reporting, including ours, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. Moreover, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. We intend to continue to monitor and upgrade our internal controls as necessary or appropriate for our business but cannot assure you that such improvements will be sufficient to provide us with effective internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
The Company’s directors and officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) are only permitted to trade in the Company’s securities pursuant to a prearranged trading plan intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act (a “Rule 10b5-1 Plan”). During the three months ended December 31, 2024, three of the Company’s officers adopted a Rule 10b5-1 Plan. The applicable Rule 10b5-1 Plans were entered into during an open trading window in accordance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and Trading Plan Policy.
On December 2, 2024, Emilie Choi, the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, entered into a Rule 10b5-1 Plan (the “Choi Plan”). On December 17, 2024, Ms. Choi terminated the Choi Plan for estate planning purposes. As of the date of termination of the Choi Plan, Ms. Choi had not sold any shares of Class A common stock thereunder. The Choi Plan provided for the potential sale of up to 733,235 shares of Class A common stock owned by Ms. Choi, including upon the vesting and settlement of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance RSUs for shares of Class A common stock and the exercise of vested stock options for shares of Class A common stock, so long as the market price of the Class A common stock was higher than certain minimum threshold prices specified in the Choi Plan, between an estimated start date of March 3, 2025 and December 31, 2025. The Choi Plan provided for the sale of shares of Class A common stock to be received upon the future vesting and settlement of certain outstanding RSUs and performance RSUs, net of any shares withheld or mandatorily sold by the Company to satisfy applicable tax obligations. The number of shares to be withheld or mandatorily sold by the Company, and therefore the exact number of shares to be sold pursuant to the Choi Plan, could only be determined upon the occurrence of the future vesting events. For purposes of this disclosure, we have included the maximum aggregate number of shares to be sold without subtracting any shares to be withheld or mandatorily sold by the Company upon future vesting events.
On December 3, 2024, Jennifer Jones, the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer, entered into a Rule 10b5-1 Plan (the “Jones Plan”) providing for the potential sale of up to 23,625 shares of Class A common stock owned by Ms. Jones, plus an additional undetermined number of shares of Class A common stock to be received by Ms. Jones upon the future grant, vesting, and settlement of RSUs for shares of Class A common stock, including upon the vesting and settlement of RSUs for shares of Class A common stock and the exercise of vested stock options for shares of Class A common stock, so long as the market price of the Class A common stock is higher than certain minimum threshold prices specified in the Jones Plan or, in certain circumstances, at the market price, between an estimated start date of March 4, 2025 and February 27, 2026. The Jones Plan provides for the sale of shares of Class A common stock to be received by Ms. Jones upon the future grant, vesting, and settlement of RSUs for shares of Class A common stock. The Jones Plan also provides for the sale of shares of Class A common stock to be received upon the future vesting and settlement of certain outstanding RSUs, net of any shares withheld or mandatorily sold by the Company to satisfy applicable tax obligations and shares sold pursuant to Ms. Jones’ prior Rule 10b5-1 Plan dated February 29, 2024 (the “Prior Jones Plan”). The numbers of shares (i) to be received by Ms. Jones upon the future grant, vesting, and settlement of RSUs for shares of Class A common stock and (ii) to be withheld or mandatorily sold by the Company or sold pursuant to the Prior Jones Plan, and therefore the exact number of shares to be sold pursuant to the Jones Plan, can only be determined upon the occurrence of future events. For purposes of this disclosure, we have included the maximum aggregate number of shares to be sold without (i) including any shares to be sold upon the future vesting and settlement of any RSUs that have not yet been granted and (ii) subtracting any shares to be withheld or mandatorily sold by the Company upon future vesting events or to be sold pursuant to the Prior Jones Plan.
On December 2, 2024, Lawrence Brock, the Company’s Chief People Officer, entered into a Rule 10b5-1 Plan (the “Brock Plan”) providing for the potential sale of up to 72,436 shares of Class A common stock owned by Mr.
Brock, plus an additional undetermined number of shares of Class A common stock to be received by Mr. Brock upon the future grant, vesting, and settlement of RSUs for shares of Class A common stock, including upon the vesting and settlement of RSUs for shares of Class A common stock and the exercise of vested stock options for shares of Class A common stock, so long as the market price of the Class A common stock is higher than certain minimum threshold prices specified in the Brock Plan or, in certain circumstances, at the market price, between an estimated start date of March 3, 2025 and February 27, 2026. The Brock Plan provides for the sale of shares of Class A common stock to be received by Mr. Brock upon the future grant, vesting, and settlement of RSUs for shares of Class A common stock. The Brock Plan also provides for the sale of shares of Class A common stock to be received upon the future vesting and settlement of certain outstanding RSUs, net of any shares withheld or mandatorily sold by the Company to satisfy applicable tax obligations. The numbers of shares (i) to be received by Mr. Brock upon the future grant, vesting, and settlement of RSUs for shares of Class A common stock and (ii) to be withheld or mandatorily sold by the Company, and therefore the exact number of shares to be sold pursuant to the Brock Plan, can only be determined upon the occurrence of the future vesting events. For purposes of this disclosure, we have included the maximum aggregate number of shares to be sold without (i) including any shares to be sold upon the future vesting and settlement of any RSUs that have not yet been granted and (ii) subtracting any shares to be withheld or mandatorily sold by the Company upon future vesting events.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable
PART III I
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2024.
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures
The Company has insider trading policies and procedures that govern the purchase, sale, and other dispositions of its securities by directors, officers, employees, contractors, advisors, and consultants, and the Company itself, that the Company believes are reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations and the listing standards of Nasdaq. A copy of the Company’s Insider Trading Policy is filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Exhibit 19.1.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2024.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2024.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2024.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2024.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
1.Financial Statements
The following financial statements are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
2.Financial Statement Schedules
All schedules have been omitted because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the notes thereto, or because it is not required.
3.Exhibits
The exhibits listed below are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or are incorporated herein by reference, in each case as indicated below.
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Incorporated by Reference |
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Filed or Furnished Herewith |
Exhibit Number |
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Description |
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Form |
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File No. |
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Exhibit |
|
Filing Date |
|
3.1 |
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S-8 |
|
333-254967 |
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4.1 |
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4/1/2021 |
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3.2 |
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8-K |
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001-40289 |
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3.1 |
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2/1/2023 |
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4.1 |
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S-1 |
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333-253482 |
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4.1 |
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2/25/2021 |
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4.2 |
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S-1 |
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333-253482 |
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4.2 |
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3/17/2021 |
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4.3 |
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8-K |
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001-40289 |
|
4.1 |
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5/21/2021 |
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4.4 |
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8-K |
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001-40289 |
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4.2 |
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5/21/2021 |
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4.5 |
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8-K |
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001-40289 |
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4.1 |
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9/17/2021 |
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4.6 |
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8-K |
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001-40289 |
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4.2 |
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9/17/2021 |
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4.7 |
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8-K |
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001-40289 |
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4.3 |
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9/17/2021 |
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4.8 |
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8-K |
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001-40289 |
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4.1 |
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3/18/2024 |
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4.9 |
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8-K |
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001-40289 |
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4.2 |
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3/18/2024 |
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4.10 |
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10-K |
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001-40289 |
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4.8 |
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2/21/2023 |
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10.1 |
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S-1 |
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333-253482 |
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10.1 |
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2/25/2021 |
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10.2† |
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S-1 |
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333-253482 |
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10.2 |
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2/25/2021 |
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10.3† |
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S-1 |
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333-253482 |
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10.3 |
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2/25/2021 |
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10.4† |
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X |
10.5† |
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X |
10.6† |
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10-K |
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001-40289 |
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10.6 |
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2/25/2022 |
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10.7† |
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S-1 |
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333-253482 |
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10.6 |
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2/25/2021 |
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10.8† |
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S-1 |
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333-253482 |
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10.8 |
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2/25/2021 |
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10.9† |
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10-K |
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001-40289 |
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10.10 |
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2/25/2022 |
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10.10† |
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10-K |
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001-40289 |
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10.11 |
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2/25/2022 |
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10.11† |
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10-K |
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001-40289 |
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10.11 |
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2/15/2024 |
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10.12† |
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X |
10.13 |
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8-K |
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001-40289 |
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10.1 |
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5/21/2021 |
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10.14 |
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8-K |
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001-40289 |
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10.1 |
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3/18/2024 |
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10.15*^ |
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X |
10.16*^ |
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X |
19.1 |
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X |
21.1 |
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X |
23.1 |
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X |
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24.1 |
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X |
31.1 |
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X |
31.2 |
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X |
32.1 |
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X |
32.2 |
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X |
97.1 |
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10-K |
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001-40289 |
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97.1 |
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2/15/2024 |
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101.INS |
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Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |
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X |
101.SCH |
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Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
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X |
101.CAL |
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Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
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X |
101.DEF |
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Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
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X |
101.LAB |
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Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
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101.PRE |
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Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
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X |
104 |
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Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page from the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 is formatted in Inline XBRL |
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X |
________________
† Indicates a management or compensatory plan or arrangement in which directors or executive officers are eligible to participate.
* The Registrant has omitted portions of the exhibit (indicated by “[*]”) as permitted under Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K, which portions will be furnished to the SEC upon request.
^ The Registrant has omitted schedules and exhibits pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of the omitted schedules and exhibits to the SEC upon request.
The certifications furnished in Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 hereto are deemed to accompany this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of the Exchange Act.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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Date: February 13, 2025 |
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COINBASE GLOBAL, INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Brian Armstrong |
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Brian Armstrong |
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Chief Executive Officer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Brian Armstrong and Alesia J. Haas, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, proxies, and agents, each with full power of substitution, for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, proxies, and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully for all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, proxies, and agents, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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Name |
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Title |
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Date |
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/s/ Brian Armstrong |
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Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board |
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February 13, 2025 |
Brian Armstrong |
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(Principal Executive Officer) |
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/s/ Alesia J. Haas |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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February 13, 2025 |
Alesia J. Haas |
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(Principal Financial Officer) |
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/s/ Jennifer N. Jones |
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Chief Accounting Officer |
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February 13, 2025 |
Jennifer N. Jones |
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(Principal Accounting Officer) |
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/s/ Marc L. Andreessen |
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Director |
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February 13, 2025 |
Marc L. Andreessen |
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/s/ Paul Clement |
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Director |
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February 13, 2025 |
Paul Clement |
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/s/ Christa Davies |
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Director |
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February 13, 2025 |
Christa Davies |
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/s/ Frederick Ernest Ehrsam III |
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Director |
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February 13, 2025 |
Frederick Ernest Ehrsam III |
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/s/ Kelly Kramer |
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Director |
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February 13, 2025 |
Kelly Kramer |
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/s/ Chris Lehane |
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Director |
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February 13, 2025 |
Chris Lehane |
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/s/ Tobias Lütke |
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Director |
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February 13, 2025 |
Tobias Lütke |
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/s/ Gokul Rajaram |
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Director |
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February 13, 2025 |
Gokul Rajaram |
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/s/ Fred Wilson |
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Director |
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February 13, 2025 |
Fred Wilson |
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EX-10.4
2
exhibit1042021eipq42024.htm
EX-10.4
Document
COINBASE GLOBAL INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
1.PURPOSE. The purpose of this Plan is to provide incentives to attract, retain, and motivate eligible persons whose present and potential contributions are important to the success of the Company, and any Parents, Subsidiaries, and Affiliates that exist now or in the future, by offering them an opportunity to participate in the Company’s future performance through the grant of Awards. Capitalized terms not defined elsewhere in the text are defined in Section 28.
2.SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.
2.1.Number of Shares Available. Subject to Sections 2.6 and 21 and any other applicable provisions hereof, the total number of Shares reserved and available for grant and issuance pursuant to this Plan as of the date of adoption of the Plan by the Board, is Thirty One Million Forty-Seven Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-Nine (31,047,869) Shares, plus (a) any reserved Shares not issued or subject to outstanding awards granted under the Company’s 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2019 Plan”) on the Effective Date (as defined below), (b) Shares that are subject to awards granted under the 2019 Plan and the Company’s 2013 Amended and Restated Stock Plan, as amended (collectively with the 2019 Plan, the “Prior Plans”) that cease to be subject to such awards by forfeiture or otherwise after the Effective Date, (c) Shares issued under the Prior Plans before or after the Effective Date pursuant to the exercise of stock options that are, after the Effective Date, forfeited, (d) Shares issued under the Prior Plan that are repurchased by the Company at the original purchase price or are otherwise forfeited, and (e) Shares that are subject to stock options or other awards under the Prior Plans that are used to pay the exercise price of a stock option or withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to any award.
2.2.Lapsed, Returned Awards. Shares subject to Awards, and Shares issued under the Plan under any Award, will again be available for grant and issuance in connection with subsequent Awards under this Plan to the extent such Shares: (a) are subject to issuance upon exercise of an Option or SAR granted under this Plan but which cease to be subject to the Option or SAR for any reason other than exercise of the Option or SAR, (b) are subject to Awards granted under this Plan that are forfeited or are repurchased by the Company at the original issue price, (c) are subject to Awards granted under this Plan that otherwise terminate without such Shares being issued or (d) are surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Award or withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award will become available for grant and issuance in connection with subsequent Awards under this Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, Shares that otherwise become available for grant and issuance because of the provisions of this Section 2.2 will not include Shares subject to Awards that initially became available because of the substitution clause in Section 21.2 hereof.
2.3.Minimum Share Reserve. At all times the Company will reserve and keep available a sufficient number of Shares as will be required to satisfy the requirements of all outstanding Awards granted under this Plan.
2.4.Automatic Share Reserve Increase. The number of Shares available for grant and issuance under the Plan will be increased on January 1st of each of the first ten (10) fiscal years during the term of the Plan by the lesser of (a) five percent (5%) of the number of shares of all classes of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding (on an as converted to common stock basis) on each December 31st immediately prior to the date of increase or (b) such number of Shares determined by the Board.
2.5.ISO Limitation. No more than Ninety Million (90,000,000) Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs granted under the Plan.
2.6.Adjustment of Shares. If the number or class of outstanding Shares is changed by a stock dividend, extraordinary dividend or distribution (whether in cash, shares, or other property, other than a regular cash dividend), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, subdivision, combination, consolidation, reclassification, spin-off, or similar change in the capital structure of the Company, without consideration, then (a) the number and class of Shares reserved for issuance and future grant under the Plan set forth in Section 2.1, including Shares reserved under sub-clauses (a)-(e) of Section 2.1, (b) the Exercise Prices of and number and class of Shares subject to outstanding Options and SARs, (c) the number and class of Shares subject to other outstanding Awards and (d) the maximum number and class of Shares that may be issued as ISOs set forth in Section 2.5, will be proportionately adjusted, subject to any required action by the Board or the stockholders of the Company and in compliance with applicable securities or other laws, provided that fractions of a Share will not be issued.
If, by reason of an adjustment pursuant to this Section 2.6, a Participant’s Award Agreement or other agreement related to any Award, or the Shares subject to such Award, covers additional or different shares of stock or securities, then such additional or different shares, and the Award Agreement or such other agreement in respect thereof, will be subject to all of the terms, conditions, and restrictions which were applicable to the Award or the Shares subject to such Award prior to such adjustment.
3.ELIGIBILITY. ISOs may be granted only to Employees. All other Awards may be granted to Employees, Consultants, Directors, and Non-Employee Directors, provided that such Consultants, Directors, and Non-Employee Directors render bona fide services not in connection with the offer and sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction.
4.ADMINISTRATION.
4.1.Committee Composition; Authority. This Plan will be administered by the Committee or by the Board acting as the Committee. Subject to the general purposes, terms, and conditions of this Plan, and to the direction of the Board, the Committee will have full power to implement and carry out this Plan, except, however, the Board will establish the terms for the grant of an Award to Non-Employee Directors. The Committee will have the authority to:
(a)construe and interpret this Plan, any Award Agreement, and any other agreement or document executed pursuant to this Plan;
(b)prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to this Plan or any Award;
(c)select persons to receive Awards;
(d)determine the form and terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the Exercise Price, the time or times when Awards may vest and be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria) or settled, any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, the method to satisfy tax withholding obligations or any other tax liability legally due, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Committee will determine;
(e)determine the number of Shares or other consideration subject to Awards;
(f)determine the Fair Market Value in good faith and interpret the applicable provisions of this Plan and the definition of Fair Market Value in connection with circumstances that impact the Fair Market Value, if necessary;
(g)determine whether Awards will be granted singly, in combination with, in tandem with, in replacement of, or as alternatives to, other Awards under this Plan or any other incentive or compensation plan of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate;
(h)grant waivers of Plan or Award conditions;
(i)determine the vesting, exercisability, and payment of Awards;
(j)correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement;
(k)determine whether an Award has been vested and/or earned;
(l)determine the terms and conditions of any, and to institute any Exchange Program;
(m)reduce, waive or modify any criteria with respect to Performance Factors;
(n)adjust Performance Factors to take into account changes in law and accounting or tax rules as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to reflect the impact of extraordinary or unusual items, events, or circumstances to avoid windfalls or hardships;
(o)adopt terms and conditions, rules, and/or procedures (including the adoption of any subplan under this Plan) relating to the operation and administration of the Plan to accommodate requirements of local law and procedures outside of the United States or to qualify Awards for special tax treatment under laws of jurisdictions other than the United States;
(p)exercise discretion with respect to Performance Awards;
(q)make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan; and
(r)delegate any of the foregoing to a subcommittee or to one or more executive officers pursuant to a specific delegation as permitted by applicable law, including Section 157(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
4.2.Committee Interpretation and Discretion. Any determination made by the Committee with respect to any Award will be made in its sole discretion at the time of grant of the Award or, unless in contravention of any express term of the Plan or Award, at any later time, and such determination will be final and binding on the Company and all persons having an interest in any Award under the Plan. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of the Plan or any Award Agreement will be submitted by the Participant or Company to the Committee for review. The resolution of such a dispute by the Committee will be final and binding on the Company and the Participant. The Committee may delegate to one or more executive officers the authority to review and resolve disputes with respect to Awards held by Participants who are not Insiders, and such resolution will be final and binding on the Company and the Participant.
4.3.Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Awards granted to Participants who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act must be approved by two or more “non-employee directors” (as defined in the regulations promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act).
4.4.Documentation. The Award Agreement for a given Award, the Plan, and any other documents may be delivered to, and accepted by, a Participant or any other person in any manner (including electronic distribution or posting) that meets applicable legal requirements.
4.5.Foreign Award Recipients. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in order to comply with the laws and practices in other countries in which the Company, its Subsidiaries, and Affiliates operate or have Employees or other individuals eligible for Awards, the Committee, in its sole discretion, will have the power and authority to: (a) determine which Subsidiaries and Affiliates will be covered by the Plan; (b) determine which individuals outside the United States are eligible to participate in the Plan, which may include individuals who provide services to the Company, Subsidiary or Affiliate under an agreement with a foreign nation or agency; (c) modify the terms and conditions of any Award granted to individuals outside the United States or foreign nationals to comply with applicable foreign laws, policies, customs, and practices; (d) establish subplans and modify exercise procedures, vesting conditions, and other terms and procedures to the extent the Committee determines such actions to be necessary or advisable (and such subplans and/or modifications will be attached to this Plan as appendices, if necessary); and (e) take any action, before or after an Award is made, that the Committee determines to be necessary or advisable to obtain approval or comply with any local governmental regulatory exemptions or approvals, provided, however, that no action taken under this Section 4.5 will increase the Share limitations contained in Section 2.1 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may not take any actions hereunder, and no Awards will be granted, that would violate the Exchange Act or any other applicable United States securities law, the Code, or any other applicable United States governing statute or law.
5.OPTIONS. An Option is the right but not the obligation to purchase a Share, subject to certain conditions, if applicable. The Committee may grant Options to eligible Employees, Consultants, and Directors and will determine whether such Options will be Incentive Stock Options within the meaning of the Code (“ISOs”) or Nonqualified Stock Options (“NSOs”), the number of Shares subject to the Option, the Exercise Price of the Option, the period during which the Option may vest and be exercised, and all other terms and conditions of the Option, subject to the following terms of this section.
5.1.Option Grant. Each Option granted under this Plan will identify the Option as an ISO or an NSO. An Option may be, but need not be, awarded upon satisfaction of such Performance Factors during any Performance Period as are set out in advance in the Participant’s individual Award Agreement. If the Option is being earned upon the satisfaction of Performance Factors, then the Committee will: (a) determine the nature, length, and starting date of any Performance Period for each Option; and (b) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Options that are subject to different performance goals and other criteria.
5.2.Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option will be the date on which the Committee makes the determination to grant such Option, or a specified future date. The Award Agreement will be delivered to the Participant within a reasonable time after the granting of the Option.
5.3.Exercise Period. Options may be vested and exercisable within the times or upon the conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement governing such Option, provided, however, that no Option will be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the Option is granted and provided further that no ISO granted to a person who, at the time the ISO is granted, directly or by attribution owns more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any Parent or Subsidiary (“Ten Percent Stockholder”) will be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date the ISO is granted. The Committee also may provide for Options to become exercisable at one time or from time to time, periodically or otherwise, in such number of Shares or percentage of Shares as the Committee determines.
5.4.Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of an Option will be determined by the Committee when the Option is granted, provided that: (a) the Exercise Price of an Option will be not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant, and (b) the Exercise Price of any ISO granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder will not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant. Payment for the Shares purchased may be made in accordance with Section 11 and the Award Agreement and in accordance with any procedures established by the Company.
5.5.Method of Exercise. Any Option granted hereunder will be vested and exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (a) notice of exercise (in such form as the Committee may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option (and/or via electronic execution through the authorized third-party administrator), and (b) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable withholding taxes). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Committee and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 2.6 of the Plan. Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
5.6.Termination of Service. Subject to the terms of the Participant’s employment or other agreement with the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate , if applicable, if the Participant’s Service terminates for any reason except for Cause or the Participant’s death or Disability, then the Participant may exercise such Participant’s Options only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by the Participant on the date Participant’s Service terminates no later than three (3) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates (or such shorter or longer time period as may be determined by the Committee, including as necessary to give effect to any provision in an employment or other agreement between the Participant and the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, if applicable, providing for acceleration of the Participant’s Options in connection with a Corporate Transaction, with any exercise of an ISO beyond three (3) months after the date Participant’s employment terminates deemed to be the exercise of an NSO), but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options.
(a)Death. If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the Participant’s death (or the Participant dies within three (3) months after Participant’s Service terminates other than for Cause or because of the Participant’s Disability), then the Participant’s Options may be exercised only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by the Participant on the date Participant’s Service terminates and must be exercised by the Participant’s legal representative, or authorized assignee, no later than twelve (12) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates (or such shorter or longer time period as may be determined by the Committee), but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options.
(b)Disability. If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the Participant’s Disability, then the Participant’s Options may be exercised only to the extent that such Options would have been exercisable by the Participant on the date Participant’s Service terminates and must be exercised by the Participant (or the Participant’s legal representative or authorized assignee) no later than twelve (12) months after the date Participant’s Service terminates (or such shorter or longer time period as may be determined by the Committee, with any exercise beyond (a) three (3) months after the date Participant’s employment terminates when the termination of Service is for a Disability that is not a “permanent and total disability” as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code or (b) twelve (12) months after the date Participant’s employment terminates when the termination of Service is for a Disability that is a “permanent and total disability” as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, deemed to be exercise of an NSO), but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options.
(c)Cause. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if the Participant’s Service terminates for Cause, then Participant’s Options (whether or not vested) will expire on the date of termination of Participant’s Service if the Committee has reasonably determined in good faith that such cessation of Services has resulted in connection with an act or failure to act constituting Cause (or such Participant’s Services could have been terminated for Cause (without regard to the lapsing of any required notice or cure periods in connection therewith) at the time such Participant terminated Service), or at such later time and on such conditions as are determined by the Committee, but in any event no later than the expiration date of the Options. Unless otherwise provided in an employment agreement, Award Agreement, or other applicable agreement, Cause will have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
5.7.Limitations on ISOs. With respect to Awards granted as ISOs, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which such ISOs are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such Options will be treated as NSOs. For purposes of this Section 5.7, ISOs will be taken into account in the order in which they were granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted. In the event that the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder are amended after the Effective Date to provide for a different limit on the Fair Market Value of Shares permitted to be subject to ISOs, such different limit will be automatically incorporated herein and will apply to any Options granted after the effective date of such amendment.
5.8.Modification, Extension or Renewal. The Committee may modify, extend, or renew outstanding Options and authorize the grant of new Options in substitution therefor, provided that any such action may not, without the written consent of a Participant, impair any of such Participant’s rights under any Option previously granted. Any outstanding ISO that is modified, extended, renewed, or otherwise altered will be treated in accordance with Section 424(h) of the Code. Subject to Section 18 of this Plan, by written notice to affected Participants, the Committee may reduce the Exercise Price of outstanding Options without the consent of such Participants, provided, however, that the Exercise Price may not be reduced below the Fair Market Value on the date the action is taken to reduce the Exercise Price.
5.9.No Disqualification. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, no term of this Plan relating to ISOs will be interpreted, amended, or altered, nor will any discretion or authority granted under this Plan be exercised, so as to disqualify this Plan under Section 422 of the Code or, without the consent of the Participant affected, to disqualify any ISO under Section 422 of the Code.
6.RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS. A Restricted Stock Unit (“RSU”) is an award to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director covering a number of Shares that may be settled by issuance of those Shares (which may consist of Restricted Stock) or in cash. All RSUs will be made pursuant to an Award Agreement.
6.1.Terms of RSUs. The Committee will determine the terms of an RSU including, without limitation: (a) the number of Shares subject to the RSU, (b) the time or times during which the RSU may be settled, (c) the consideration to be distributed on settlement, and (d) the effect of the Participant’s termination of Service on each RSU, provided that no RSU will have a term longer than ten (10) years. An RSU may be awarded upon satisfaction of such performance goals based on Performance Factors during any Performance Period as are set out in advance in the Participant’s Award Agreement. If the RSU is being earned upon satisfaction of Performance Factors, then the Committee will: (i) determine the nature, length, and starting date of any Performance Period for the RSU; (ii) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any; and (iii) determine the number of Shares deemed subject to the RSU. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to RSUs that are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and other criteria.
6.2.Form and Timing of Settlement. Payment of earned RSUs will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may settle earned RSUs in cash, Shares, or a combination of both. The Committee may also permit a Participant to defer payment under a RSU to a date or dates after the RSU is earned, provided that the terms of the RSU and any deferral satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to the extent applicable.
6.3.Termination of Service. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement or in the Participant’s employment or other agreement with the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate , if applicable, vesting ceases on such date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).
7.RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS. A Restricted Stock Award is an offer by the Company to sell to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director Shares that are subject to restrictions (“Restricted Stock”). The Committee will determine to whom an offer will be made, the number of Shares the Participant may purchase, the Purchase Price, the restrictions under which the Shares will be subject, and all other terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Award, subject to the Plan.
7.1.Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement. All purchases under a Restricted Stock Award will be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Except as may otherwise be provided in an Award Agreement, a Participant accepts a Restricted Stock Award by signing and delivering to the Company an Award Agreement with full payment of the Purchase Price, within thirty (30) days from the date the Award Agreement was delivered to the Participant. If the Participant does not accept such Award within thirty (30) days, then the offer to purchase such Restricted Stock Award will terminate, unless the Committee determines otherwise.
7.2.Purchase Price. The Purchase Price for Shares issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award will be determined by the Committee and may be less than Fair Market Value on the date the Restricted Stock Award is granted. Payment of the Purchase Price must be made in accordance with Section 11 of the Plan, and the Award Agreement and in accordance with any procedures established by the Company.
7.3.Terms of Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock Awards will be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may impose or are required by law. These restrictions may be based on completion of a specified period of Service with the Company or upon completion of Performance Factors, if any, during any Performance Period as set out in advance in the Participant’s Award Agreement. Prior to the grant of a Restricted Stock Award, the Committee will: (a) determine the nature, length, and starting date of any Performance Period for the Restricted Stock Award; (b) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure performance goals, if any; and (c) determine the number of Shares that may be awarded to the Participant. Performance Periods may overlap and a Participant may participate simultaneously with respect to Restricted Stock Awards that are subject to different Performance Periods and having different performance goals and other criteria.
7.4.Termination of Service. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, or in the Participant’s employment or other agreement with the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate , if applicable, vesting ceases on such date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).
8.STOCK BONUS AWARDS. A Stock Bonus Award is an award to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director of Shares for Services to be rendered or for past Services already rendered to the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate. All Stock Bonus Awards will be made pursuant to an Award Agreement. No payment from the Participant will be required for Shares awarded pursuant to a Stock Bonus Award.
8.1.Terms of Stock Bonus Awards. The Committee will determine the number of Shares to be awarded to the Participant under a Stock Bonus Award and any restrictions thereon. These restrictions may be based upon completion of a specified period of Service with the Company or upon satisfaction of performance goals based on Performance Factors during any Performance Period as set out in advance in the Participant’s Stock Bonus Agreement. Prior to the grant of any Stock Bonus Award the Committee will: (a) determine the restrictions to which the Stock Bonus Award is subject, including the nature, length, and starting date of any Performance Period for the Stock Bonus Award; (b) select from among the Performance Factors, if any, to be used to measure performance goals; and (c) determine the number of Shares that may be awarded to the Participant. Performance Periods may overlap and a Participant may participate simultaneously with respect to Stock Bonus Awards that are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and other criteria.
8.2.Form of Payment to Participant. Payment may be made in the form of cash, whole Shares, or a combination thereof, based on the Fair Market Value of the Shares earned under a Stock Bonus Award on the date of payment, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee.
8.3.Termination of Service. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on such date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).
9.STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS. A Stock Appreciation Right (“SAR”) is an award to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director that may be settled in cash or Shares (which may consist of Restricted Stock) having a value equal to (a) the difference between the Fair Market Value on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price multiplied by (b) the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is being settled (subject to any maximum number of Shares that may be issuable as specified in an Award Agreement). All SARs will be made pursuant to an Award Agreement.
9.1.Terms of SARs. The Committee will determine the terms of each SAR including, without limitation: (a) the number of Shares subject to the SAR, (b) the Exercise Price and the time or times during which the SAR may be exercised and settled, (c) the consideration to be distributed on exercise and settlement of the SAR, and (d) the effect of the Participant’s termination of Service on each SAR. The Exercise Price of the SAR will be determined by the Committee when the SAR is granted and may not be less than Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant. A SAR may be awarded upon satisfaction of Performance Factors, if any, during any Performance Period as are set out in advance in the Participant’s individual Award Agreement. If the SAR is being earned upon the satisfaction of Performance Factors, then the Committee will: (i) determine the nature, length, and starting date of any Performance Period for each SAR; and (ii) select from among the Performance Factors to be used to measure the performance, if any. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to SARs that are subject to different Performance Factors and other criteria.
9.2.Exercise Period and Expiration Date. A SAR will be exercisable within the times or upon the occurrence of events determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement governing such SAR. The SAR Agreement will set forth the expiration date, provided that no SAR will be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date the SAR is granted. The Committee may also provide for SARs to become exercisable at one time or from time to time, periodically or otherwise (including, without limitation, upon the attainment during a Performance Period of performance goals based on Performance Factors), in such number of Shares or percentage of the Shares subject to the SAR as the Committee determines. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, vesting ceases on the date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 5.6 also will apply to SARs.
9.3.Form of Settlement. Upon exercise of a SAR, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying (a) the difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the Exercise Price, by (b) the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised. At the discretion of the Committee, the payment from the Company for the SAR exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof. The portion of a SAR being settled may be paid currently or on a deferred basis with such interest, if any, as the Committee determines, provided that the terms of the SAR and any deferral satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to the extent applicable.
9.4.Termination of Service. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, or in the Participant’s employment or other agreement with the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, if applicable, vesting ceases on the date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).
10.PERFORMANCE AWARDS.
10.1.Types of Performance Awards. A Performance Award is an award to an eligible Employee, Consultant, or Director that is based upon the attainment of performance goals, as established by the Committee, and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee, and may be settled in cash, Shares (which may consist of, without limitation, Restricted Stock), other property, or any combination thereof. Grants of Performance Awards will be made pursuant to an Award Agreement that cites Section 10 of the Plan.
(a)Performance Shares. The Committee may grant Awards of Performance Shares, designate the Participants to whom Performance Shares are to be awarded, and determine the number of Performance Shares and the terms and conditions of each such Award. Performance Shares will consist of a unit valued by reference to a designated number of Shares, the value of which may be paid to the Participant by delivery of Shares or, if set forth in the instrument evidencing the Award, of such property as the Committee will determine, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other property, or any combination thereof, upon the attainment of performance goals, as established by the Committee, and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee. The amount to be paid under an Award of Performance Shares may be adjusted on the basis of such further consideration as the Committee will determine in its sole discretion.
(b)Performance Units. The Committee may grant Awards of Performance Units, designate the Participants to whom Performance Units are to be awarded, and determine the number of Performance Units and the terms and conditions of each such Award. Performance Units will consist of a unit valued by reference to a designated amount of property other than Shares, which value may be paid to the Participant by delivery of such property as the Committee will determine, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other property, or any combination thereof, upon the attainment of performance goals, as established by the Committee, and other terms and conditions specified by the Committee.
(c)Cash-Settled Performance Awards. The Committee may also grant cash-settled Performance Awards to Participants under the terms of this Plan. Such awards will be based on the attainment of performance goals using the Performance Factors within this Plan that are established by the Committee for the relevant performance period.
10.2.Terms of Performance Awards. The Committee will determine, and each Award Agreement will set forth, the terms of each Performance Award including, without limitation: (a) the amount of any cash bonus, (b) the number of Shares deemed subject to an award of Performance Shares, (c) the Performance Factors and Performance Period that will determine the time and extent to which each award of Performance Shares will be settled, (d) the consideration to be distributed on settlement, and (e) the effect of the Participant’s termination of Service on each Performance Award. In establishing Performance Factors and the Performance Period the Committee will: (i) determine the nature, length, and starting date of any Performance Period; (ii) select from among the Performance Factors to be used; and (iii) determine the number of Shares deemed subject to the award of Performance Shares. Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant. Prior to settlement the Committee will determine the extent to which Performance Awards have been earned. Performance Periods may overlap and Participants may participate simultaneously with respect to Performance Awards that are subject to different Performance Periods and different performance goals and other criteria.
10.3.Termination of Service. Except as may be set forth in the Participant’s Award Agreement, or in the Participant’s employment or other agreement with the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, if applicable, vesting ceases on the date Participant’s Service terminates (unless determined otherwise by the Committee).
11.PAYMENT FOR SHARE PURCHASES. Payment from a Participant for Shares purchased pursuant to this Plan may be made in cash or by check or, where expressly approved for the Participant by the Committee and where permitted by law (and to the extent not otherwise set forth in the applicable Award Agreement):
(a)by cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to the Participant;
(b)by surrender of shares of the Company held by the Participant that have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said Award will be exercised or settled;
(c)by waiver of compensation due or accrued to the Participant for services rendered or to be rendered to the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary;
(d)by consideration received by the Company pursuant to a broker-assisted or other form of cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan;
(e)by any combination of the foregoing; or
(f)by any other method of payment as is permitted by applicable law.
The Committee may limit the availability of any method of payment, to the extent the Committee determines, in its discretion, such limitation is necessary or advisable to comply with applicable law or facilitate the administration of the Plan.
12.GRANTS TO NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS.
12.1.General. Non-Employee Directors are eligible to receive any type of Award offered under this Plan except ISOs. Awards pursuant to this Section 12 may be automatically made pursuant to policy adopted by the Board, or made from time to time as determined in the discretion of the Board. No Non-Employee Director may receive Awards under the Plan that, when combined with cash compensation received for service as a Non-Employee Director, exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) in value (as described below) in any calendar year. The value of Awards for purposes of complying with this maximum will be determined as follows: (a) for Options and SARs, grant date fair value will be calculated using the Company’s regular valuation methodology for determining the grant date fair value of Options for reporting purposes, and (b) for all other Awards other than Options and SARs, grant date fair value will be determined by either (i) calculating the product of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant and the aggregate number of Shares subject to the Award, or (ii) calculating the product using an average of the Fair Market Value over a number of trading days and the aggregate number of Shares subject to the Award as determined by the Committee. Awards granted to an individual while he or she was serving in the capacity as an Employee or while he or she was a Consultant but not a Non-Employee Director will not count for purposes of the limitations set forth in this Section 12.1.
12.2.Eligibility. Awards pursuant to this Section 12 will be granted only to Non-Employee Directors. A Non-Employee Director who is elected or re-elected as a member of the Board will be eligible to receive an Award under this Section 12.
12.3.Vesting, Exercisability and Settlement. Except as set forth in Section 21, Awards will vest, become exercisable, and be settled as determined by the Board. With respect to Options and SARs, the exercise price granted to Non-Employee Directors will not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Shares at the time that such Option or SAR is granted.
12.4.Election to Receive Awards in Lieu of Cash. A Non-Employee Director may elect to receive his or her annual retainer payments and/or meeting fees from the Company in the form of cash or Awards or a combination thereof, if permitted, and as determined, by the Committee. Such Awards will be issued under the Plan. An election under this Section 12.4 will be filed with the Company on the form prescribed by the Company.
13.WITHHOLDING TAXES.
13.1.Withholding Generally. Whenever Shares are to be issued in satisfaction of Awards granted under this Plan or a tax event occurs, the Company may require the Participant to remit to the Company, or to the Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate, as applicable, employing the Participant an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable U.S. federal, state, local, and international income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax related items (the “Tax-Related Items”) legally due from the Participant prior to the delivery of Shares pursuant to exercise or settlement of any Award. Whenever payments in satisfaction of Awards granted under this Plan are to be made in cash, such payment will be net of an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld and such Shares will be valued based on the value of the actual trade or, if there is none, the Fair Market Value of the Shares as of the previous trading day.
13.2.Stock Withholding. The Committee, or its delegate(s), as permitted by applicable law, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time and to limitations of local law, may require or permit a Participant to satisfy such Tax Related Items legally due from the Participant, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (a) paying cash, (b) having the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the Tax-Related Items to be withheld, (c) delivering to the Company already-owned shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the Tax-Related Items to be withheld, or (d) withholding from the proceeds of the sale of otherwise deliverable Shares acquired pursuant to an Award either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company. The Company may withhold or account for these Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including up to the maximum permissible statutory tax rate for the applicable tax jurisdiction, to the extent consistent with applicable laws.
14.TRANSFERABILITY. Unless determined otherwise by the Committee, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution. If the Committee makes an Award transferable, including, without limitation, by instrument to an inter vivos or testamentary trust in which the Awards are to be passed to beneficiaries upon the death of the trustor (settlor) or by gift or by domestic relations order to a Permitted Transferee, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. All Awards will be exercisable: (a) during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative; (b) after the Participant’s death, by the legal representative of the Participant’s heirs or legatees; and (c) in the case of all awards except ISOs, by a Permitted Transferee.
15.PRIVILEGES OF STOCK OWNERSHIP; RESTRICTIONS ON SHARES.
15.1.Voting and Dividends. No Participant will have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to any Shares until the Shares are issued to the Participant, except for any Dividend Equivalent Rights permitted by an applicable Award Agreement. Any Dividend Equivalent Rights will be subject to the same vesting or performance conditions as the underlying Award. In addition, the Committee may provide that any Dividend Equivalent Rights permitted by an applicable Award Agreement will be deemed to have been reinvested in additional Shares or otherwise reinvested. After Shares are issued to the Participant, the Participant will be a stockholder and have all the rights of a stockholder with respect to such Shares, including the right to vote and receive all dividends or other distributions made or paid with respect to such Shares; provided, that if such Shares are Restricted Stock, then any new, additional or different securities the Participant may become entitled to receive with respect to such Shares by virtue of a stock dividend, stock split or any other change in the corporate or capital structure of the Company will be subject to the same restrictions as the Restricted Stock; provided, further, that the Participant will have no right to such stock dividends or stock distributions with respect to Unvested Shares, and any such dividends or stock distributions will be accrued and paid only at such time, if any, as such Unvested Shares become vested Shares. The Committee, in its discretion, may provide in the Award Agreement evidencing any Award that the Participant will be entitled to Dividend Equivalent Rights with respect to the payment of cash dividends on Shares underlying an Award during the period beginning on the date the Award is granted and ending, with respect to each Share subject to the Award, on the earlier of the date on which the Award is exercised or settled or the date on which it is forfeited provided, that no Dividend Equivalent Right will be paid with respect to the Unvested Shares, and such dividends or stock distributions will be accrued and paid only at such time, if any, as such Unvested Shares become vested Shares. Such Dividend Equivalent Rights, if any, will be credited to the Participant in the form of additional whole Shares as of the date of payment of such cash dividends on Shares.
15.2.Restrictions on Shares. At the discretion of the Committee, the Company may reserve to itself and/or its assignee(s) a right to repurchase (a “Right of Repurchase”) a portion of any or all Unvested Shares held by a Participant following such Participant’s termination of Service at any time within ninety (90) days (or such longer or shorter time determined by the Committee) after the later of the date Participant’s Service terminates and the date the Participant purchases Shares under this Plan, for cash and/or cancellation of purchase money indebtedness, at the Participant’s Purchase Price or Exercise Price, as the case may be.
16.CERTIFICATES. All Shares or other securities whether or not certificated, delivered under this Plan will be subject to such stock transfer orders, legends, and other restrictions as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable, including restrictions under any applicable U.S. federal, state, or foreign securities law, or any rules, regulations, and other requirements of the SEC or any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may be listed or quoted, and any non-U.S. exchange controls or securities law restrictions to which the Shares are subject.
17.ESCROW; PLEDGE OF SHARES. To enforce any restrictions on a Participant’s Shares, the Committee may require the Participant to deposit all certificates representing Shares, together with stock powers or other instruments of transfer approved by the Committee, appropriately endorsed in blank, with the Company or an agent designated by the Company to hold in escrow until such restrictions have lapsed or terminated, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends referencing such restrictions to be placed on the certificates. Any Participant who is permitted to execute a promissory note as partial or full consideration for the purchase of Shares under this Plan will be required to pledge and deposit with the Company all or part of the Shares so purchased as collateral to secure the payment of the Participant’s obligation to the Company under the promissory note, provided, however, that the Committee may require or accept other or additional forms of collateral to secure the payment of such obligation and, in any event, the Company will have full recourse against the Participant under the promissory note notwithstanding any pledge of the Participant’s Shares or other collateral. In connection with any pledge of the Shares, the Participant will be required to execute and deliver a written pledge agreement in such form as the Committee will from time to time approve. The Shares purchased with the promissory note may be released from the pledge on a pro rata basis as the promissory note is paid.
18.REPRICING; EXCHANGE AND BUYOUT OF AWARDS. Without prior stockholder approval the Committee may (a) reprice Options or SARs (and where such repricing is a reduction in the Exercise Price of outstanding Options or SARs, the consent of the affected Participants is not required provided written notice is provided to them, notwithstanding any adverse tax consequences to them arising from the repricing), and (b) with the consent of the respective Participants (unless not required pursuant to Section 5.9 of the Plan), pay cash or issue new Awards in exchange for the surrender and cancellation of any, or all, outstanding Awards.
19.SECURITIES LAW AND OTHER REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. An Award will not be effective unless such Award is in compliance with all applicable U.S. and foreign federal and state securities and exchange control and other laws, rules, and regulations of any governmental body, and the requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Shares may then be listed or quoted, as they are in effect on the date of grant of the Award and also on the date of exercise or other issuance. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, the Company will have no obligation to issue or deliver certificates for Shares under this Plan prior to: (a) obtaining any approvals from governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary or advisable and/or (b) completion of any registration or other qualification of such Shares under any state, federal, or foreign law or ruling of any governmental body that the Company determines to be necessary or advisable. The Company will be under no obligation to register the Shares with the SEC or to effect compliance with the registration, qualification, or listing requirements of any foreign or state securities laws, exchange control laws, stock exchange, or automated quotation system, and the Company will have no liability for any inability or failure to do so.
20.NO OBLIGATION TO EMPLOY. Nothing in this Plan or any Award granted under this Plan will confer or be deemed to confer on any Participant any right to continue in the employ of, or to continue any other relationship with, the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate or limit in any way the right of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate to terminate Participant’s employment or other relationship at any time.
21.CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS.
21.1.Assumption or Replacement of Awards by Successor. In the event that the Company is subject to a Corporate Transaction, outstanding Awards acquired under the Plan shall be subject to the agreement evidencing the Corporate Transaction, which need not treat all outstanding Awards in an identical manner. Such agreement, without the Participant’s consent, shall provide for one or more of the following with respect to all outstanding Awards as of the effective date of such Corporate Transaction:
(a)The continuation of an outstanding Award by the Company (if the Company is the successor entity).
(b)The assumption of an outstanding Award by the successor or acquiring entity (if any) of such Corporate Transaction (or by its parents, if any), which assumption, will be binding on all selected Participants; provided that the exercise price and the number and nature of shares issuable upon exercise of any such option or stock appreciation right, or any award that is subject to Section 409A of the Code, will be adjusted appropriately pursuant to Section 424(a) of the Code and/or Section 409A of the Code, as applicable.
(c)The substitution by the successor or acquiring entity in such Corporate Transaction (or by its parents, if any) of equivalent awards with substantially the same terms for such outstanding Awards (except that the exercise price and the number and nature of shares issuable upon exercise of any such option or stock appreciation right, or any award that is subject to Section 409A of the Code, will be adjusted appropriately pursuant to Section 424(a) of the Code and/or Section 409A of the Code, as applicable).
(d)The full or partial acceleration of exercisability or vesting and accelerated expiration of an outstanding Award and lapse of the Company’s right to repurchase or re-acquire shares acquired under an Award or lapse of forfeiture rights with respect to shares acquired under an Award.
(e)The settlement of the full value of such outstanding Award (whether or not then vested or exercisable) in cash, cash equivalents, or securities of the successor entity (or its parent, if any) with a fair market value equal to the required amount, followed by the cancellation of such Awards; provided however, that such Award may be cancelled if such Award has no value, as determined by the Committee, in its discretion. Subject to Section 409A of the Code, such payment may be made in installments and may be deferred until the date or dates the Award would have become exercisable or vested. Such payment may be subject to vesting based on the Participant’s continued service, provided that the vesting schedule shall not be less favorable to the Participant than the schedule under which the Award would have become vested or exercisable. For purposes of this Section 21.1(e), the fair market value of any security shall be determined without regard to any vesting conditions that may apply to such security.
(f)The cancellation of outstanding Awards in exchange for no consideration.
The Board shall have full power and authority to assign the Company’s right to repurchase or re-acquire or forfeiture rights to such successor or acquiring corporation. In addition, in the event such successor or acquiring corporation (if any) refuses to assume, convert, replace or substitute Awards, as provided above, pursuant to a Corporate Transaction, the Committee will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that such Participant’s Award will, if exercisable, be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, and such Award will terminate upon the expiration of such period. Awards need not be treated similarly in a Corporate Transaction and treatment may vary from Award to Award and/or from Participant to Participant.
21.2.Assumption of Awards by the Company. The Company, from time to time, also may substitute or assume outstanding awards granted by another company, whether in connection with an acquisition of such other company or otherwise, by either: (a) granting an Award under this Plan in substitution of such other company’s award, or (b) assuming such award as if it had been granted under this Plan if the terms of such assumed award could be applied to an Award granted under this Plan. Such substitution or assumption will be permissible if the holder of the substituted or assumed award would have been eligible to be granted an Award under this Plan if the other company had applied the rules of this Plan to such grant. In the event the Company assumes an award granted by another company, the terms and conditions of such award will remain unchanged (except that the Purchase Price or the Exercise Price, as the case may be, and the number and nature of Shares issuable upon exercise or settlement of any such Award will be adjusted appropriately pursuant to Section 424(a) of the Code). In the event the Company elects to grant a new Option in substitution rather than assuming an existing option, such new Option may be granted with a similarly adjusted Exercise Price. Substitute Awards will not reduce the number of Shares authorized for grant under the Plan or authorized for grant to a Participant in a calendar year.
21.3.Non-Employee Directors’ Awards. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, in the event of a Corporate Transaction, the vesting of all Awards granted to Non-Employee Directors will accelerate and such Awards will become exercisable (as applicable) in full prior to the consummation of such event at such times and on such conditions as the Committee determines.
22.ADOPTION AND STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. This Plan will be submitted for the approval of the Company’s stockholders, consistent with applicable laws, within twelve (12) months before or after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board.
23.TERM OF PLAN/GOVERNING LAW. Unless earlier terminated as provided herein, this Plan will become effective on the Effective Date and will terminate ten (10) years from the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. This Plan and all Awards granted hereunder will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (excluding its conflict of laws rules).
24.AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN. The Board may at any time terminate or amend this Plan in any respect, including, without limitation, amendment of any form of Award Agreement or instrument to be executed pursuant to this Plan, provided, however, that the Board will not, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company, amend this Plan in any manner that requires such stockholder approval, provided further that a Participant’s Award will be governed by the version of this Plan then in effect at the time such Award was granted. No termination or amendment of the Plan will affect any then-outstanding Award unless expressly provided by the Committee. In any event, no termination or amendment of the Plan or any outstanding Award may adversely affect any then outstanding Award without the consent of the Participant, unless such termination or amendment is necessary to comply with applicable law, regulation, or rule.
25.NONEXCLUSIVITY OF THE PLAN. Neither the adoption of this Plan by the Board, the submission of this Plan to the stockholders of the Company for approval, nor any provision of this Plan will be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such additional compensation arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock awards and bonuses otherwise than under this Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
26.INSIDER TRADING POLICY. Each Participant who receives an Award will comply with any policy adopted by the Company from time to time covering transactions in the Company’s securities by Employees, officers, and/or Directors of the Company, as well as with any applicable insider trading or market abuse laws to which the Participant may be subject.
27.ALL AWARDS SUBJECT TO COMPANY CLAWBACK OR RECOUPMENT POLICY. All Awards, subject to applicable law, will be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of Participant’s employment or other service with the Company that is applicable to officers, Employees, Directors or other service providers of the Company, and in addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law, may require the cancellation of outstanding Awards and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to Awards.
28.DEFINITIONS. As used in this Plan, and except as elsewhere defined herein, the following terms will have the following meanings:
28.1.“Affiliate” means (a) any entity that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by, controls, or is under common control with, the Company, and (b) any entity in which the Company has a significant equity interest, in either case as determined by the Committee, whether now or hereafter existing.
28.2.“Award” means any award under the Plan, including any Option, Performance Award, Cash Award, Restricted Stock, Stock Bonus, Stock Appreciation Right, or Restricted Stock Unit.
28.3.“Award Agreement” means, with respect to each Award, the written or electronic agreement between the Company and the Participant setting forth the terms and conditions of the Award, and country-specific appendix thereto for grants to non-U.S. Participants, which will be in substantially a form (which need not be the same for each Participant) that the Committee (or in the case of Award agreements that are not used for Insiders, the Committee’s delegate(s)) has from time to time approved, and will comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.
28.4.“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
28.5.“Cause” means a determination by the Company that the Participant has committed an act or acts constituting any of the following: (i) dishonesty, fraud, misconduct or negligence in connection with Participant’s duties to the Company, (ii) unauthorized disclosure or use of the Company’s confidential or proprietary information, (iii) misappropriation of a business opportunity of the Company, (iv) materially aiding Company competitor, (v) a felony conviction, (vi) failure or refusal to attend to the duties or obligations of the Participant’s position other where such failure or refusal is due to the Participant’s Disability, (vii) violation or breach of, or failure to comply with, the Company’s code of ethics or conduct, any of the Company’s rules, policies or procedures applicable to the Participant or any agreement in effect between the Company and the Participant or (viii) other conduct by such Participant that could be expected to be harmful to the business, interests or reputation of the Company. The determination as to whether Cause for a Participant’s termination exists will be made in good faith by the Company and will be final and binding on the Participant. This definition does not in any way limit the Company’s or any Parent’s or Subsidiary’s ability to terminate a Participant’s employment or services at any time as provided in Section 20 above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the foregoing definition of “Cause” may, in part or in whole, be modified or replaced in each individual employment agreement, Award Agreement, or other applicable agreement with any Participant, provided that such document supersedes the definition provided in this Section 28.5.
28.6.“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
28.7.“Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or those persons to whom administration of the Plan, or part of the Plan, has been delegated as permitted by law.
28.8.“Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
28.9.“Company” means Coinbase Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor corporation.
28.10.“Consultant” means any natural person, including an advisor or independent contractor, engaged by the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate to render services to such entity.
28.11. “Corporate Transaction” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) any “Person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then-outstanding voting securities, provided, however, that for purposes of this subclause (a) the acquisition of additional securities by any one Person who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the securities of the Company will not be considered a Corporate Transaction; (b) the consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; (c) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; (d) any other transaction which qualifies as a “corporate transaction” under Section 424(a) of the Code wherein the stockholders of the Company give up all of their equity interest in the Company (except for the acquisition, sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company), or (e) a change in the effective control of the Company that occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by members of the Board whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purpose of this subclause (e), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Corporate Transaction. For purposes of this definition, Persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase, or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any amount constituting deferred compensation (as defined in Section 409A of the Code) would become payable under this Plan by reason of a Corporate Transaction, such amount will become payable only if the event constituting a Corporate Transaction would also qualify as a change in ownership or effective control of the Company or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, each as defined within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, and any proposed or final Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance that has been promulgated or may be promulgated thereunder from time to time.
28.12.“Direct Listing Registration Date” means the date on which the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 in connection with its direct listing of common stock is declared effective by the SEC under the Securities Act.
28.13.“Director” means a member of the Board.
28.14.“Disability” means in the case of incentive stock options, total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code and in the case of other Awards, that the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.
28.15.“Dividend Equivalent Right” means the right of a Participant, granted at the discretion of the Committee or as otherwise provided by the Plan, to receive a credit for the account of such Participant in an amount equal to the cash, stock, or other property dividends in amounts equal equivalent to cash, stock, or other property dividends for each Share represented by an Award held by such Participant.
28.16.“Effective Date” means the day immediately prior to the Company’s Direct Listing Registration Date, subject to approval of the Plan by the Company’s stockholders.
28.17.“Employee” means any person, including officers and Directors, providing services as an employee to the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
28.18.“Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
28.19.“Exchange Program” means a program pursuant to which (a) outstanding Awards are surrendered, cancelled, or exchanged for cash, the same type of Award, or a different Award (or combination thereof); or (b) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is increased or reduced.
28.20.“Exercise Price” means, with respect to an Option, the price at which a holder may purchase the Shares issuable upon exercise of an Option and with respect to a SAR, the price at which the SAR is granted to the holder thereof.
28.21.“Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of a Share, determined as follows:
(a)if such Common Stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a national securities exchange, its closing price on the date of determination on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable;
(b)if such Common Stock is publicly traded but is neither listed nor admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable;
(c)in the case of an Option or SAR grant made on the Direct Listing Registration Date, the price per share at which Shares are initially offered for sale to the public as set forth in the Company’s final prospectus included within the registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC under the Securities Act; or
(d)by the Board or the Committee in good faith.
28.22.“Insider” means an officer or Director of the Company or any other person whose transactions in the Company’s Common Stock are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
28.23.“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
28.24.“Non-Employee Director” means a Director who is not an Employee of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate.
28.25.“Option” means an award of an option to purchase Shares pursuant to Section 5.
28.26.“Parent” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company if each of such corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
28.27.“Participant” means a person who holds an Award under this Plan.
28.28.“Performance Award” means an Award as defined in Section 10 and granted under the Plan, the payment of which is contingent upon achieving certain performance goals established by the Committee.
28.29.“Performance Factors” means any of the factors selected by the Committee and specified in an Award Agreement, from among the following measures, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, applied to the Company as a whole or any business unit or Subsidiary, either individually, alternatively, or in any combination, on a GAAP or non-GAAP basis, and measured, to the extent applicable on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to determine whether the performance goals established by the Committee with respect to applicable Awards have been satisfied:
(a)profit before tax;
(b)billings;
(c)revenue;
(d)net revenue;
(e)earnings (which may include earnings before interest and taxes, earnings before taxes, net earnings, stock-based compensation expenses, depreciation, and amortization);
(f)operating income;
(g)operating margin;
(h)operating profit;
(i)controllable operating profit or net operating profit;
(j)net profit;
(k)gross margin;
(l)operating expenses or operating expenses as a percentage of revenue;
(m) net income;
(n)earnings per share;
(o)total stockholder return;
(p)market share;
(q)return on assets or net assets;
(r)the Company’s stock price;
(s)growth in stockholder value relative to a pre-determined index;
(t)return on equity;
(u)return on invested capital;
(v)cash flow (including free cash flow or operating cash flows);
(w)cash conversion cycle;
(x)economic value added;
(y)individual confidential business objectives;
(z)contract awards or backlog;
(aa)overhead or other expense reduction;
(bb)credit rating;
(cc)strategic plan development and implementation;
(dd)succession plan development and implementation;
(ee)improvement in workforce diversity;
(ff)customer indicators and/or satisfaction;
(gg)new product invention or innovation;
(hh)attainment of research and development milestones;
(ii)improvements in productivity;
(jj)bookings;
(kk)attainment of objective operating goals and employee metrics;
(ll)sales;
(mm)expenses;
(nn)balance of cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities;
(oo)completion of an identified special project;
(pp)completion of a joint venture or other corporate transaction;
(qq)employee satisfaction and/or retention;
(rr)research and development expenses;
(ss)working capital targets and changes in working capital; and
(tt)any other metric that is capable of measurement as determined by the Committee.
The Committee may provide for one or more equitable adjustments to the Performance Factors to preserve the Committee’s original intent regarding the Performance Factors at the time of the initial award grant, such as but not limited to, adjustments in recognition of unusual or non-recurring items such as acquisition related activities or changes in applicable accounting rules. It is within the sole discretion of the Committee to make or not make any such equitable adjustments.
28.30.“Performance Period” means one or more periods of time, which may be of varying and overlapping durations, as the Committee may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Factors will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s right to, and the payment of, a Performance Award.
28.31.“Performance Share” means an Award as defined in Section 10 and granted under the Plan, the payment of which is contingent upon achieving certain performance goals established by the Committee.
28.32.“Performance Unit” means an Award as defined in Section 10 and granted under the Plan, the payment of which is contingent upon achieving certain performance goals established by the Committee.
28.33.“Permitted Transferee” means any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law (including adoptive relationships) of the Employee, any person sharing the Employee’s household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which these persons (or the Employee) have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which these persons (or the Employee) control the management of assets, and any other entity in which these persons (or the Employee) own more than 50% of the voting interests.
28.34.“Plan” means this Coinbase Global, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.
28.35.“Purchase Price” means the price to be paid for Shares acquired under the Plan, other than Shares acquired upon exercise of an Option or SAR.
28.36.“Restricted Stock Award” means an Award as defined in Section 6 and granted under the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.
28.37.“Restricted Stock Unit” means an Award as defined in Section 9 and granted under the Plan.
28.38.“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
28.39.“Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
28.40.“Service” will mean service as an Employee, Consultant, Director, or Non-Employee Director, to the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate, subject to such further limitations as may be set forth in the Plan or the applicable Award Agreement. An Employee will not be deemed to have ceased to provide Service in the case of any leave of absence approved by the Company. In the case of any Employee on an approved leave of absence or a reduction in hours worked (for illustrative purposes only, a change in schedule from that of full-time to part-time), the Committee may make such provisions respecting suspension of or modification to vesting of the Award while on leave from the employ of the Company or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate or during such change in working hours as it may deem appropriate, except that in no event may an Award be exercised after the expiration of the term set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. In the event of military or other protected leave, if required by applicable laws, vesting will continue for the longest period that vesting continues under any other statutory or Company approved leave of absence and, upon a Participant’s returning from military leave, he or she will be given vesting credit with respect to Awards to the same extent as would have applied had the Participant continued to provide Service to the Company throughout the leave on the same terms as he or she was providing Service immediately prior to such leave. An employee shall have terminated employment as of the date he or she ceases to provide Service (regardless of whether the termination is in breach of local employment laws or is later found to be invalid) and employment shall not be extended by any notice period or garden leave mandated by local law, provided, however, that a change in status between an Employee, Consultant, Director or Non-Employee Director shall not terminate the Participant’s Service, unless determined by the Committee, in its discretion or to the extent set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. The Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether a Participant has ceased to provide Service and the effective date on which the Participant ceased to provide Service. An employee will have terminated employment as of the date he or she ceases to provide Service (regardless of whether the termination is in breach of local employment laws or is later found to be invalid) and employment will not be extended by any notice period or garden leave mandated by local law, provided, however, that a change in status from an Employee to a Consultant or Non-Employee Director (or vice versa) will not terminate the Participant’s Service, unless determined by the Committee, in its discretion. The Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether a Participant has ceased to provide Service and the effective date on which the Participant ceased to provide Service.
28.41.“Shares” means shares of the Common Stock and the common stock of any successor entity of the Company.
28.42.“Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award defined in Section 8 and granted under the Plan.
28.43.“Stock Bonus” means an Award defined in Section 7 and granted under the Plan.
28.44.“Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
28.45.“Treasury Regulations” means regulations promulgated by the United States Treasury Department.
28.46. “Unvested Shares” means Shares that have not yet vested or are subject to a right of repurchase in favor of the Company (or any successor thereto).
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT
You (the “Optionee”) have been granted an option to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Option”) under the Coinbase Global, Inc. (the “Company”) 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Global Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “Notice”), and the attached Global Stock Option Agreement (the “Option Agreement”), including any applicable country-specific provisions in the appendix attached here (the “Appendix”), which constitutes part of the Option Agreement.
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan will have the same meanings in this Notice and the electronic representation of this Notice established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
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Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan, and the Agreement, the Option will vest in accordance with the following schedule: [insert applicable vesting schedule, which may include performance metrics] |
By accepting (whether in writing, electronically, or otherwise) the Option, Optionee acknowledges and agrees to the following:
1)Optionee understands that Optionee’s Service is for an unspecified duration, can be terminated at any time (i.e., is “at-will”) except where otherwise prohibited by applicable law, and that nothing in this Notice, the Option Agreement, or the Plan changes the nature of that relationship. Optionee acknowledges that the vesting of the Option pursuant to this Notice is subject to Optionee’s continuing Service. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Optionee agrees and acknowledges that the Vesting Schedule may change prospectively in the event that Optionee’s Service status changes between full- and part-time and/or in the event the Optionee is on a leave of absence, in accordance with Company policies relating to work schedules and vesting of Awards or as determined by the Committee.
Optionee 2)This grant is made under and governed by the Plan, the Agreement, and this Notice, and this Notice is subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and the Plan, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Optionee has read the Notice, the Option Agreement and, the Plan.
3)Optionee has read the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, and agrees to comply with such policy, as it may be amended from time to time, whenever Optionee acquires or disposes of the Company’s securities.
4)By accepting the Option, Optionee consents to electronic delivery and participation as set forth in the Option Agreement.
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COINBASE GLOBAL, INC. |
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COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined in this Global Stock Option Agreement (this “Option Agreement”), any capitalized terms used herein will have the same meaning ascribed to them in the Coinbase Global, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
Optionee has been granted an option to purchase Shares (the “Option”) of Coinbase Global, Inc. (the “Company”), subject to the terms, restrictions, and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Stock Option Grant (the “Notice”), and this Option Agreement, including any applicable country-specific provisions in the appendix attached hereto (the “Appendix”), which constitutes part of this Option Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of the Notice or this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.
1.Vesting Rights. Subject to the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, the Option may be exercised, in whole or in part, in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice. Optionee acknowledges and agrees that the Vesting Schedule may change prospectively in the event Optionee’s Service status changes between full and part-time and/or in the event Optionee is on a leave of absence, in accordance with Company policies relating to work schedules and vesting of Awards or as determined by the Committee. Optionee acknowledges that the vesting of the Option pursuant to this Notice and Agreement is subject to Optionee’s continuing Service.
2.Grant of Option. Optionee has been granted an Option for the number of Shares set forth in the Notice at the exercise price per Share in U.S. Dollars set forth in the Notice (the “Exercise Price”). If designated in the Notice as an Incentive Stock Option (“ISO”), the Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Section 422 of the Code. However, if the Option is intended to be an ISO, to the extent that it exceeds the U.S. $100,000 rule of Code Section 422(d) it will be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option (“NSO”).
3.Termination Period.
(a)General Rule. If Optionee’s Service terminates for any reason except death or Disability, and other than for Cause, then the Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date three (3) months after Optionee’s Termination Date (as defined below) (with any exercise beyond three (3) months after the date Optionee’s employment terminates deemed to be the exercise of an NSO). The Company determines when Optionee’s Service terminates for all purposes under this Option Agreement.
(b)Death; Disability. If Optionee dies before Optionee’s Service terminates (or Optionee dies within three (3) months of Optionee’s termination of Service other than for Cause), then the Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date twelve (12) months after the date of death (subject to the expiration details in Section 7). If Optionee’s Service terminates because of Optionee’s Disability, then the Option will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date twelve (12) months after Optionee’s Termination Date (subject to the expiration details in Section 7).
(c)Cause. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Option (whether or not vested) will terminate immediately upon the Optionee’s cessation of Services if the Company reasonably determines in good faith that such cessation of Services has resulted in connection with an act or failure to act constituting Cause (or the Optionee’s Services could have been terminated for Cause (without regard to the lapsing of any required notice or cure periods in connection therewith) at the time the Optionee terminated Services).
(d)No Notification of Exercise Periods. Optionee is responsible for keeping track of these exercise periods following Optionee’s termination of Service for any reason. The Company will not provide further notice of such periods. In no event will the Option be exercised later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice.
(e)Termination. For purposes of this Option, Optionee’s Service will be considered terminated as of the date Optionee is no longer providing Service to the Company, its Parent or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Optionee is employed or the terms of Optionee’s employment agreement, if any) (the “Termination Date”). The Committee will have the exclusive discretion to determine when Optionee is no longer actively providing services for purposes of Optionee’s Option (including whether Optionee may still be considered to be providing services while on an approved leave of absence). Unless otherwise provided in this Option Agreement or determined by the Company, Optionee’s right to vest in this Option under the Plan, if any, will terminate as of the Termination Date and will not be extended by any notice period (e.g., Optionee’s period of Service would not include any contractual notice period or any period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Optionee is employed or the terms of Optionee’s employment agreement, if any). Following the Termination Date, Optionee may exercise the Option only as set forth in the Notice and this Section, provided that the period (if any) during which Optionee may exercise the Option after the Termination Date, if any, will commence on the date Optionee ceases to provide services and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Optionee is employed or terms of Optionee’s employment agreement, if any. If Optionee does not exercise this Option within the termination period set forth in the Notice or the termination periods set forth above, the Option will terminate in its entirety. In no event, may any Option be exercised after the Expiration Date of the Option as set forth in the Notice.
4.Exercise of Option.
(a)Right to Exercise. The Option is exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. In the event of Optionee’s death, Disability, termination for Cause, or other cessation of Service, the exercisability of the Option is governed by the applicable provisions of the Plan, the Notice, and this Option Agreement. The Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
(b)Method of Exercise. The Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice in a form specified by the Company (the “Exercise Notice”), which will state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the “Exercised Shares”), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice will be delivered in person, by mail, via electronic mail or facsimile or by other authorized method to the Secretary of the Company or other person designated by the Company. The Exercise Notice will be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares together with any applicable Tax-Related Items (as defined in Section 8 below). The Option will be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate Exercise Price and payment of any applicable Tax-Related Items. No Shares will be issued pursuant to the exercise of the Option unless such issuance and exercise complies with all relevant provisions of law and the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation service upon which the Shares are then listed and any exchange control requirements. Assuming such compliance, for United States income tax purposes the Exercised Shares will be considered transferred to Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares.
(c)Exercise by Another. If another person wants to exercise the Option after it has been transferred to him or her in compliance with this Option Agreement, that person must prove to the Company’s satisfaction that he or she is entitled to exercise the Option. That person must also complete the proper Exercise Notice form (as described above) and pay the Exercise Price (as described below) and any applicable Tax-Related Items (as described below).
5.Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price will be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of Optionee:
(a)Optionee’s personal check (or readily available funds), wire transfer, or a cashier’s check;
(b)certificates for shares of Company stock that Optionee owns, along with any forms needed to effect a transfer of those shares to the Company; the value of the shares, determined as of the effective date of the Option exercise, will be applied to the Exercise Price. Instead of surrendering shares of Company stock, Optionee may attest to the ownership of those shares on a form provided by the Company and have the same number of shares subtracted from the Option shares issued to Optionee. However, Optionee may not surrender, or attest to the ownership of, shares of Company stock in payment of the Exercise Price of Optionee’s Option if Optionee’s action would cause the Company to recognize compensation expense (or additional compensation expense) with respect to this Option for financial reporting purposes;
(c)cashless exercise through irrevocable directions to a securities broker approved by the Company to sell all or part of the Shares covered by the Option and to deliver to the Company from the sale proceeds an amount sufficient to pay the Exercise Price and any applicable Tax-Related Items. The balance of the sale proceeds, if any, will be delivered to Optionee. The directions must be given by signing a special notice of exercise form provided by the Company; or
(d)any other method authorized by the Company;
provided, however, that the Company may restrict the available methods of payment to facilitate compliance with applicable law or administration of the Plan. In particular, if Optionee is located outside the United States, Optionee should review the applicable provisions of the Appendix for any such restrictions that may currently apply.
6.Non-Transferability of Option. In general, except as provided below, only Optionee may exercise this Option prior to Optionee’s death. Optionee may not transfer or assign this Option, except as provided below. For instance, Optionee may not sell this Option or use it as security for a loan. If Optionee attempts to do any of these things, this Option will immediately become invalid. However, if Optionee is a U.S. taxpayer, Optionee may dispose of this Option in Optionee’s will. If Optionee is a U.S. taxpayer and this Option is designated as a NSO in the Notice of Grant, then the Committee may, in its sole discretion, allow Optionee to transfer this Option as a gift to one or more family members. For purposes of this Agreement, “family member” means a child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, former spouse, sibling, niece, nephew, mother-in- law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law (including adoptive relationships), any individual sharing Optionee’s household (other than a tenant or employee), a trust in which one or more of these individuals have more than 50% of the beneficial interest, a foundation in which Optionee or one or more of these persons control the management of assets, and any entity in which Optionee or one or more of these persons own more than 50% of the voting interest. In addition, if Optionee is a U.S. taxpayer and this Option is designated as a NSO in the Notice of Grant, then the Committee may, in its sole discretion, allow Optionee to transfer this Option to Optionee’s spouse or former spouse pursuant to a domestic relations order in settlement of marital property rights. The Committee will allow Optionee to transfer this Option only if both Optionee and the transferee(s) execute the forms prescribed by the Committee, which include the consent of the transferee(s) to be bound by this Agreement. This Option may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order and may be exercised during Optionee’s lifetime only by Optionee, Optionee’s guardian, or legal representative, as permitted in the Plan and applicable local laws. The terms of the Plan and this Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of Optionee. The Committee may permit additional transfers on a case-by-case basis to extent permissible under applicable law. The terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement will be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of Optionee.
7.Term of Option. The Option will in any event expire on the expiration date set forth in the Notice, which date is no more than ten (10) years after the Date of Grant (five (5) years after the Date of Grant if this option is designated as an ISO in the Notice of Stock Option Grant and Section 5.3 of the Plan applies).
8.Taxes.
(a)Responsibility for Taxes. Optionee acknowledges that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, a Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate employing or retaining Optionee (the “Employer”), the ultimate liability for all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account, or other tax related items related to Optionee’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Optionee (“Tax-Related Items”) is and remains Optionee’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer, if any. Optionee further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of this Option, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting, or exercise of this Option; the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such exercise; and the receipt of any dividends; and (ii) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of this Option to reduce or eliminate Optionee’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Optionee is subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, Optionee acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction. OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER APPROPRIATELY QUALIFIED IN THE COUNTRY OR COUNTRIES IN WHICH OPTIONEE RESIDES OR IS SUBJECT TO TAXATION PRIOR TO EXERCISING THE OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES.
(b)Withholding. Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as applicable, Optionee agrees to make arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, Optionee authorizes the Company and/or the Employer, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy any withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following, all under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable:
(i)withholding from Optionee’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Optionee by the Company and/or the Employer; or
(ii)withholding from proceeds of the sale of Shares acquired at exercise of this Option either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on Optionee’s behalf pursuant to this authorization and without further consent);
(iii)withholding Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Option, provided the Company only withholds the number of Shares necessary to satisfy no more than applicable statutory withholding amounts;
(iv)Optionee’s payment of a cash amount (including by check representing readily available funds or a wire transfer); or
(v)any other arrangement approved by the Committee and permitted under applicable law;
provided, however, that if Optionee is a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the method of withholding shall be a mandatory sale (unless the Committee as constituted in accordance with Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act shall establish an alternate method from alternatives (i) – (v) above prior to the Tax-Related Items withholding event).
Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including up to the maximum permissible statutory rate for Optionee’s tax jurisdiction(s) in which case Optionee will have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Shares and will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash in accordance with applicable law. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, Optionee is deemed to have been issued the full number of Exercised Shares; notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of satisfying the withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items.
Finally, Optionee agrees to pay to the Company and/or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company and/or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for as a result of Optionee’s participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company may refuse to issue or deliver the Shares or the proceeds of the sale of Shares, if Optionee fails to comply with Optionee’s obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items.
(c)Notice of Disqualifying Disposition of ISO Shares. If Optionee is subject to Tax-Related Items in the United States and sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to an ISO on or before the later of (i) two (2) years after the grant date, or (ii) one (1) year after the exercise date, Optionee will immediately notify the Company in writing of such disposition. Optionee agrees that he or she may be subject to income tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized from such early disposition of ISO Shares by payment in cash or out any wages or other cash compensation paid to Optionee by the Company and/or the Employer.
9.Nature of Grant. By accepting the Option, Optionee acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a)the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;
(b)the grant of the Option is exceptional, voluntary, and occasional, and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of options, or benefits in lieu of options, even if options have been granted in the past;
(c)all decisions with respect to future options or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;
(d)Optionee is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(e)the Option and Optionee’s participation in the Plan will not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming or amending an employment or service contract with the Company or the Employer, and will not interfere with the ability of the Company or the Employer, as applicable, to terminate Optionee’s employment or service relationship (if any);
(f)the Option and the Shares subject to the Option, and the income and value of same, are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(g)the Option and the Shares subject to the Option, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement, or welfare benefits or similar payments;
(h)unless otherwise agreed with the Company, the Option, and the Shares subject to the Option, and the income and value of same, are not granted as consideration for, or in connection with, the service Optionee may provide as a director of a Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate;
(i)the future value of the Shares underlying the Option is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty; if the underlying Shares do not increase in value, the Option will have no value; if Optionee exercises the Option and acquires Shares, the value of such Shares may increase or decrease, even below the Exercise Price;
(j)no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages will arise from forfeiture of the Option resulting from Optionee’s termination of Service (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Optionee is employed or the terms of Optionee’s employment agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of the Option to which Optionee is otherwise not entitled, Optionee irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Employer, the Company, and any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate; waives his or her ability, if any, to bring any such claim; and releases the Employer, the Company, and any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Optionee will be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agrees to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim;
(k)unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the Option and the benefits evidenced by this Option Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the Option or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any Corporate Transaction affecting the Shares; and
(l)neither the Employer, the Company, or any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate will be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Optionee’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Option or of any amounts due to Optionee pursuant to the exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon exercise.
(m)the following provisions apply only if Optionee is providing services outside the United States:
(i)the Option and the Shares subject to the Option are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purpose; and
(ii)Optionee acknowledges and agrees that neither the Company, the Employer nor any Parent or Subsidiary or Affiliate will be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Optionee’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the Option or of any amounts due to Optionee pursuant to the exercise of the Option or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon exercised
10.No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Optionee’s participation in the Plan or Optionee’s acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Optionee acknowledges, understands, and agrees that he or she should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal, and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
11.Data Privacy. Optionee hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Optionee’s personal data as described in this Option Agreement and any other Option grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Optionee’s participation in the Plan.
Optionee understands that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about Optionee, including, but not limited to, Optionee’s name, home address, email address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number, passport number or other identification number (e.g., resident registration number), salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all Options or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Optionee’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.
Optionee understands that Data will be transferred to the Company’s broker, or other third party (“Online Administrator”) and its affiliated companies or such other stock plan service provider as may be designated by the Company from time to time that is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Optionee understands that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country may have different data privacy laws and protections than Optionee’s country. Optionee understands that if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Optionee authorizes the Company, the Company’s broker, or such other stock plan service provider as may be designated by the Company from time to time, and any other possible recipients that may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing his or her participation in the Plan. Optionee understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Optionee’s participation in the Plan. Optionee understands if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may, at any time, view Data, request information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents
herein, in any case without cost, by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Further, Optionee understands that he or she is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Optionee does not consent, or if Optionee later seeks to revoke his or her consent, his or her employment status or service with the Employer will not be affected; the only consequence of refusing or withdrawing Optionee’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant Options or other equity awards to Optionee or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, Optionee understands that refusing or withdrawing his or her consent may affect Optionee’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of Optionee’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Optionee understands that he or she may contact his or her local human resources representative.
Finally, upon request of the Company or the Employer, Optionee agrees to provide an executed data privacy consent form (or any other agreements or consents) that the Company or the Employer may deem necessary to obtain from Optionee for the purpose of administering Optionee’s participation in the Plan in compliance with the data privacy laws in Optionee’s country, either now or in the future. Optionee understands and agrees that Optionee will not be able to participate in the Plan if Optionee fails to provide any such consent or agreement requested by the Company and/or the Employer.
12.Language. Optionee acknowledges that he or she is sufficiently proficient in English to understand the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement. Furthermore, if Optionee has received this Option Agreement, or any other document related to the Option and/or the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
13.Appendix. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Option Agreement, the Option will be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in any appendix to this Option Agreement for Participant’s country. Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Appendix, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Appendix constitutes part of this Option Agreement.
14.Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on Optionee’s participation in the Plan, on the Option, and on any Shares purchased upon exercise of the Option, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require Optionee to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
15.Acknowledgement. The Company and Optionee agree that the Option is granted under and governed by the Notice, this Option Agreement and the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). Optionee: (a) acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (b) represents that Optionee has carefully read and is familiar with their provisions, and (c) hereby accepts the Option subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice.
16.Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Option Agreement, the Plan, and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments, or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No adverse modification of, or adverse amendment to, this Option Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Option Agreement, will be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Option Agreement (which writing and signing may be electronic). The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Option Agreement will not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.
17.Compliance with Laws and Regulations. The issuance of Shares and the sale of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and Optionee with all applicable state, federal, local and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Shares may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. Optionee understands that the Company is under no obligation to register or qualify the Common Stock with any state, federal, or foreign securities commission or to seek approval or clearance from any governmental authority for the issuance or sale of the Shares. Further, Optionee agrees that the Company will have unilateral authority to amend the Plan and this Option Agreement without Optionee’s consent to the extent necessary to comply with securities or other laws applicable to issuance of Shares. Finally, the Shares issued pursuant to this Option Agreement will be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.
18.Severability. If one or more provisions of this Option Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (a) such provision will be excluded from this Option Agreement, (b) the balance of this Option Agreement will be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (c) the balance of this Option Agreement will be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
19.Governing Law and Venue. This Option Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto will be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to such state’s conflict of laws rules.
Any and all disputes relating to, concerning or arising from this Option Agreement, or relating to, concerning or arising from the relationship between the parties evidenced by the Plan or this Option Agreement, will be brought and heard exclusively in the United States District Court for the District of Northern California or the San Francisco Superior Court. Each of the parties hereby represents and agrees that such party is subject to the personal jurisdiction of said courts; hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such courts in any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning, or arising from such dispute, and waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which such party may now or hereafter have that the laying of the venue of any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning, or arising from such dispute which is brought in such courts is improper or that such proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum.
20.No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant. Nothing in this Option Agreement will affect in any manner whatsoever any right or power of the Employer or the Company to terminate Optionee’s Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.
21.Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures. By Optionee’s acceptance of the Notice (whether in writing or electronically), Optionee and the Company agree that the Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice, and this Option Agreement. Optionee has reviewed the Plan, the Notice, and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing the Notice and Agreement, and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, the Notice, and this Option Agreement. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive, and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice, and this Option Agreement. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in Optionee’s residence address. By acceptance of the Option, Optionee agrees to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company and consents to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Option Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements), or other communications or information related to the Option and current or future participation in the Plan. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to the Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail, or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. Optionee acknowledges that Optionee may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if Optionee contacts the Company by telephone, through a postal service, or electronic mail to Stock Administration. Optionee further acknowledges that Optionee will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, Optionee understands that Optionee must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, Optionee understands that Optionee’s consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if Optionee has provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service, or electronic mail to Stock Administration. Finally, Optionee understands that Optionee is not required to consent to electronic delivery if local laws prohibit such consent.
22.Insider Trading Restrictions/Market Abuse Laws. Optionee acknowledges that, depending on Optionee’s country, the broker’s country, or the country in which the Shares are listed, Optionee may be subject to insider trading restrictions and/or market abuse laws, which may affect Optionee’s ability to, directly or indirectly, acquire or sell the Shares or rights to Shares under the Plan during such times as Optionee is considered to have “inside information” regarding the Company (as defined by the laws or regulations in the applicable jurisdiction). Local insider trading laws and regulations may prohibit the cancellation or amendment of orders Optionee placed before possessing the inside information. Furthermore, Optionee may be prohibited from (i) disclosing the inside information to any third party, including fellow employees (other than on a “need to know” basis) and (ii) “tipping” third parties or causing them to otherwise buy or sell securities. Any restrictions under these laws or regulations are separate from and in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed under any applicable Company insider trading policy. Optionee acknowledges that it is Optionee’s responsibility to comply with any applicable restrictions and understands that Optionee should consult his or her personal legal advisor on such matters. In addition, Optionee acknowledges that he or she has read the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, and agrees to comply with such policy, as it may be amended from time to time, whenever Optionee acquires or disposes of the Company’s securities.
23.Foreign Asset/Account, Exchange Control and Tax Reporting. Optionee may be subject to foreign asset/account, exchange control and/or tax reporting requirements as a result of the acquisition, holding and/or transfer of Shares or cash resulting from his or her participation in the Plan. Optionee may be required to report such accounts, assets, the balances therein, the value thereof and/or the transactions related thereto to the applicable authorities in Optionee’s country and/or repatriate funds received in connection with the Plan within certain time limits or according to specified procedures. Optionee acknowledges that he or she is responsible for ensuring compliance with any applicable foreign asset/account, exchange control and tax reporting requirements and should consult his or her personal legal and tax advisors on such matters.
24.Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Option will be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of Optionee’s employment or other Service that is applicable to Optionee. In addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law, the Company may require the cancellation of Optionee’s Option (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to Optionee’s Option.
BY ACCEPTING THIS OPTION, OPTIONEE AGREES TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
APPENDIX
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
COUNTRY SPECIFIC PROVISIONS FOR EMPLOYEES OUTSIDE THE U.S.
Terms and Conditions
At such time as the Committee issues an Option under the Plan to an Optionee who resides and/or works outside of the United States, the Committee may adopt and include in this Appendix additional terms and conditions that govern such Option. This Appendix forms part of the Option Agreement. Any capitalized term used in this Appendix without definition will have the meaning ascribed to it in the Notice, the Option Agreement or the Plan, as applicable.
If Optionee is a citizen or resident of a country, or is considered resident of a country, other than the one in which Optionee is currently working, or Optionee transfers employment and/or residency between countries after the Date of Grant, the Company will, in its sole discretion, determine to what extent the additional terms and conditions included herein will apply to Optionee under these circumstances.
Notifications
This Appendix also includes information relating to exchange control, securities laws, foreign asset/account reporting and other issues of which Optionee should be aware with respect to Optionee’s participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control, foreign asset/account reporting and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of [●]. Such laws are complex and change frequently. As a result, Optionee should not rely on the information herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of Optionee’s participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time that Optionee exercises the Option, sells Shares acquired under the Plan or takes any other action in connection with the Plan.
In addition, the information is general in nature and may not apply to Optionee’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Optionee of any particular result. Accordingly, Optionee should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in Optionee’s country may apply to Optionee’s situation.
Finally, if Optionee is a citizen or resident of a country, or is considered resident of a country, other than the one in which Optionee is currently working and/or residing, or Optionee transfers employment and/or residency after the Date of Grant, the information contained herein may not apply to Optionee in the same manner.
Country-Specific Terms
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD
You (the “Participant”) have been granted an award of Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) under the Coinbase Global, Inc. (the “Company”) 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Global Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (this “Notice”), and the attached Global Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), including any applicable country-specific provisions in the appendix attached thereto (the “Appendix”), which constitutes part of the Agreement.
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan will have the same meanings in this Notice and the electronic representation of this Notice established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
Name:
Address:
Grant Number:
Number of RSUs:
Date of Grant:
Vesting Commencement Date:
Expiration Date: The earlier to occur of: (a) the date on which settlement of all RSUs granted hereunder occurs, and (b) the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant. This RSU expires earlier if Participant’s Service terminates earlier, as described in the Agreement.
Vesting Schedule:
By accepting (whether in writing, electronically or otherwise) the RSUs, Participant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
1.Participant understands that Participant’s Service is for an unspecified duration, can be terminated at any time (i.e., is “at-will”), except where otherwise prohibited by applicable law, and that nothing in this Notice, the Agreement, or the Plan changes the nature of that relationship. Participant acknowledges that the vesting of the RSUs pursuant to the vesting schedule set forth above is subject to Participant’s continuing Service.
2.This grant of RSUs is made under and governed by the Plan, the Agreement, and this Notice, and this Notice is subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and the Plan, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
3.By accepting the RSUs, Participant consents to electronic delivery and participation as set forth in the Agreement.
4.Participant has read the Notice, the Agreement, and the Plan. Participant has read the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, and agrees to comply with such policy, as it may be amended from time to time, whenever Participant acquires or disposes of the Company’s securities.
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COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined in this Global Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (this “Agreement”), any capitalized terms used herein will have the same meanings ascribed to them in the Coinbase Global, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) or the Notice of Restricted Stock Unit Award (the “Notice”).
Participant has been granted Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) subject to the terms, restrictions, and conditions of the Plan, the Notice, and this Agreement, including any applicable country-specific provisions in the appendix attached hereto (the “Appendix”), which constitutes part of this Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of the Notice or this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.
1.Settlement. Settlement of RSUs shall be made in the same calendar year as the applicable date of vesting under the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice; provided, however, that if a vesting date under the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice occurs in December, then settlement of any RSUs that vest in December shall be made within 30 days of vesting. Settlement of RSUs shall be in Shares. Settlement means the delivery to Participant of the Shares vested under the RSUs. No fractional RSUs or rights for fractional Shares will be created pursuant to this Agreement.
2.No Stockholder Rights. Unless and until such time as Shares are issued in settlement of vested RSUs, Participant will have no ownership of the Shares allocated to the RSUs and will have no rights to dividends or to vote such Shares.
3.Dividend Equivalent Rights. Dividend Equivalents Rights will not be credited to the RSUs granted to Participant, except as permitted by the Committee.
4.Non-Transferability of RSUs. The RSUs and any interest therein will not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order or unless otherwise permitted by the Committee on a case-by-case basis.
5.Termination; Leave of Absence; Change in Status.
(a)Termination. If Participant’s Service terminates for any reason, all unvested RSUs will be forfeited to the Company immediately upon such termination, and all rights of Participant to such RSUs will automatically terminate without payment of any consideration to Participant. Participant’s Service will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer actively providing services to the Company or, if different, a Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or providing services or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any) and will not be extended by any notice period mandated under local laws or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any (e.g., the period of Service would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or providing services or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any), except as provided otherwise in the sole discretion of the Company.
(b)Leave of Absence; Change in Status. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice may change prospectively in the event Participant’s Service changes between full- and part-time status and/or in the event Participant is on an approved leave of absence in accordance the Company’s policies relating to work schedules and vesting of Awards or as determined by the Committee. Participant acknowledges that the vesting of the Shares pursuant to the Notice and this Agreement is subject to Participant’s continued Service.
(c)Committee Discretion. In case of any dispute as to whether termination of Service has occurred, the Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether such termination of Service has occurred and the effective date of such termination (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on an approved leave of absence).
6.Taxes.
(a)Responsibility for Taxes. Participant acknowledges that, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, a Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate which employs Participant or to which Participant otherwise provides services (the “Service Recipient”), the ultimate liability for all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant (“Tax-Related Items”) is and remains Participant’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Service Recipient, if any. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Service Recipient (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the RSUs, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or settlement of the RSUs and the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends, and (ii) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the RSUs to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, Participant acknowledges that the Company and/or the Service Recipient (or former service recipient, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction. PARTICIPANT SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER APPROPRIATELY QUALIFIED IN THE COUNTRY OR COUNTRIES IN WHICH PARTICIPANT RESIDES OR IS SUBJECT TO TAXATION.
(b)Withholding. Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as applicable, Participant agrees to make arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Service Recipient to satisfy all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, and except as otherwise provided herein, Participant authorizes the Company and/or the Service Recipient, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy any withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following:
(i)withholding from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Service Recipient;
(ii)withholding from proceeds of the sale of Shares acquired upon settlement of the RSUs either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on Participant’s behalf pursuant to this authorization and without further consent);
(iii)withholding Shares to be issued upon settlement of the RSUs;
(iv)Participant’s payment of a cash amount (including by check representing readily available funds or a wire transfer); or
(v)any other arrangement approved by the Committee and permitted under applicable law.
Participant acknowledges and agrees that all the withholding methods set forth in this Section 6(b) are subject to any additional rules as may be established by the Committee to comply with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable.
If Participant is a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the method of withholding used to satisfy any withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items shall be withholding from proceeds of the sale of Shares acquired upon settlement of the RSUs through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on Participant’s behalf pursuant to this authorization and without further consent), unless the Committee (as constituted in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act) shall establish an alternate method prior to the taxable or withholding event.
The Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering statutory or other withholding rates, including rates up to the maximum applicable rate for Participant’s tax jurisdiction(s). In the event of over-withholding, Participant will have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Shares and may seek a refund from the local tax authorities. In the event of under-withholding, Participant may be required to pay any additional Tax-Related Items directly to the applicable tax authority. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, Participant is deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the vested RSUs, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of satisfying the withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items.
Finally, Participant agrees to pay to the Company and/or the Service Recipient any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company and/or the Service Recipient may be required to withhold or account for as a result of Participant’s participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described herein. The Company has no obligation to deliver Shares or proceeds from the sale of Shares to Participant until Participant has satisfied the obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.
7.Nature of Grant. By accepting the RSUs, Participant acknowledges, understands, and agrees that:
(a)the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature, and it may be modified, amended, suspended, or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;
(b)the Plan is operated and the RSUs are granted solely by the Company and only the Company is a party to this Agreement; accordingly, any rights Participant may have under this Agreement may be raised only against the Company and not against any Subsidiary or Affiliate (including, but not limited to, the Service Recipient);
(c)the grant of the RSUs is exceptional, voluntary, and occasional, and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of RSUs, or benefits in lieu of RSUs, even if RSUs have been granted in the past;
(d)all decisions with respect to future RSUs or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;
(e)Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(f)the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs, and the income and value of same, are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(g)the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs, and the income and value of same, are extraordinary items of compensation outside the scope of the Participant’s employment or service contract. As such, the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs, and the income and value of same are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement, or welfare benefits or similar payments;
(h)unless otherwise agreed with the Company, the RSUs, and the Shares subject to the RSUs, and the income and value of same, are not granted as consideration for, or in connection with, the service Participant may provide as a director of a Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate;
(i)the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;
(j)no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages will arise from forfeiture of the RSUs resulting from Participant’s termination of Service (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or providing services or the terms of Participant’s employment or service agreement, if any) or from the application of any clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Company or imposed by applicable law;
(k)unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the RSUs and the benefits evidenced by this Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the RSUs or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any Corporate Transaction affecting the Shares; and
(l)neither the Company, the Service Recipient nor any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate will be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the RSUs or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the RSUs or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement.
8.No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal, or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant acknowledges, understands, and agrees he or she should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal, and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
9.Data Privacy.
a.Data Collection and Usage. The Company and the Service Recipient collect, process and use certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address and telephone number, email address, date of birth, social insurance, passport or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title, any Shares or directorships held in the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate, details of all RSUs or any other entitlement to Shares or equivalent benefits awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the purposes of implementing, administering and managing the Plan. The legal basis, where required, for the processing of Data is Participant’s consent. The Company’s full Global Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed at https://www.coinbase.com/legal/employee_privacy_notice.
b.Stock Plan Administration Service Providers. The Company may transfer Data to Computershare Trust Company, N.A., MyComplianceOffice Ltd., or Shareworks by Morgan Stanley (each including affiliated companies, a “Third Party Administrator”), each a third-party administrator, which assists the Company with the implementation, administration, and management of the Plan. In the future, the Company may select a different service provider, which will act in a similar manner, and share Data with such service provider. Participant understands that Participant may be asked to agree on separate terms and data processing practices with Shareworks or any future service provider, with such agreement being a condition to the ability to participate in the Plan.
c.International Data Transfers. The Company and each Third Party Administrator are based in the United States. Participant’s country or jurisdiction may have different data privacy laws and protections than the United States. The Company’s legal basis, where required, for the transfer of Data to the Company and to each Third Party Administrator or any future service provider is Participant’s consent.
d.Data Retention. The Company will hold and use Data only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan, or as required to comply with legal or regulatory obligations, including under tax, exchange control, labor, and securities laws. This means Data may be retained until after Participant’s termination of employment or service.
e.Voluntariness and Consequences of Consent Denial or Withdrawal. Participation in the Plan is voluntary, and Participant is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Participant does not consent, or if Participant later seeks to revoke Participant’s consent, Participant’s salary from or employment and career with the Service Recipient will not be affected; the only consequence of refusing or withdrawing consent is that the Company would not be able to grant RSUs or other equity awards to Participant or administer or maintain such awards.
f.Data Subject Rights. Participant may have a number of rights under data privacy laws in Participant’s jurisdiction. Depending on where Participant is based, such rights may include the right to (i) request access or copies of Data the Company processes, (ii) rectification of incorrect Data, (iii) deletion of Data, (iv) restrictions on processing of Data, (v) portability of Data, (vi) lodge complaints with competent authorities in Participant’s jurisdiction, and/or (vii) receive a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data. To receive clarification regarding these rights or to exercise these rights, Participant can contact the Company’s Data Protection Officer at dpo@coinbase.com.
10.Language. Participant acknowledges that he or she is sufficiently proficient in the English language or has consulted with an advisor who is proficient in the English language to understand the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Furthermore, if Participant has received this Agreement or any other document related to the RSU and/or the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control, unless otherwise required by applicable law.
11.Country-Specific Provisions. The RSUs may be subject to any additional or different terms and conditions set forth in the Appendix. Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Appendix, the terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Appendix constitutes part of this Agreement.
12.Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on Participant’s participation in the Plan, on the RSUs and on any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
13.Acknowledgement. The Company and Participant agree that the RSUs are granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement, and the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). Participant: (a) acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (b) represents that Participant has carefully read and is familiar with the provisions of the Notice, this Agreement, and the Plan, and (c) hereby accepts the RSUs subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice.
14.Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Agreement, the Plan, and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments, or negotiations concerning the acquisition of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No adverse modification of or adverse amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, will be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement (which writing and signing may be electronic). The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement will not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.
15.Compliance with Laws and Regulations. The issuance of Shares and the sale of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and Participant with all applicable state, federal, local, and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Shares may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. Participant understands that the Company is under no obligation to register or qualify the Shares with any state, federal, or foreign securities commission or to seek approval or clearance from any governmental authority for the issuance or sale of the Shares. Further, Participant agrees that the Company will have unilateral authority to amend the Plan and this Agreement without Participant’s consent to the extent necessary to comply with securities or other laws applicable to issuance of Shares. Finally, the Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement will be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.
16.Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (a) such provision will be excluded from this Agreement, (b) the balance of this Agreement will be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (c) the balance of this Agreement will be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
17.Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto will be governed, construed, and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to such state’s conflict of laws rules.
Any and all disputes relating to, concerning or arising from this Agreement, or relating to, concerning or arising from the relationship between the parties evidenced by the Plan or this Agreement, will be brought and heard exclusively in the United States District Court for the District of Northern California or the San Francisco Superior Court. Each of the parties hereby represents and agrees that such party is subject to the personal jurisdiction of said courts; hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such courts in any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning, or arising from such dispute, and waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which such party may now or hereafter have that the laying of the venue of any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning, or arising from such dispute which is brought in such courts is improper or that such proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum.
18.No Rights as Employee, Director, or Consultant. Nothing in this Agreement shall create a right to employment or other Service or be interpreted as forming or amending an employment, service contract, or relationship with the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate, and this Agreement shall not affect in any manner whatsoever any right or power the Company or the Service Recipient may have to terminate Participant’s Service, for any reason, with or without Cause, or the right of the Company or any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate to increase or decrease the Participant’s other compensation or benefits. Nothing in this paragraph, however, is intended to adversely affect any independent contractual right of the Participant without his or her consent thereto.
19.Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures. By Participant’s acceptance of the Notice (whether in writing or electronically), Participant and the Company agree that the RSUs are granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice, and this Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan, the Notice, and this Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing the Notice, and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, the Notice, and this Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive, and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice, and this Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in Participant’s residence address. By acceptance of the RSUs, Participant agrees to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company and consents to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements), or other communications or information related to the RSUs and current or future participation in the Plan. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to the Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail, or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. Participant acknowledges that Participant may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if Participant contacts the Company by telephone, through a postal service, or electronic mail to Stock Administration. Participant further acknowledges that Participant will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, Participant understands that Participant must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, Participant understands that Participant’s consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if Participant has provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service, or electronic mail to Stock Administration. Finally, Participant understands that Participant is not required to consent to electronic delivery if local laws prohibit such consent.
20.Insider Trading Restrictions/Market Abuse Laws. Participant acknowledges that, depending on Participant’s country of residence, the broker’s country, or the country in which the Shares are listed, Participant may be subject to insider trading restrictions and/or market abuse laws, which may affect Participant’s ability to, directly or indirectly, acquire or sell the Shares or rights to Shares under the Plan during such times as Participant is considered to have “inside information” regarding the Company (as defined by the laws in or regulations in the applicable jurisdiction). Local insider trading laws and regulations may prohibit the cancellation or amendment of orders Participant placed before possessing the inside information. Furthermore, Participant may be prohibited from (i) disclosing the inside information to any third party, including fellow employees (other than on a “need to know” basis) and (ii) “tipping” third parties or causing them to otherwise buy or sell securities. Any restrictions under these laws or regulations are separate from and in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed under any applicable Company insider trading policy. Participant acknowledges that it is Participant’s responsibility to comply with any applicable restrictions and understands that Participant should consult his or her personal legal advisor on such matters. In addition, Participant acknowledges that he or she has read the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and agrees to comply with such policy, as it may be amended from time to time, whenever Participant acquires or disposes of the Company’s securities.
21.Foreign Asset/Account, Exchange Control and Tax Reporting. Participant may be subject to foreign asset/account, exchange control and/or tax reporting requirements as a result of the acquisition, holding and/or transfer of Shares or cash resulting from his or her participation in the Plan. Participant may be required to report such accounts, assets, the balances therein, the value thereof and/or the transactions related thereto to the applicable authorities in Participant’s country and/or repatriate funds received in connection with the Plan within certain time limits or according to specified procedures. Participant acknowledges that he or she is responsible for ensuring compliance with any applicable foreign asset/account, exchange control and tax reporting requirements and should consult his or her personal legal and tax advisors on such matters.
22.Code Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, a termination of Service will be determined consistent with the rules relating to a “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder (“Section 409A”). Notwithstanding anything else provided herein, to the extent any payments provided under this Agreement in connection with Participant’s termination of Service constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, and Participant is deemed at the time of such termination of Service to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A, then such payment will not be made or commence until the earlier of (a) the expiration of the six (6) month period measured from Participant’s separation from service to the Service Recipient or the Company, or (b) the date of Participant’s death following such a separation from service; provided, however, that such deferral will only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to Participant including, without limitation, the additional tax for which Participant would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) in the absence of such a deferral. To the extent any payment under this Agreement may be classified as a “short-term deferral” within the meaning of Section 409A, such payment will be deemed a short-term deferral, even if it may also qualify for an exemption from Section 409A under another provision of Section 409A. Payments pursuant to this section are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
23.Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment. As a condition to receipt of RSUs and to the extent permitted by applicable law, the RSUs and any benefits or proceeds therefrom will be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment
policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of Participant’s employment or other Service that is applicable to Participant (and the provisions of any such policy are hereby incorporated into this Agreement without any further requirement that Participant consent to such policy), including but not limited to the Company’s Compensation Recovery Policy. In addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law, the Company may require the cancellation of Participant’s RSUs (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to Participant’s RSUs. In the event that Participant receives any amounts pursuant to this Agreement that exceed Participant’s entitlements pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, for any reason (including, without limitation, by reason of financial restatement, error or mistake in calculation, or other administrative error, in any case as determined by the Committee), then Participant shall promptly repay such excess amounts to the Company.
BY ACCEPTING THIS AWARD OF RSUS, PARTICIPANT AGREES TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
APPENDIX
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
COUNTRY SPECIFIC PROVISIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS OUTSIDE THE U.S.
Unless otherwise defined in this Appendix, any capitalized terms used herein will have the same meanings ascribed to them in the Plan, the Notice, or the Agreement.
Terms and Conditions
This Appendix includes additional terms and conditions that govern the RSUs if Participant provides services and/or resides in one of the countries listed below. If Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant is currently providing services and/or residing, is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, or if Participant transfers to a different country after the RSUs are granted, the Company will, in its discretion, determine the extent to which the terms and conditions contained herein will apply to Participant.
Notifications
This Appendix also includes information relating to exchange controls, securities laws, foreign asset / account reporting and other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to Participant’s participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control, foreign asset/account reporting, and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of October 2024. Such laws are complex and change frequently. As a result, Participant should not rely on the information herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of Participant’s participation in the Plan because the information may be out-of-date at the time that Participant vests in the RSUs, sells Shares acquired under the Plan, or takes any other action in connection with the Plan.
In addition, the information contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Accordingly, Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in Participant’s country may apply to Participant’s situation.
Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country other than the one in which Participant is currently providing services and/or residing, is considered a resident of another country for local law purposes, or if Participant transfers to a different country after the Date of Grant, the information contained herein may not apply to Participant in the same manner.
Country-Specific Terms
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL NOTICE OF PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AWARD
You (the “Participant”) have been granted an award of Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) under the Coinbase Global, Inc. (the “Company”) 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Global Notice of Performance Stock Unit Award (this “Notice”), and the attached Global Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), including any applicable country-specific provisions in the appendix attached hereto (the “Appendix”), which constitutes part of the Agreement.
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan will have the same meanings in this Notice and the electronic representation of this Notice established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
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The earlier to occur of: (a) the date on which settlement of all PSUs granted hereunder occurs, and (b) the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant. This PSU expires earlier if Participant’s Service terminates earlier, as described in the Agreement. |
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Vesting Schedule: |
Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan, and the Agreement, the PSUs will vest in accordance with the following schedule: [insert applicable performance metrics and vesting schedule] |
By accepting (whether in writing, electronically or otherwise) the PSUs, Participant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
1)Participant understands that Participant’s Service is for an unspecified duration, can be terminated at any time (i.e., is “at-will”), except where otherwise prohibited by applicable law, and that nothing in this Notice, the Agreement, or the Plan changes the nature of that relationship. Participant acknowledges that the vesting of the PSUs pursuant to this Notice is subject to Participant’s continuing Service. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Vesting Schedule may change prospectively in the event that Participant’s Service status changes between full- and part-time and/or in the event the Participant is on a leave of absence, in accordance with Company policies relating to work schedules and vesting of Awards or as determined by the Committee.
2)This grant is made under and governed by the Plan, the Agreement, and this Notice, and this Notice is subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement and the Plan, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Participant has read the Notice, the Agreement, and the Plan.
3)Participant has read the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, and agrees to comply with such policy, as it may be amended from time to time, whenever Participant acquires or disposes of the Company’s securities.
4)By accepting the PSUs, Participant consents to electronic delivery and participation as set forth in the Agreement.
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COINBASE GLOBAL, INC. |
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COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
Unless otherwise defined in this Global Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (this “Agreement”), any capitalized terms used herein will have the same meaning ascribed to them in the Coinbase Global, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
Participant has been granted Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) subject to the terms, restrictions, and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Performance Stock Unit Award (the “Notice”), and this Agreement, including any applicable country-specific provisions in the appendix attached hereto (the “Appendix”), which constitutes part of this Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of the Notice or this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan will prevail.
1.Settlement. Settlement of PSUs shall be made in the same calendar year as the applicable date of vesting under the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice; provided, however, that if a vesting date under the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice occurs in December, then settlement of any PSUs that vest in December shall be made within 30 days of vesting. Settlement of PSUs shall be in Shares. Settlement means the delivery to Participant of the Shares vested under the PSUs. No fractional PSUs or rights for fractional Shares will be created pursuant to this Agreement.
2.No Stockholder Rights. Unless and until such time as Shares are issued in settlement of vested PSUs, Participant will have no ownership of the Shares allocated to the PSUs and will have no rights to dividends or to vote such Shares.
3.Dividend Equivalents. Dividend equivalents, if any (whether in cash or Shares), will not be credited to Participant, except as permitted by the Committee.
4.Non-Transferability of PSUs. The PSUs and any interest therein will not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order or unless otherwise permitted by the Committee on a case-by-case basis.
5.Termination; Leave of Absence; Change in Status. If Participant’s Service terminates for any reason, all unvested PSUs will be forfeited to the Company immediately, and all rights of Participant to such PSUs automatically terminate without payment of any consideration to Participant. Participant’s Service will be considered terminated as of the date Participant is no longer providing services (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any) and will not, subject to the laws applicable to Participant’s Award, be extended by any notice period mandated under local laws (e.g., Service would not include a period of “garden leave” or similar period mandated under employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any). Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Vesting Schedule may change prospectively in the event Participant’s service status changes between full- and part-time status and/or in the event Participant is on an approved leave of absence in accordance the Company’s policies relating to work schedules and vesting of awards or as determined by the Committee. Participant acknowledges that the vesting of the Shares pursuant to this Notice and Agreement is subject to Participant’s continued Service. In case of any dispute as to whether termination of Service has occurred, the Committee will have sole discretion to determine whether such termination of Service has occurred and the effective date of such termination (including whether Participant may still be considered to be providing services while on an approved leave of absence).
6.Taxes.
(a)Responsibility for Taxes. Participant acknowledges that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, regardless of any action taken by the Company or, if different, a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate employing or retaining Participant (the “Employer”), the ultimate liability for all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account or other tax-related items related to Participant’s participation in the Plan and legally applicable to Participant (“Tax-Related Items”) is and remains Participant’s responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer, if any. Participant further acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (i) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the PSUs, including, but not limited to, the grant, vesting or settlement of the PSUs and the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such settlement and the receipt of any dividends, and (ii) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the PSUs to reduce or eliminate Participant’s liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. Further, if Participant is subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, Participant acknowledges that the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction. PARTICIPANT SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER APPROPRIATELY QUALIFIED IN THE COUNTRY OR COUNTRIES IN WHICH PARTICIPANT RESIDES OR IS SUBJECT TO TAXATION.
(b)Withholding. Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as applicable, Participant agrees to make arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy all Tax-Related Items. In this regard, Participant authorizes the Company and/or the Employer, or their respective agents, at their discretion, to satisfy any withholding obligations for Tax-Related Items by one or a combination of the following:
(i)withholding from Participant’s wages or other cash compensation paid to Participant by the Company and/or the Employer; or
(ii)withholding from proceeds of the sale of Shares acquired upon settlement of the PSUs either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on Participant’s behalf pursuant to this authorization and without further consent);
(iii)withholding Shares to be issued upon settlement of the PSUs, provided the Company only withholds the number of Shares necessary to satisfy no more than the maximum applicable statutory withholding amounts;
(iv)Participant’s payment of a cash amount (including by check representing readily available funds or a wire transfer); or
(v)any other arrangement approved by the Committee and permitted under applicable law;
all under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided however, that if Participant is a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the method of withholding shall be a mandatory sale (unless the Committee (as constituted in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act) shall establish an alternate method prior to the taxable or withholding event).
Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including up to the maximum permissible statutory rate for Participant’s tax jurisdiction(s) in which case Participant will have no entitlement to the equivalent amount in Shares and will receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash in accordance with applicable law. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, Participant is deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the vested PSUs, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of satisfying the withholding obligation for Tax-Related Items.
Finally, Participant agrees to pay to the Company and/or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company and/or the Employer may be required to withhold or account for as a result of Participant’s participation in the Plan that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described. The Company has no obligation to deliver Shares or proceeds from the sale of Shares to Participant until Participant has satisfied the obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.
7.Nature of Grant. By accepting the PSUs, Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees that:
(a)the Plan is established voluntarily by the Company, it is discretionary in nature and it may be modified, amended, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time, to the extent permitted by the Plan;
(b)the grant of the PSUs is exceptional, voluntary, and occasional, and does not create any contractual or other right to receive future grants of PSUs, or benefits in lieu of PSUs, even if PSUs have been granted in the past;
(c)all decisions with respect to future PSUs or other grants, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the Company;
(d)Participant is voluntarily participating in the Plan;
(e)the PSUs and Participant’s participation in the Plan will not create a right to employment or be interpreted as forming or amending an employment or service contract with the Company or the Employer and will not interfere with the ability of the Company or the Employer, as applicable, to terminate Participant’s employment or service relationship (if any);
(f)the PSUs and the Shares subject to the PSUs, and the income and value of same, are not intended to replace any pension rights or compensation;
(g)the PSUs and the Shares subject to the PSUs, and the income and value of same, are not part of normal or expected compensation for any purpose, including, but not limited to, calculating any severance, resignation, termination, redundancy, dismissal, end-of-service payments, bonuses, long-service awards, pension or retirement, or welfare benefits or similar payments;
(h)unless otherwise agreed with the Company, the PSUs, and the Shares subject to the PSUs, and the income and value of same, are not granted as consideration for, or in connection with, the service Participant may provide as a director of a Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate;
(i)the future value of the underlying Shares is unknown, indeterminable, and cannot be predicted with certainty;
(j)no claim or entitlement to compensation or damages will arise from forfeiture of the PSUs resulting from Participant’s termination of Service (regardless of the reason for such termination and whether or not later found to be invalid or in breach of employment laws in the jurisdiction where Participant is employed or the terms of Participant’s employment agreement, if any), and in consideration of the grant of the PSUs to which Participant is otherwise not entitled, Participant irrevocably agrees never to institute any claim against the Employer, the Company, and any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate; waives his or her ability, if any, to bring any such claim; and releases the Employer, the Company, and any Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate from any such claim; if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such claim is allowed by a court of competent jurisdiction, then, by participating in the Plan, Participant will be deemed irrevocably to have agreed not to pursue such claim and agrees to execute any and all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal of such claim;
(k)unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the Company in its discretion, the PSUs and the benefits evidenced by this Agreement do not create any entitlement to have the PSUs or any such benefits transferred to, or assumed by, another company nor to be exchanged, cashed out or substituted for, in connection with any Corporate Transaction affecting the Shares; and
(l)the following provisions apply only if Participant is providing services outside the United States:
(i)the PSUs and the Shares subject to the PSUs are not part of normal or expected compensation or salary for any purpose;
(ii)Participant acknowledges and agrees that neither the Company, the Employer nor any Parent or Subsidiary or Affiliate will be liable for any foreign exchange rate fluctuation between Participant’s local currency and the United States Dollar that may affect the value of the PSUs or of any amounts due to Participant pursuant to the settlement of the PSUs or the subsequent sale of any Shares acquired upon settlement.
8.No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company is not providing any tax, legal, or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding Participant’s participation in the Plan, or Participant’s acquisition or sale of the underlying Shares. Participant acknowledges, understands and agrees he or she should consult with his or her own personal tax, legal, and financial advisors regarding his or her participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
9.Data Privacy. Participant hereby explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use and transfer, in electronic or other form, of Participant’s personal data as described in this Agreement and any other PSU grant materials by and among, as applicable, the Employer, the Company and any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing Participant’s participation in the Plan.
Participant understands that the Company and the Employer may hold certain personal information about Participant, including, but not limited to, Participant’s name, home address, email address and telephone number, date of birth, social insurance number, passport number or other identification number (e.g., resident registration number), salary, nationality, job title, any shares of stock or directorships held in the Company, details of all PSUs or any other entitlement to shares of stock awarded, canceled, exercised, vested, unvested or outstanding in Participant’s favor (“Data”), for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and managing the Plan.
Participant understands that Data will be transferred to the Company’s broker, or other third party (“Online Administrator”) and its affiliated companies or such other stock plan service provider as may be designated by the Company from time to time that is assisting the Company with the implementation, administration and management of the Plan. Participant understands that the recipients of Data may be located in the United States or elsewhere, and that the recipients’ country may have different data privacy laws and protections than Participant’s country. Participant understands that if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may request a list with the names and addresses of any potential recipients of Data by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Participant authorizes the Company, the Company’s broker, or such other stock plan service provider as may be designated by the Company from time to time, and any other possible recipients that may assist the Company (presently or in the future) with implementing, administering and managing the Plan to receive, possess, use, retain and transfer Data, in electronic or other form, for the sole purpose of implementing, administering and managing his or her participation in the Plan. Participant understands that Data will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer and manage Participant’s participation in the Plan. Participant understands if he or she resides outside the United States, he or she may, at any time, view Data, request information about the storage and processing of Data, require any necessary amendments to Data or refuse or withdraw the consents herein, in any case without cost, by contacting his or her local human resources representative. Further, Participant understands that he or she is providing the consents herein on a purely voluntary basis. If Participant does not consent, or if Participant later seeks to revoke his or her consent, his or her employment status or service with the Employer will not be affected; the only
consequence of refusing or withdrawing Participant’s consent is that the Company would not be able to grant PSUs or other equity awards to Participant or administer or maintain such awards. Therefore, Participant understands that refusing or withdrawing his or her consent may affect Participant’s ability to participate in the Plan. For more information on the consequences of Participant’s refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participant understands that he or she may contact his or her local human resources representative.
Finally, upon request of the Company or the Employer, Participant agrees to provide an executed data privacy consent form (or any other agreements or consents) that the Company or the Employer may deem necessary to obtain from Participant for the purpose of administering Participant’s participation in the Plan in compliance with the data privacy laws in Participant’s country, either now or in the future. Participant understands and agrees that Participant will not be able to participate in the Plan if Participant fails to provide any such consent or agreement requested by the Company and/or the Employer.
10.Language. Participant acknowledges that he or she is sufficiently proficient in English to understand the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Furthermore, if Participant has received this Agreement or any other document related to the PSU and/or the Plan translated into a language other than English and if the meaning of the translated version is different than the English version, the English version will control.
11.Appendix. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement, the PSUs will be subject to any special terms and conditions set forth in any appendix to this Agreement for Participant’s country. Moreover, if Participant relocates to one of the countries included in the Appendix, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to Participant, to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. The Appendix constitutes part of this Agreement.
12.Imposition of Other Requirements. The Company reserves the right to impose other requirements on Participant’s participation in the Plan, on the PSUs and on any Shares acquired under the Plan, to the extent the Company determines it is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons, and to require Participant to sign any additional agreements or undertakings that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing.
13.Acknowledgement. The Company and Participant agree that the PSUs are granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement, and the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). Participant: (a) acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (b) represents that Participant has carefully read and is familiar with their provisions, and (c) hereby accepts the PSUs subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice.
14.Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Agreement, the Plan, and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments, or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No adverse modification of or adverse amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, will be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement (which writing and signing may be electronic). The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement will not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.
15.Compliance with Laws and Regulations. The issuance of Shares and the sale of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and Participant with all applicable state, federal, local and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s Shares may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. Participant understands that the Company is under no obligation to register or qualify the Common Stock with any state, federal, or foreign securities commission or to seek approval or clearance from any governmental authority for the issuance or sale of the Shares. Further, Participant agrees that the Company will have unilateral authority to amend the Plan and this PSU Agreement without Participant’s consent to the extent necessary to comply with securities or other laws applicable to issuance of Shares. Finally, the Shares issued pursuant to this PSU Agreement will be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.
16.Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (a) such provision will be excluded from this Agreement, (b) the balance of this Agreement will be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (c) the balance of this Agreement will be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
17.Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto will be governed, construed, and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to such state’s conflict of laws rules.
Any and all disputes relating to, concerning or arising from this Option Agreement, or relating to, concerning or arising from the relationship between the parties evidenced by the Plan or this Option Agreement, will be brought and heard exclusively in the United States District Court for the District of Northern California or the San Francisco Superior Court. Each of the parties hereby represents and agrees that such party is subject to the personal jurisdiction of said courts; hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such courts in any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning, or arising from such dispute, and waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which such party may now or hereafter have that the laying of the venue of any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning, or arising from such dispute which is brought in such courts is improper or that such proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum.
18.No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant. Nothing in this Agreement shall create a right to employment or other Service or be interpreted as forming or amending an employment, service contract or relationship with the Company and this Agreement shall not affect in any manner whatsoever any right or power of the Company, or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, to terminate Participant’s Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.
19.Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures. By Participant’s acceptance of the Notice (whether in writing or electronically), Participant and the Company agree that the PSUs are granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice, and this Agreement. Participant has reviewed the Plan, the Notice, and this Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Notice and Agreement, and fully understands all provisions of the Plan, the Notice, and this Agreement. Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive, and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice, and this Agreement. Participant further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in Participant’s residence address. By acceptance of the PSUs, Participant agrees to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company and consents to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements), or other communications or information related to the PSUs and current or future participation in the Plan. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to the Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail, or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. Participant acknowledges that Participant may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if Participant contacts the Company by telephone, through a postal service, or electronic mail to Stock Administration. Participant further acknowledges that Participant will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, Participant understands that Participant must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. Also, Participant understands that Participant’s consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if Participant has provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service, or electronic mail to Stock Administration. Finally, Participant understands that Participant is not required to consent to electronic delivery if local laws prohibit such consent.
20.Insider Trading Restrictions/Market Abuse Laws. Participant acknowledges that, depending on Participant’s country of residence, the broker’s country, or the country in which the Shares are listed, Participant may be subject to insider trading restrictions and/or market abuse laws, which may affect Participant’s ability to, directly or indirectly, acquire or sell the Shares or rights to Shares under the Plan during such times as Participant is considered to have “inside information” regarding the Company (as defined by the laws in or regulations in the applicable jurisdiction). Local insider trading laws and regulations may prohibit the cancellation or amendment of orders Participant placed before possessing the inside information. Furthermore, Participant may be prohibited from (i) disclosing the inside information to any third party, including fellow employees (other than on a “need to know” basis) and (ii) “tipping” third parties or causing them to otherwise buy or sell securities. Any restrictions under these laws or regulations are separate from and in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed under any applicable Company insider trading policy. Participant acknowledges that it is Participant’s responsibility to comply with any applicable restrictions and understands that Participant should consult his or her personal legal advisor on such matters. In addition, Participant acknowledges that he or she read the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, and agrees to comply with such policy, as it may be amended from time to time, whenever Participant acquires or disposes of the Company’s securities.
21.Foreign Asset/Account, Exchange Control and Tax Reporting. Participant may be subject to foreign asset/account, exchange control and/or tax reporting requirements as a result of the acquisition, holding and/or transfer of Shares or cash resulting from his or her participation in the Plan. Participant may be required to report such accounts, assets, the balances therein, the value thereof and/or the transactions related thereto to the applicable authorities in Participant’s country and/or repatriate funds received in connection with the Plan within certain time limits or according to specified procedures. Participant acknowledges that he or she is responsible for ensuring compliance with any applicable foreign asset/account, exchange control and tax reporting requirements and should consult his or her personal legal and tax advisors on such matters.
22.Code Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, a termination of employment will be determined consistent with the rules relating to a “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder (“Section 409A”). Notwithstanding anything else provided herein, to the extent any payments provided under this PSU Agreement in connection with Participant’s termination of employment constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A, and Participant is deemed at the time of such termination of employment to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A, then such payment will not be made or commence until the earlier of (a) the expiration of the six (6) month period measured from Participant’s separation from service to the Employer or the Company, or (b) the date of Participant’s death following such a separation from service; provided, however, that such deferral will only be effected to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to Participant including, without limitation, the additional tax for which Participant would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) in the absence of such a deferral. To the extent any payment under this PSU Agreement may be classified as a “short-term deferral” within the meaning of Section 409A, such payment will be deemed a short-term deferral, even if it may also qualify for an exemption from Section 409A under another provision of Section 409A. Payments pursuant to this section are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.
23.Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the PSUs will be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or required by law during the term of Participant’s employment or other Service that is applicable to Participant. In addition to any other remedies available under such policy and applicable law, the Company may require the cancellation of Participant’s PSUs (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to Participant’s PSUs.
BY ACCEPTING THIS AWARD OF PSUS, PARTICIPANT AGREES TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
APPENDIX
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
COUNTRY SPECIFIC PROVISIONS FOR EMPLOYEES OUTSIDE THE U.S.
Terms and Conditions
At such time as the Committee issues an PSU under the Plan to a Participant who resides and/or works outside of the United States, the Committee may adopt and include in this Appendix additional terms and conditions that govern such PSU. This Appendix forms part of the Agreement. Any capitalized term used in this Appendix without definition will have the meaning ascribed to it in the Notice, the Agreement or the Plan, as applicable.
If Participant is a citizen or resident of a country, or is considered resident of a country, other than the one in which Participant is currently working, or Participant transfers employment and/or residency between countries after the Date of Grant, the Company will, in its sole discretion, determine to what extent the additional terms and conditions included herein will apply to Participant under these circumstances.
Notifications
This Appendix also includes information relating to exchange control, securities laws, foreign asset/account reporting and other issues of which Participant should be aware with respect to Participant’s participation in the Plan. The information is based on the securities, exchange control, foreign asset/account reporting and other laws in effect in the respective countries as of [●]. Such laws are complex and change frequently. As a result, Participant should not rely on the information herein as the only source of information relating to the consequences of Participant’s participation in the Plan because the information may be out of date at the time that Participant vests in the PSUs, sells Shares acquired under the Plan or takes any other action in connection with the Plan.
In addition, the information is general in nature and may not apply to Participant’s particular situation, and the Company is not in a position to assure Participant of any particular result. Accordingly, Participant should seek appropriate professional advice as to how the relevant laws in Participant’s country may apply to Participant’s situation.
Finally, if Participant is a citizen or resident of a country, or is considered resident of a country, other than the one in which Participant is currently working and/or residing, or Participant transfers employment and/or residency after the Date of Grant, the information contained herein may not apply to Participant in the same manner.
Country-Specific Terms
NOTICE OF RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Coinbase Global, Inc. (the “Company”) 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Restricted Stock Award (the “Notice”) and the attached Restricted Stock Agreement (the “Restricted Stock Agreement”).
You have been granted the opportunity to purchase Shares that are subject to restrictions (the “Restricted Shares”) and the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the attached Restricted Stock Agreement.
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[Sample vesting language:] [Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the Restricted Stock Agreement, 25% of the total number of Restricted Shares will vest when you complete 12 months of continuous Service from the Vesting Commencement Date. Thereafter, an additional 1/16th of the total number of Restricted Shares will vest when you complete each quarter of Service.] [Note: actual vesting language to match vesting schedule approved by the Board or Committee] |
This Notice may be executed and delivered electronically, whether via the Company’s intranet or the Internet site of a third party or via email or any other means of electronic delivery specified by the Company. By purchasing the Restricted Shares, you consent to the electronic delivery and acceptance as further set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement.
You acknowledge that the vesting of the Restricted Shares pursuant to this Notice is earned only by continuing Service, but you understand that your employment or consulting relationship with the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary is for an unspecified duration and can be terminated at any time, and that nothing in this Notice, the Restricted Stock Agreement or the Plan changes the nature of that relationship. By accepting the Restricted Shares, you and the Company agree that the Restricted Shares are granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the Restricted Stock Agreement. If the Restricted Stock Agreement is not executed by you within thirty (30) days of the Company’s delivery of this Agreement to you, then this award shall be void.
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COINBASE GLOBAL, INC. |
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RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made by and between Coinbase Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the purchaser (“you”) named on the Notice of Restricted Stock Award (the “Notice”) pursuant to the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) as of the date you have executed the Notice. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same meanings in this Agreement.
1.Sale of Stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on the Purchase Date (as defined below) the Company will issue and sell to you, and you agree to purchase from the Company, the number of Restricted Shares shown on the Notice at the Purchase Price per Restricted Share set forth on the Notice. The term “Restricted Shares” refers to the purchased Restricted Shares and all securities received in replacement of or in connection with the Restricted Shares pursuant to stock dividends or splits, all securities received in replacement of the Restricted Shares in a recapitalization, merger, reorganization, exchange or the like, and all new, substituted or additional securities or other properties to which you are entitled by reason of your ownership of the Restricted Shares.
2.Time and Place of Purchase. The purchase and sale of the Restricted Shares under this Agreement shall occur at the principal office of the Company simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement by the parties, or on such other date as the Company and you shall agree (the “Purchase Date”). On the Purchase Date, the Company will issue a stock certificate registered in your name, or uncertificated shares designated for you in book entry form on the records of the Company’s transfer agent, representing the Restricted Shares to be purchased by you against payment of the purchase price therefor by you by (a) check or wire transfer made payable to the Company, (b) cancellation of indebtedness of the Company to you, (c) your personal Services that the Committee has determined have already been or will be rendered to the Company, or (d) a combination of the foregoing.
3.Restrictions on Resale. By signing this Agreement, you agree not to sell any Restricted Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan and this Agreement at a time when applicable laws, regulations or Company or underwriter trading policies prohibit exercise or sale. This restriction will apply as long as you are providing Service to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company.
4.Company’s Repurchase Right for Unvested Shares. The Company, or (subject to Section 4.4) its assignee, shall have the right (but not the obligation) to repurchase a portion of the Restricted Shares that are Unvested Shares (as defined below) at the times and on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (the “Repurchase Right”) if your Service terminates for any reason, or no reason, including with-out limitation, death, Disability (as defined in the Plan), voluntary resignation or termination by the Company with or without Cause.
4.1Termination of Service. In case of any dispute as to whether your Service has terminated, the Committee shall have discretion to determine in good faith whether your Service has been terminated and the effective date of your termination of Service.
4.2Vested and Unvested Shares. Restricted Shares that are vested pursuant to the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice are “Vested Shares.” Restricted Shares that are not vested pursuant to the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice are “Unvested Shares.” On the Date of Grant, all of the Restricted Shares will be Unvested Shares. No fractional Restricted Shares shall be issued. No Restricted Shares will become Vested Shares after your termination of Service unless as set forth in the Vesting Schedule in the Notice of Grant. The number of the Restricted Shares that are Vested Shares or Unvested Shares will be proportionally adjusted to reflect any stock split, reverse stock split or similar change in the capital structure of the Company as set forth in Section 2.6 of the Plan occurring after the Date of Grant.
4.3Exercise of Repurchase Right. Unless the Company provides written notice to you within 90 days from the date of termination of your Service to the Company that the Company does not intend to exercise its Repurchase Right with respect to some or all of the Unvested Shares, the Repurchase Right shall be deemed automatically exercised by the Company as of the 90th day following such termination, provided that the Company may notify you that it is exercising its Repurchase Right as of a date prior to such 90th day. Unless you are otherwise notified by the Company pursuant to the preceding sentence that the Company does not intend to exercise its Repurchase Right as to some or all of the Unvested Shares, execution of this Agreement by you constitutes written notice to you of the Company’s intention to exercise its Repurchase Right with respect to all Unvested Shares to which such Repurchase Right applies at the time of your termination of Service. The Company, at its choice, may satisfy its payment obligation to you with respect to exercise of the Repurchase Right by either (A) delivering a check to you or wiring funds in the amount of the purchase price for the Unvested Shares being repurchased, or (B) in the event you are indebted to the Company, canceling an amount of such indebtedness equal to the purchase price for the Unvested Shares being repurchased, or (C) by a combination of (A) and (B) so that the combined payment and cancellation of indebtedness equals such purchase price. In the event of any deemed automatic exercise of the Repurchase Right by canceling an amount of such indebtedness equal to the purchase price for the Unvested Shares being repurchased, such cancellation of indebtedness shall be deemed automatically to occur as of the date of termination of your Service unless the Company otherwise satisfies its payment obligations. As a result of any repurchase of Unvested Shares pursuant to the Repurchase Right, the Company shall become the legal and beneficial owner of the Unvested Shares being repurchased and shall have all rights and interest therein or related thereto, and the Company shall have the right to transfer to its own name the number of Unvested Shares being repurchased by the Company, without further action by you.
4.4Assignment. The Repurchase Right may be assigned by the Company in whole or in part to any persons or organization.
4.5Additional or Exchanged Securities and Property. Subject to the provisions of Section 4.2 above, in the event of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity, any other corporate reorganization, a stock dividend, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, subdivision, combination, reclassification or similar change in the capital structure of the Company, without consideration, any securities or other property (including cash or cash equivalents) that are by reason of such transaction exchanged for, or distributed or issued with respect to, any Unvested Shares shall immediately be subject to the Repurchase Right. Appropriate adjustments shall be made to the price per share to be paid for Unvested Shares upon the exercise of the Repurchase Right (by allocating such price among the Unvested Shares and such other securities or property), provided that the aggregate purchase price payable for the Unvested Shares and all such other securities and property shall remain the same price that was original payable under the Repurchase Right to repurchase such Unvested Shares. Subject to the provisions of Section 4.2 above, in the event of a merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another entity or any other corporate reorganization, the Repurchase Right may be exercised by the Company’s successor.
5.Non-Transferability of Unvested Shares. In addition to any other limitation on transfer created by applicable securities laws or any other agreement between the Company and you, you may not transfer any Unvested Shares, or any interest therein, unless consented to in writing by a duly authorized representative of the Company. Any purported transfer is void and of no effect, and no purported transferee thereof will be recognized as a holder of the Unvested Shares for any purpose whatsoever. Should such a transfer purport to occur, the Company may refuse to carry out the transfer on its books, set aside the transfer, or exercise any other legal or equitable remedy. In the event the Company consents to a transfer of Unvested Shares, all transferees of Restricted Shares or any interest therein will receive and hold such Restricted Shares or interest subject to the provisions of this Agreement, including, insofar as applicable, the Repurchase Right. In the event of any purchase by the Company hereunder where the Restricted Shares or interest are held by a transferee, the transferee shall be obligated, if requested by the Company, to transfer the Restricted Shares or interest you for consideration equal to the amount to be paid by the Company hereunder. In the event the Repurchase Right is deemed exercised by the Company, the Company may deem any transferee to have transferred the Restricted Shares or interest to you prior to their purchase by the Company, and payment of the purchase price by the Company to such transferee shall be deemed to satisfy your obligation to pay such transferee for such Restricted Shares or interest, and also to satisfy the Company’s obligation to pay you for such Restricted Shares or interest.
6.Acceptance of Restrictions. Purchase of the Restricted Shares shall constitute your agreement to such restrictions and the legending of your certificates or the notation in the Company’s direct registration system for stock issuance and transfer of such restrictions and accompanying legends set forth in Section 7.1 with respect thereto. Notwithstanding such restrictions, however, so long as you are the holder of the Restricted Shares, or any portion thereof, he or she shall be entitled to receive all dividends declared on and to vote the Restricted Shares and to all other rights of a stockholder with respect thereto.
7.Stop Transfer Orders.
7.1Stop-Transfer Notices. You agree that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.
7.2Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Restricted Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as the owner or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Restricted Shares shall have been so transferred.
8.No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant. You understand that your employment or consulting relationship with the Company is for an unspecified duration, can be terminated at any time (i.e., is “at-will”), and that nothing in this Agreement changes the at-will nature of that relationship. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, to terminate your Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.
9.Miscellaneous.
9.1Acknowledgement. The Company and you agree that the Restricted Shares are granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). You: (i) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (ii) represent that you have carefully read and are familiar with their provisions and the provisions of the Notice and this Agreement, and (iii) hereby accept the Restricted Shares subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice. You hereby agree to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice and the Restricted Stock Agreement.
9.2Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Restricted Shares hereunder are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.
9.3Compliance with Laws and Regulations. The issuance of Restricted Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and you with all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s common stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. The Restricted Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.
9.4Governing Law; Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to litigation in the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California in San Francisco County, California or the federal courts of the United States for the Northern District of California and no other courts.
9.5Construction. This Agreement is the result of negotiations between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any one of the parties hereto.
9.6Notices. Any notice to be given under the terms of the Plan shall be addressed to the Company in care of its principal office, and any notice to be given to you shall be addressed to you at the address maintained by the Company for such person or at such other address as you may specify in writing to the Company. Any and all notices required or permitted to be given to a party pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement will be in writing and will be effective and deemed to provide such party sufficient notice under this Agreement on the earliest of the following: (a) at the time of personal delivery, if delivery is in person; (b) at the time of transmission by facsimile, addressed to the other party at its facsimile number specified herein (or hereafter modified by subsequent notice to the parties hereto), with confirmation of receipt made by both telephone and printed confirmation sheet verifying successful transmission of the facsimile; (c) one (1) business day after deposit with an express overnight courier for United States deliveries, or two (2) business days after such deposit for deliveries outside of the United States, with proof of delivery from the courier requested; or (d) three (3) business days after deposit in the United States mail by certified mail (return receipt requested) for United States deliveries. All notices for delivery outside the United States will be sent by facsimile or by express courier. All notices not delivered personally or by facsimile will be sent with postage and/or other charges prepaid and properly addressed to the party to be notified at the address or facsimile number set forth below the signature lines of this Agreement, or at such other address or facsimile number as such other party may designate by one of the indicated means of notice herein to the other parties hereto. Notices to the Company will be marked “Attention: .
9.7U.S. Tax Consequences. Unless an Election (defined below) is made, upon vesting of Restricted Shares, you will include in taxable income the difference between the fair market value of the vesting Restricted Shares, as determined on the date of their vesting, and the price paid for the Restricted Shares. This will be treated as ordinary income by you and will be subject to withholding by the Company when required by applicable law. In the absence of an Election, the Company shall satisfy the withholding requirements as set forth in Section 10 below. If you make an Election, then you must, prior to making the Election, pay in cash (or cash equivalent) to the Company an amount equal to the amount the Company is required to withhold for income and employment taxes.
10.Responsibility for Taxes. Regardless of any action the Company or, if different, your employer (the “Employer”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account and other tax-related items related to your participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you (“Tax-Related Items”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by
the Company or the Employer. You further acknowledge that the Company and the Employer (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Restricted Shares purchased under this award, including the issuance of the Restricted Shares or vesting of such Restricted Shares, the subsequent sale of Restricted Shares and the receipt of any dividends; and (b) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the award or any aspect of the Restricted Shares to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. You acknowledge that if you are subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.
The Company will only recognize you as a record holder of Restricted Shares if you have paid or made, prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy any withholding obligation the Company and/or the Employer may have for Tax-Related Items. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer, and their respective agents, at their discretion, to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer or by one or a combination of the following methods: (a) payment by you to the Company or the Employer of an amount equal to the Tax-Related Items in cash, (b) having the Company withhold otherwise deliverable Restricted Shares that would otherwise be released from the Repurchase Right when they vest having a value equal to the Tax-Related Items to be withheld, (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a value equal to the Tax-Related Items to be withheld, (d) withholding from proceeds of the sale of the Restricted Shares either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf and you hereby authorize such sale pursuant to this authorization), or (e) any other arrangement approved by the Company and permissible under applicable law; in all cases, under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided, however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the method of withholding shall be a mandatory sale under (d) above (unless the Committee shall establish an alternate method prior to the taxable or withholding event). You shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your Participation in the Plan or your purchase of Restricted Shares that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described.
Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including up to the maximum applicable rate in which case you may receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the Restricted Shares that would otherwise be released from the Repurchase Right when they vest. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Restricted Shares that would otherwise be released from the Repurchase Right when they vest, for tax purposes, you are deemed to have been issued the full number of Restricted Shares, notwithstanding that a number of the Restricted Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items.
Finally, you acknowledge that the Company has no obligation to deliver Restricted Shares or proceeds from the sale of Restricted Shares to you or to release Restricted Shares from the Repurchase Right when they vest until you have satisfied the obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.
11.Section 83(b) Election. You hereby acknowledge that you have been informed that, with respect to the purchase of the Restricted Shares, an election may be filed by you with the Internal Revenue Service, within 30 days of the purchase of the Restricted Shares, electing for United States tax purposes pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code to be taxed currently on any difference between the purchase price of the Restricted Shares and their Fair Market Value on the date of purchase (the “Election”). Making the Election will result in recognition of taxable income to you on the date of purchase, measured by the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Restricted Shares over the purchase price for the Restricted Shares. Absent such an Election, taxable income will be measured and recognized by you at the time or times on which the Company’s Repurchase Right lapses. You are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of your own tax advisors in connection with the purchase of the Restricted Shares and the advisability of filing of the Election. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT IS SOLELY YOUR RESPONSIBILITY, AND NOT THE COMPANY’S RESPONSIBILITY, TO TIMELY FILE THE ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b) OF THE CODE, EVEN IF YOU REQUEST THE COMPANY, OR ITS REPRESENTATIVE, TO MAKE THIS FILING ON YOUR BEHALF.
12.Consent to Electronic Delivery and Acceptance of All Plan Documents and Disclosures. By acceptance of this Restricted Stock Award, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the Restricted Stock Award. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. You agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.
13.Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Restricted Shares shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any
compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or the Committee or required by law during the term of your employment or other Service that is applicable to you. In addition to any other remedies available under such policy, applicable law may require the cancellation of your Restricted Shares (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your Restricted Shares.
BY ACCEPTING THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
RECEIPT
Coinbase Global, Inc. hereby acknowledges receipt of (check as applicable):
☐ A check or wire transfer in the amount of $_______________
☐ The cancellation of indebtedness in the amount of $_______________
☐ Given by _____________________ as consideration for the book entry in your name or Certificate No. -__ for ____________ shares of Common Stock of Coinbase Global, Inc.
☐ Other method as permitted by the Plan and specifically approved by the Board or Committee, and described here:
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Dated: |
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COINBASE GLOBAL, INC. |
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By: |
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Its: |
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NOTICE OF PERFORMANCE SHARES AWARD
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Coinbase Global, Inc. (the “Company”) 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Performance Shares Award (the “Notice”) and the attached Performance Shares Award Agreement (the “Performance Shares Agreement”). You have been granted an award of Shares (the “Performance Shares Award”) under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the attached Performance Shares Agreement.
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Name: |
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Address: |
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Number of Shares: |
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Date of Grant: |
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Fair Market Value on Date of Grant: |
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Vesting Commencement Date: |
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Vesting Schedule: |
Subject to the limitations set forth in this Notice, the Plan and the Performance Shares Agreement, the Shares will vest in accordance with the following schedule: [INSERT VESTING SCHEDULE] |
This Notice may be executed and delivered electronically, whether via the Company’s intranet or the Internet site of a third party or via email or any other means of electronic delivery specified by the Company. By accepting the Performance Shares Award, you consent to the electronic delivery and acceptance as further set forth in the Performance Shares Agreement. You acknowledge that the vesting of the Shares subject to the Performance Shares Award pursuant to this Notice is earned only by continuing Service and meeting the performance factors enumerated under the Vesting Schedule above, but you understand that your employment or consulting relationship with the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary is for an unspecified duration and can be terminated at any time, and that nothing in this Notice, the Performance Shares Agreement or the Plan changes the nature of that relationship. By accepting the Performance Shares Award, you and the Company agree that the Performance Shares Award is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice and the Performance Shares Agreement
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PARTICIPANT |
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COINBASE GLOBAL, INC. |
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Print Name: |
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PERFORMANCE SHARES AGREEMENT
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
You have been granted a Performance Shares Award (“Performance Shares Award”) by Coinbase Global, Inc. (the “Company”), subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions of the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), the Notice of Performance Shares Award (“Notice”) and this Performance Shares Agreement (this “Agreement”).
1.Settlement. Your Performance Shares Award shall be settled in Shares and the Company’s transfer agent shall record ownership of such Shares in your name as soon as reasonably practicable after achievement of the performance factors enumerated under the Vesting Schedule in the Notice.
2.No Stockholder Rights. Unless and until you are recorded as the holder of such Shares on the stock records of the Company and its transfer agent, you shall have no right to dividends or to vote Shares.
3.No-Transfer. Your interest in this Performance Shares Award shall not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of by you or any person whose interest derives from your interest.
4.Restrictions on Resale. By signing this Agreement, you agree not to sell any Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan and this Agreement at a time when applicable laws, regulations or Company or underwriter trading policies prohibit exercise or sale. This restriction will apply as long as you are providing Service to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company.
5.Termination. If your Service terminates for any reason, all of your rights under the Plan, this Agreement and the Notice in respect of this Award shall immediately terminate. In case of any dispute as to whether a termination of Service has occurred, the Committee shall have sole discretion to determine whether such termination has occurred and the effective date of such termination.
6.Tax Consequences. YOU SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE ACQUIRING THE SHARES IN THE JURISDICTION IN WHICH YOU ARE SUBJECT TO TAX. Shares shall not be issued under this Agreement unless you make arrangements acceptable to the Company to pay any withholding taxes that may be due as a result of the acquisition or vesting of Shares.
7.Responsibility for Taxes. Regardless of any action the Company or, if different, your employer (the “Employer”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account and other tax-related items related to your participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you (“Tax-Related Items”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer. You further acknowledge that the Company and the Employer (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Performance Shares Award, including the grant of the Performance Shares Award, the issuance of the Shares subject to the Performance Shares Award, the vesting of such Shares, the subsequent sale of such
Shares and the receipt of any dividends; and (b) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the Performance Shares Award to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. You acknowledge that if you are subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.
The Company will only recognize you as a record holder of Shares subject to the Performance Shares Award if you have paid or made, prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy any withholding obligation the Company and/or the Employer may have for Tax-Related Items. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer, and their respective agents, at their discretion, to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer or by withholding from proceeds of the sale of the Shares subject to the Performance Shares Award either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf and you hereby authorize such sale pursuant to this authorization). The Committee may also authorize one or a combination of the following methods to satisfy Tax-Related Items: (a) payment by you to the Company or the Employer of an amount equal to the Tax-Related Items in cash, (b) having the Company withhold Shares subject to the Performance Shares Award that would otherwise be issued to you when they vest having a value equal to the Tax-Related Items to be withheld, (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a value equal to the Tax-Related Items to be withheld, or (d) any other arrangement approved by the Company and permissible under applicable law; in all cases, under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided, however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the method of withholding shall be a mandatory sale (unless the Committee shall establish an alternate method prior to the taxable or withholding event). You shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or the issuance of Shares subject to this Performance Shares Award or vesting thereof that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described.
Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including up to the maximum applicable rate in which case you may receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the Shares subject to the Performance Shares Award that would otherwise be released when they vest. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares that would otherwise be subject to release when they vest, for tax purposes, you are deemed to have been issued the full number of such Shares, notwithstanding that a number of the such Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items.
Finally, you acknowledge that the Company has no obligation to deliver Shares subject to the Performance Shares Award to you until you have satisfied the obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.
8.Acknowledgement. The Company and you agree that the Performance Shares Award is granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). You: (i) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (ii) represent that you have carefully read and are familiar with their provisions and the provisions of the Notice and this Agreement, and (iii) hereby accept the Performance Shares Award subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice. You hereby agree to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement.
9.Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.
10.Stop Transfer Orders.
(a)Stop-Transfer Notices. You agree that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.
(b)Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as the owner or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.
11.Compliance with Laws and Regulations. The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and you with all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s common stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. The Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.
12.Governing Law; Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to litigation in the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California in San Francisco County, California or the federal courts of the United States for the Northern District of California and no other courts.
13.No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, to terminate your Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.
14.Consent to Electronic Delivery of All Plan Documents and Disclosures. By acceptance of this Performance Shares Award, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the Performance Shares Award. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. You agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.
15.Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Performance Shares Award shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or the Committee or required by law during the term of your employment or other Service that is applicable to you. In addition to any other remedies available under such policy, applicable law may require the cancellation of your Performance Shares Award (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your Performance Shares Award.
BY ACCEPTING THE PERFORMANCE SHARES AWARD, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
NOTICE OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AWARD
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Coinbase Global, Inc. (the “Company”) 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Stock Appreciation Right Award (the “Notice of Grant”) and the attached Stock Appreciation Right Agreement (the “SAR Agreement”).
You have been granted an award of Stock Appreciation Rights (the “SAR”) of the Company under the Plan subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice of Grant and the SAR Agreement.
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Name: |
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Address: |
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Date of Grant: |
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Vesting Commencement Date: |
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Exercise Price: |
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Total Number of Shares: |
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Expiration Date: |
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Vesting Schedule: |
[Sample vesting language:] [The SAR becomes vested and exercisable with respect to the first 25% of the Shares subject to the SAR when you complete 12 months of continuous Service from the Vesting Commencement Date. Thereafter, the SAR becomes vested and exercisable with respect to an additional 1/16th of the Shares subject to the SAR when you complete each quarter of Service.] [Note: actual vesting language to match vesting schedule approved by the Board or Committee] |
This Notice of Grant may be executed and delivered electronically, whether via the Company’s intranet or the Internet site of a third party or via email or any other means of electronic delivery specified by the Company. By accepting the SAR, you consent to the electronic delivery and acceptance as further set forth in the SAR Agreement. You acknowledge that the vesting of the SAR pursuant to this Notice of Grant is earned only by continuing Service, but you understand that your employment or consulting relationship with the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary is for an unspecified duration and can be terminated at any time and that nothing in this Notice of Grant, the SAR Agreement or the Plan changes the nature of that relationship. By accepting the SAR, you and the Company agree that the SAR is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Grant and the SAR Agreement.
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PARTICIPANT: |
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COINBASE GLOBAL, INC. |
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Signature: |
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By: |
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Print Name: |
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Its: |
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STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AWARD AGREEMENT
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
You have been granted an award of Stock Appreciation Rights (the “SAR”) by Coinbase Global, Inc. (the “Company”) under the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice of Stock Appreciation Right Award (the “Notice of Grant”), and this Stock Appreciation Right Agreement (the “Agreement”).
1.Grant of SAR. You have been granted a SAR for the number of Shares set forth in the Notice of Grant with the Exercise Price set forth in the Notice of Grant. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail.
2.Termination Period.
(a)General Rule. If your Service terminates for any reason except death or Disability, and other than for Cause, then this SAR will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date three months after your termination of Service (subject to the expiration detailed in Section 5 or as provided in the Plan). In no event shall this SAR be exercised later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of Grant. If your Service is terminated for Cause, this SAR will expire upon the date of such termination. The Company determines when your Service terminates for all purposes under this Agreement.
You acknowledge and agree that the vesting schedule set forth in the Notice of Grant may change prospectively in the event that your service status changes between full and part-time status in accordance with Company policies relating to work schedules and vesting of awards. You acknowledge that the vesting of the SARs pursuant to this Agreement is earned only by continuing Service.
(b)Death; Disability. If you die before your Service terminates (or you die within three months of your termination of Service other than for Cause), then this SAR will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date 12 months after the date of death (subject to the expiration detailed in Section 5 or as provided in the Plan). If your Service terminates because of your Disability, then this SAR will expire at the close of business at Company headquarters on the date 12 months after your termination date (subject to the expiration detailed in Section 5 or as provided in the Plan).
(c)No Notice. You are responsible for keeping track of these exercise periods following your termination of Service for any reason. The Company will not provide further notice of such periods. In no event shall this SAR be exercised later than the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of Grant.
3.Exercise of SAR.
(a)Right to Exercise. Subject to the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Agreement, this SAR is exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set forth in the Notice of Grant and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Agreement. In the event of your death, Disability, or other cessation of Service, the exercisability of the SAR is governed by the applicable provisions of the Plan, the Notice of Grant and this Agreement. This SAR may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
(b)Method of Exercise. This SAR is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice in a form specified by the Company (the “Exercise Notice”), which shall state the election to exercise the SAR, the number of Shares in respect of which the SAR is being exercised, and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be delivered in person, by mail, via electronic mail or facsimile or by other authorized method to the Secretary of the Company or other person designated by the Company. This SAR shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of a fully executed Exercise Notice and any applicable withholding of Tax-Related Items that are required to be withheld as detailed in Section 7 below.
(c)No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this SAR unless such issuance and exercise complies with all relevant provisions of law and the requirements of any stock exchange or quotation service upon which the Shares are then listed. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the exercised Shares shall be considered transferred to you on the date the SAR is exercised with respect to such exercised Shares.
4.Non-Transferability of SAR. This SAR may not be transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution or court order and may be exercised during your lifetime only by you unless otherwise permitted by the Committee on a case-by-case basis. The terms of the Plan and this Agreement shall be binding upon your executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns.
5.Term of SAR. This SAR shall in any event expire on the Expiration Date set forth in the Notice of Grant, which date is ten years after the Date of Grant. You are responsible for keeping track of the Expiration Date. The Company is not obligated to provide notice of the Expiration Date and you should not depend on the Company providing any such notice (even if such notices have been provided in the past or are provided in some but not all circumstances).
6.Tax Consequences. You should consult a tax adviser for tax consequences relating to this SAR in the jurisdiction in which you are subject to tax. YOU SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS SAR OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES. You will not be allowed to exercise this SAR unless you make arrangements acceptable to the Company to pay Tax-Related Items that are required to be withheld as further described in Section 7 below.
7.Responsibility for Taxes. Regardless of any action the Company or, if different, your employer (the “Employer”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax,
fringe benefits tax, payment on account and other tax-related items related to your participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you (“Tax-Related Items”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer. You further acknowledge that the Company and the Employer (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of this SAR, including the grant, vesting or exercise of this SAR, the subsequent sale of Shares acquired pursuant to such exercise and the receipt of any dividends; and (b) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the grant or any aspect of the SAR to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. You acknowledge that if you are subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.
Prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, you shall pay or make adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy any withholding obligation the Company and/or the Employer may have for Tax-Related Items. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer, and their respective agents, at their discretion, to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer or by one or a combination of the following methods: (a) payment by you to the Company or the Employer of an amount equal to the Tax-Related Items in cash, (b) having the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a value equal to the Tax-Related Items to be withheld, (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a value equal to the Tax-Related Items to be withheld, (d) withholding from proceeds of the sale of the Shares either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf and you hereby authorize such sale pursuant to this authorization), or (e) any other arrangement approved by the Company and permissible under applicable law; in all cases, under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided, however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the method of withholding shall be a mandatory sale under (d) above (unless the Committee shall establish an alternate method prior to the taxable or withholding event). You shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or your issuance of Shares upon exercise of the SARs that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described.
Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including up to the maximum applicable rate in which case you may receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the equivalent in Shares. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares, for tax purposes, you are deemed to have been issued the full number of Shares subject to the vested SARs, notwithstanding that a number of the Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items.
Finally, you acknowledge that the Company has no obligation to deliver Shares or proceeds from the sale of Shares to you until you have satisfied the obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.
8.Acknowledgement. The Company and you agree that the SAR is granted under and governed by the Notice of Grant, this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). You: (i) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (ii) represent that you have carefully read and are familiar with their provisions and the provisions of the Notice of Grant and this Agreement, and (iii) hereby accept the SAR subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in this SAR Agreement and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice of Grant. You hereby agree to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice of Grant and the SAR Agreement.
9.Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice of Grant constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning this SAR are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.
10.Compliance with Laws and Regulations. The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and you with all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s common stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. The Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.
11.Governing Law; Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Plan, the Notice of Grant and this Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to litigation in the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California in San Francisco County, California or the federal courts of the United States for the Northern District of California and no other courts.
12.No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, to terminate your Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.
13.Consent to Electronic Delivery and Acceptance of All Plan Documents and Disclosures. By your acceptance of this SAR, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice of Grant, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the SAR. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. You agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.
14.Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the SAR shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or the Committee or required by law during the term of your employment or other Service that is applicable to you. In addition to any other remedies available under such policy, applicable law may require the cancellation of your SAR (whether vested or unvested) and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your SAR.
BY ACCEPTING THIS SAR, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
NOTICE OF STOCK BONUS AWARD
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Coinbase Global, Inc. (the “Company”) 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) shall have the same meanings in this Notice of Stock Bonus Award (the “Notice”) and the attached Stock Bonus Award Agreement (the “Stock Bonus Agreement”).
You have been granted an award of Shares under the Plan (the “Stock Bonus Award”) subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, this Notice and the attached Stock Bonus Agreement.
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This Notice may be executed and delivered electronically, whether via the Company’s intranet or the Internet site of a third party or via email or any other means of electronic delivery specified by the Company. By accepting the Stock Bonus Award, you consent to the electronic delivery and acceptance as further set forth in the Stock Bonus Agreement. You understand that your employment or consulting relationship with the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary is for an unspecified duration and can be terminated at any time, and that nothing in this Notice, the Stock Bonus Agreement or the Plan changes the nature of that relationship. By accepting this Stock Bonus Award, you and the Company agree that this Stock Bonus Award is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Notice and the Stock Bonus Agreement.
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COINBASE GLOBAL, INC. |
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STOCK BONUS AWARD AGREEMENT
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
You have been granted a Stock Bonus Award (“Stock Bonus Award”) by Coinbase Global,f Inc. (the “Company”), subject to the terms, restrictions and conditions of the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), the Notice of Stock Bonus Award (the “Notice”) and this Stock Bonus Award Agreement (this “Agreement”).
1.Issuance. Your Stock Bonus Award shall be issued in Shares, and the Company’s transfer agent shall record ownership of such Shares in your name as soon as reasonably practicable.
2.No Stockholder Rights. Unless and until you are recorded as the holder of such Shares on the stock records of the Company and its transfer agent, you shall have no right to dividends or to vote Shares.
3.Restrictions on Resale. By signing this Agreement, you agree not to sell any Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan and this Agreement at a time when applicable laws, regulations or Company or underwriter trading policies prohibit exercise or sale. This restriction will apply as long as you are providing Service to the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company.
4.Tax Consequences. YOU SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE ACQUIRING THE SHARES IN THE JURISDICTION IN WHICH YOU ARE SUBJECT TO TAX. Shares shall not be issued under this Agreement unless you make arrangements acceptable to the Company to pay any withholding taxes that may be due as a result of the acquisition of Shares.
5.Responsibility for Taxes. Regardless of any action the Company or, if different, your employer (the “Employer”) takes with respect to any or all income tax, social insurance, payroll tax, fringe benefits tax, payment on account and other tax-related items related to your participation in the Plan and legally applicable to you (“Tax-Related Items”), you acknowledge that the ultimate liability for all Tax-Related Items is and remains your responsibility and may exceed the amount actually withheld by the Company or the Employer. You further acknowledge that the Company and the Employer (a) make no representations or undertakings regarding the treatment of any Tax-Related Items in connection with any aspect of the Stock Bonus Award, including the grant of the Stock Bonus Award, the issuance of the Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award, the subsequent sale of such Shares and the receipt of any dividends; and (b) do not commit to and are under no obligation to structure the terms of the Stock Bonus Award to reduce or eliminate your liability for Tax-Related Items or achieve any particular tax result. You acknowledge that if you are subject to Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction, the Company and/or the Employer (or former employer, as applicable) may be required to withhold or account for Tax-Related Items in more than one jurisdiction.
The Company will only recognize you as a record holder of Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award if you have paid or made, prior to any relevant taxable or tax withholding event, as applicable, adequate arrangements satisfactory to the Company and/or the Employer to satisfy any withholding obligation the Company and/or the Employer may have for Tax-Related Items. In this regard, you authorize the Company and/or the Employer, and their respective agents, at their discretion, to withhold all applicable Tax-Related Items from your wages or other cash compensation paid to you by the Company and/or the Employer or by one or a combination of the following methods: (a) payment by you to the Company or the Employer of an amount equal to the Tax-Related Items in cash, (b) having the Company withhold Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award having a value equal to the Tax-Related Items to be withheld, (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a value equal to the Tax-Related Items to be withheld, (d) withholding from proceeds of the sale of the Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award either through a voluntary sale or through a mandatory sale arranged by the Company (on your behalf and you hereby authorize such sale pursuant to this authorization), or (e) any other arrangement approved by the Company and permissible under applicable law; in all cases, under such rules as may be established by the Committee and in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy and 10b5-1 Trading Plan Policy, if applicable; provided, however, that if you are a Section 16 officer of the Company under the Exchange Act, then the method of withholding shall be a mandatory sale under (d) above (unless the Committee shall establish an alternate method prior to the taxable or withholding event). You shall pay to the Company or the Employer any amount of Tax-Related Items that the Company or the Employer may be required to withhold as a result of your participation in the Plan or the issuance of Shares subject to this Stock Bonus Award that cannot be satisfied by the means previously described.
Depending on the withholding method, the Company may withhold or account for Tax-Related Items by considering applicable statutory withholding rates or other applicable withholding rates, including up to the maximum applicable rate in which case you may receive a refund of any over-withheld amount in cash and will have no entitlement to the Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award that would otherwise be issued to you. If the obligation for Tax-Related Items is satisfied by withholding in Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award that would otherwise be issued to you, for tax purposes, you are deemed to have been issued the full number of such Shares, notwithstanding that a number of the such Shares are held back solely for the purpose of paying the Tax-Related Items.
Finally, you acknowledge that the Company has no obligation to deliver Shares subject to the Stock Bonus Award to you until you have satisfied the obligations in connection with the Tax-Related Items as described in this Section.
6.Acknowledgement. The Company and you agree that the Stock Bonus Award is granted under and governed by the Notice, this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan (incorporated herein by reference). You: (i) acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Plan and the Plan prospectus, (ii) represent that you have carefully read and are familiar with their provisions and the provisions of the Notice and this Agreement, and (iii) hereby accept the Stock Bonus Award subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth herein and those set forth in the Plan and the Notice. You hereby agree to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions relating to the Plan, the Notice and the Stock Bonus Award.
7.Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Agreement, the Plan and the Notice constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and supersede all prior discussions between them. Any prior agreements, commitments or negotiations concerning the purchase of the Shares hereunder are superseded. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.
8.Compliance with Laws and Regulations. The issuance of Shares will be subject to and conditioned upon compliance by the Company and you with all applicable state, federal and foreign laws and regulations and with all applicable requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Company’s common stock may be listed or quoted at the time of such issuance or transfer. The Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement shall be endorsed with appropriate legends, if any, determined by the Company.
9.Stop Transfer Orders.
(a)Stop-Transfer Notices. You agree that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.
(b)Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as the owner or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.
10.Governing Law; Severability. If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, the parties agree to renegotiate such provision in good faith. In the event that the parties cannot reach a mutually agreeable and enforceable replacement for such provision, then (i) such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, (ii) the balance of this Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded and (iii) the balance of this Agreement shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. This Agreement and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law. For purposes of litigating any dispute that may arise directly or indirectly from the Plan, the Notice and this Agreement, the parties hereby submit and consent to litigation in the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of California and agree that any such litigation shall be conducted only in the courts of California in San Francisco County, California or the federal courts of the United States for the Northern District of California and no other courts.
11.No Rights as Employee, Director or Consultant. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, to terminate your Service, for any reason, with or without Cause.
12.Consent to Electronic Delivery and Acceptance of All Plan Documents and Disclosures. By acceptance of this Stock Bonus Award, you consent to the electronic delivery of the Notice, this Agreement, the Plan, account statements, Plan prospectuses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. financial reports of the Company, and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including, without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements) or other communications or information related to the Stock Bonus Award. Electronic delivery may include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other delivery determined at the Company’s discretion. You acknowledge that you may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost if you contact the Company by telephone, through a postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. You further acknowledge that you will be provided with a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails; similarly, you understand that you must provide on request to the Company or any designated third party a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically if electronic delivery fails. You agree to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company. Also, you understand that your consent may be revoked or changed, including any change in the electronic mail address to which documents are delivered (if you have provided an electronic mail address), at any time by notifying the Company of such revised or revoked consent by telephone, postal service or electronic mail at [insert email]. Finally, you understand that you are not required to consent to electronic delivery.
13.Award Subject to Company Clawback or Recoupment. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Stock Bonus Award shall be subject to clawback or recoupment pursuant to any compensation clawback or recoupment policy adopted by the Board or the Committee or required by law during the term of your employment or other Service that is applicable to you. In addition to any other remedies available under such policy, applicable law may require the cancellation of your Stock Bonus Award and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to your Stock Bonus Award.
BY ACCEPTING THE STOCK BONUS AWARD, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND IN THE PLAN.
EX-10.5
3
exhibit1052021esppq42024.htm
EX-10.5
Document
COINBASE GLOBAL INC.
2021 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
1.PURPOSE. Coinbase Global, Inc. adopted the Plan effective as of the Effective Date. The purpose of this Plan is to provide eligible employees of the Company and the Participating Corporations with a means of acquiring an equity interest in the Company, to enhance such employees’ sense of participation in the affairs of the Company. Capitalized terms not defined elsewhere in the text are defined in Section 28.
2.ESTABLISHMENT OF PLAN. The Company proposes to grant rights to purchase shares of Common Stock to eligible employees of the Company and its Participating Corporations pursuant to this Plan. The Company intends this Plan to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code (including any amendments to or replacements of such Section), and this Plan shall be so construed, although the Company makes no undertaking or representation to maintain such qualification. Any term not expressly defined in this Plan but defined for purposes of Section 423 of the Code shall have the same definition herein. In addition, with regard to offers of options to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan to employees working for a Subsidiary or an Affiliate outside the United States, this Plan authorizes the grant of options under a Non- Section 423 Component that is not intended to meet Section 423 requirements, provided, to the extent necessary under Section 423 of the Code, the other terms and conditions of the Plan are met.
Subject to Section 14, a total Five Million One Hundred Seventy-Four Thousand Six Hundred Forty Four (5,174,644) shares of Common Stock is reserved for issuance under this Plan. In addition, on each January 1st of each fiscal year, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan shall be increased automatically by the number of shares equal to one percent (1%) of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company outstanding (on an as converted to common stock basis) on the immediately preceding December 31st (rounded down to the nearest whole share); provided, that the Board or the Committee may in its sole discretion reduce the amount of the increase in any particular year. Subject to Section 14, no more than Fifty-Two Million (52,000,000) shares of Common Stock may be issued over the term of this Plan. The number of shares initially reserved for issuance under this Plan and the maximum number of shares that may be issued under this Plan shall be subject to adjustments effected in accordance with Section 14. Any or all such shares may be granted under the Section 423 Component.
3.ADMINISTRATION. The Plan will be administered by the Committee. Subject to the provisions of this Plan and the limitations of Section 423 of the Code or any successor provision in the Code, all questions of interpretation or application of this Plan shall be determined by the Committee and its decisions shall be final and binding upon all eligible employees and Participants. The Committee will have full and exclusive discretionary authority to construe, interpret and apply the terms of the Plan, to determine eligibility, to designate the Participating Corporations, to determine whether Participating Corporations shall participate in the Section 423 Component or Non-Section 423 Component and to decide upon any and all claims filed under the Plan. Every finding, decision and determination made by the Committee will, to the full extent permitted by law, be final and binding upon all parties.
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Plan, the Committee may adopt rules, sub-plans, and/or procedures relating to the operation and administration of the Plan designed to comply with local laws, regulations or customs or to achieve tax, securities law or other objectives for eligible employees outside of the United States. The Committee will have the authority to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock (which determination shall be final, binding and conclusive for all purposes) in accordance with Section 8 below and to interpret Section 8 of the Plan in connection with circumstances that impact the Fair Market Value. Members of the Committee shall receive no compensation for their services in connection with the administration of this Plan, other than standard fees as established from time to time by the Board for services rendered by Board members serving on Board committees. All expenses incurred in connection with the administration of this Plan shall be paid by the Company. For purposes of this Plan, the Committee may designate separate offerings under the Plan (the terms of which need not be identical) in which eligible employees of one or more Participating Corporations will participate, and the provisions of the Plan will separately apply to each such separate offering even if the dates of the applicable Offering Periods of each such offering are identical. To the extent permitted by Section 423 of the Code, the terms of each separate offering under the Plan need not be identical, provided that the rights and privileges established with respect to a particular offering are applied in an identical manner to all employees of every Participating Corporation whose employees are granted options under that particular offering. The Committee may establish rules to govern the terms of the Plan and the offering that will apply to Participants who transfer employment between the Company and Participating Corporations or between Participating Corporations, in accordance with requirements under Section 423 of the Code to the extent applicable.
4.ELIGIBILITY.
(a)Any employee of the Company or the Participating Corporations is eligible to participate in an Offering Period under this Plan, except that one or more of the following categories of employees may be excluded from coverage under the Plan if determined by the Committee (other than where such exclusion is prohibited by applicable law):
(i)employees who do not meet eligibility requirements that the Committee may choose to impose (within the limits permitted by the Code);
(ii)employees who are not employed by the Company or a Participating Corporation prior to the beginning of such Offering Period or prior to such other time period as specified by the Committee;
(iii)employees who are customarily employed for twenty (20) or less hours per week;
(iv)employees who are customarily employed for five (5) months or less in a calendar year;
(v)(a) employees who are “highly compensated employees” of the Company or any Participating Corporation (within the meaning of Section 414(q) of the Code), or (b) any employees who are “highly compensated employees” with compensation above a specified level, who is an officer and/or is subject to the disclosure requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act;
(vi)employees who are citizens or residents of a foreign jurisdiction (without regard to whether they are also a citizen of the United States or a resident alien (within the meaning of Section 7701(b)(1)(A) of the Code)) if either (i) such employee’s participation is prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction governing such employee, or (ii) compliance with the laws of the foreign jurisdiction would violate the requirements of Section 423 of the Code; and
(vii)individuals who provide services to the Company or any of its Participating Corporations who are reclassified as common law employees for any reason except for federal income and employment tax purposes.
The foregoing notwithstanding, an individual shall not be eligible if his or her participation in the Plan is prohibited by the law of any country that has jurisdiction over him or her, if complying with the laws of the applicable country would cause the Plan to violate Section 423 of the Code, or if he or she is subject to a collective bargaining agreement that does not provide for participation in the Plan.
(b)No employee who, together with any other person whose stock would be attributed to such employee pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code, owns stock or holds options to purchase stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or its Parent or Subsidiary or who, as a result of being granted an option under this Plan with respect to such Offering Period, would own stock or hold options to purchase stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company or its Parent or Subsidiary shall be granted an option to purchase Common Stock under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code shall apply in determining share ownership and the extent to which shares held under outstanding equity awards are to be treated as owned by the employee.
5.OFFERING DATES.
(a)Each Offering Period of this Plan may be of up to twenty-seven (27) months duration and shall commence and end at the times designated by the Committee. Each Offering Period shall consist of one or more Purchase Periods during which Contributions made by Participants are accumulated under this Plan.
(b)The initial Offering Period shall commence on the Effective Date and shall end with the Purchase Date that occurs on April 30, 2023 which is no more than twenty-seven (27) months after the commencement of the initial Offering period. The initial Offering Period shall consist of four Purchase Periods, with purchases on October 31, 2021, April 30, 2022, October 31, 2022, and April 30, 2023. A twenty-four (24) month Offering Period shall commence on each May 1 and November 1 after the start of the Initial Offering Period, with each such Offering Period also consisting of four separate six (6)-month Purchase Periods, except as otherwise provided by an applicable sub-plan, or on such other date determined by the Committee. The Committee may at any time establish a different duration for an Offering Period or Purchase Period to be effective after the next scheduled Purchase Date, up to a maximum duration of twenty-seven (27) months.
6.PARTICIPATION IN THIS PLAN.
(a)Any employee who is an eligible employee determined in accordance with Section 4 will be eligible to participate in this Plan, subject to the requirement of Section 6(b) hereof and the other terms and provisions of this Plan.
(b)A Participant may elect to participate in this Plan by submitting an enrollment agreement prior to the commencement of the Offering Period (or such earlier date as the Committee may determine) to which such agreement relates.
(c)Once an employee becomes a Participant in an Offering Period, then such Participant will automatically participate in each subsequent Offering Period commencing immediately following the last day of the prior Offering Period unless the Participant withdraws or is deemed to withdraw from this Plan or terminates further participation in an Offering Period as set forth in Section 11 below. A Participant who is continuing participation pursuant to the preceding sentence is not required to file any additional enrollment agreement in order to continue participation in this Plan; a Participant who is not continuing participation pursuant to the preceding sentence is required to file an enrollment agreement prior to the commencement of the Offering Period (or such earlier date as the Committee may determine) to which such agreement relates.
7.GRANT OF OPTION ON ENROLLMENT. Becoming a Participant with respect to an Offering Period will constitute the grant (as of the Offering Date) by the Company to such Participant of an option to purchase on the Purchase Date up to that number of shares of Common Stock determined by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount accumulated in such Participant’s Contribution account during such Purchase Period and the denominator of which is the lower of (i) eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Offering Date (but in no event less than the par value of a share of the Common Stock), or (ii) eighty-five percent (85%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of the Common Stock on the Purchase Date; provided, however, that for the Purchase Period within the initial Offering Period the numerator shall be fifteen percent (15%) of the Participant’s compensation for such Purchase Period, or such lower percentage as determined by the Committee prior to the start of the Offering Period, and provided, further, that the number of shares of Common Stock subject to any option granted pursuant to this Plan shall not exceed the lesser of (x) the maximum number of shares set by the Committee pursuant to Section 10(b) below with respect to the applicable Purchase Date, or (y) the maximum number of shares which may be purchased pursuant to Section 10(a) below with respect to the applicable Purchase Date.
8.PURCHASE PRICE. The Purchase Price per share at which a share of Common Stock will be sold in any Offering Period shall be eighty-five percent (85%) of the lesser of:
(a)The Fair Market Value on the Offering Date; or
(b)The Fair Market Value on the Purchase Date.
9.PAYMENT OF PURCHASE PRICE; CONTRIBUTION CHANGES; SHARE ISSUANCES.
(a)The Purchase Price shall be accumulated by regular payroll deductions made during each Offering Period, unless the Committee determines that contributions may be made in another form (including but not limited to with respect to categories of Participants outside the United States that Contributions may be made in another form due to local legal requirements). The Contributions are made as a percentage of the Participant’s Compensation in one percent (1%) increments not less than one percent (1%), nor greater than fifteen percent (15%) or such lower limit set by the Committee. “Compensation” shall mean base salary or regular hourly wages; however, the Committee shall have discretion to adopt a definition of Compensation from time to time of all cash compensation reported on the employee's Form W-2 or corresponding local country tax return, including without limitation base salary or regular hourly wages, bonuses, incentive compensation, commissions, overtime, shift premiums, pay during leaves of absence, and draws against commissions (or in foreign jurisdictions, equivalent cash compensation). For purposes of determining a Participant’s Compensation, any election by such Participant to reduce his or her regular cash remuneration under Sections 125 or 401(k) of the Code (or in foreign jurisdictions, equivalent deductions) shall be treated as if the Participant did not make such election. Contributions shall commence on the first payday following the last Purchase Date (with respect to the initial Offering Period, as soon as practicable following the effective date of filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a securities registration statement for the Plan) and shall continue to the end of the Offering Period unless sooner altered or terminated as provided in this Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms of any sub-plan may permit matching shares without the payment of any purchase price.
(b)A Participant may decrease the rate of Contributions during an Offering Period by filing with the Company or a third party designated by the Company a new authorization for Contributions, with the new rate to become effective no later than the second payroll period commencing after the Company’s receipt of the authorization and continuing for the remainder of the Offering Period unless changed as described below. A decrease in the rate of Contributions may be made twice during the initial Offering Period and once during any subsequent Offering Periods, or more frequently under rules determined by the Committee. A Participant may increase or decrease the rate of Contributions for any subsequent Offering Period by filing with the Company or a third party designated by the Company a new authorization for Contributions prior to the beginning of such Offering Period, or such other time period as specified by the Committee.
(c)A Participant may reduce his or her Contribution percentage to zero during an Offering Period by filing with the Company or a third party designated by the Company a request for cessation of Contributions. Such reduction shall be effective beginning no later than the second payroll period after the Company’s receipt of the request and no further Contributions will be made for the duration of the Offering Period. Contributions credited to the Participant’s account prior to the effective date of the request shall be used to purchase shares of Common Stock in accordance with Subsection (e) below. A reduction of the Contribution percentage to zero shall be treated as such Participant’s withdrawal from such Offering Period and the Plan, effective as of the day after the next Purchase Date following the filing date of such request with the Company.
(d)All Contributions made for a Participant are credited to his or her book account under this Plan and are deposited with the general funds of the Company, except to the extent local legal restrictions outside the United States require segregation of such Contributions. No interest accrues on the Contributions, except to the extent required due to local legal requirements. All Contributions received or held by the Company may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such Contributions, except to the extent necessary to comply with local legal requirements outside the United States.
(e)On each Purchase Date, so long as this Plan remains in effect and provided that the Participant has not submitted a signed and completed withdrawal form before that date which notifies the Company that the Participant wishes to withdraw from that Offering Period under this Plan and have all Contributions accumulated in the account maintained on behalf of the Participant as of that date returned to the Participant, the Company shall apply the funds then in the Participant’s account to the purchase of whole shares of Common Stock reserved under the option granted to such Participant with respect to the Offering Period to the extent that such option is exercisable on the Purchase Date. The Purchase Price per share shall be as specified in Section 8 of this Plan. Any fractional share, as calculated under this Subsection (e), shall be rounded down to the next lower whole share, unless the Committee determines with respect to all Participants that any fractional share shall be credited as a fractional share. Any amount remaining in a Participant’s account on a Purchase Date which is less than the amount necessary to purchase a full share of the Common Stock shall be carried forward without interest (except to the extent necessary to comply with local legal requirements outside the United States) into the next Purchase Period or Offering Period, as the case may be; however, the Committee may determine that such amounts should be refunded without interest. In the event that this Plan has been oversubscribed, all funds not used to purchase shares on the Purchase Date shall be returned to the Participant, without interest (except to the extent required due to local legal requirements outside the United States). No Common Stock shall be purchased on a Purchase Date on behalf of any employee whose participation in this Plan has terminated prior to such Purchase Date, except to the extent required due to local legal requirements outside the United States.
(f)As promptly as practicable after the Purchase Date, the Company shall issue shares for the Participant’s benefit representing the shares purchased upon exercise of his or her option.
(g)During a Participant’s lifetime, his or her option to purchase shares hereunder is exercisable only by him or her. The Participant will have no interest or voting right in shares covered by his or her option until such option has been exercised.
(h)To the extent required by applicable federal, state, local or foreign law, a Participant shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company and the Participating Corporation employing the Participant for the satisfaction of any withholding tax obligations that arise in connection with the Plan. The Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate, as applicable, may withhold, by any method permissible under the applicable law, the amount necessary for the Company or Subsidiary or Affiliate, as applicable, to meet applicable withholding obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company or Subsidiary or Affiliate, as applicable, any tax deductions or benefits attributable to the sale or early disposition of shares of Common Stock by a Participant. The Company shall not be required to issue any shares of Common Stock under the Plan until such obligations are satisfied.
10.LIMITATIONS ON SHARES TO BE PURCHASED.
(a)Any other provision of the Plan notwithstanding, no Participant shall purchase Common Stock with a Fair Market Value in excess of the following limit:
(i)In the case of Common Stock purchased during an Offering Period that commenced in the current calendar year, the limit shall be equal to (A) $25,000 minus (B) the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock that the Participant previously purchased in the current calendar year (under this Plan and all other employee stock purchase plans of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary).
(ii)In the case of Common Stock purchased during an Offering Period that commenced in the immediately preceding calendar year, the limit shall be equal to (A) $50,000 minus (B) the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock that the Participant previously purchased (under this Plan and all other employee stock purchase plans of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary) in the current calendar year and in the immediately preceding calendar year.
(iii)In the case of Common Stock purchased during an Offering Period that commenced two calendar years prior, the limit shall be equal to (A) $75,000 minus (B) the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock that the Participant previously purchased (under this Plan and all other employee stock purchase plans of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary) in the current calendar year and in the two immediately preceding calendar years.
For purposes of this Subsection (a), the Fair Market Value of Common Stock shall be determined in each case as of the beginning of the Offering Period in which such Common Stock is purchased. Employee stock purchase plans not described in Section 423 of the Code shall be disregarded. If a Participant is precluded by this Subsection (a) from purchasing additional Common Stock under the Plan, then his or her Contributions shall automatically be discontinued and shall automatically resume at the beginning of the earliest Purchase Period that will end in the next calendar year (if he or she then is an eligible employee), provided that when the Company automatically resumes such Contributions, the Company must apply the rate in effect immediately prior to such suspension.
(b)In no event shall a Participant be permitted to purchase more than Five Thousand (5,000) shares on any one Purchase Date or such lesser number as the Committee shall determine. If a lower limit is set under this Subsection (b), then all Participants will be notified of such limit prior to the commencement of the next Offering Period for which it is to be effective.
(c)If the number of shares to be purchased on a Purchase Date by all Participants exceeds the number of shares then available for issuance under this Plan, then the Company will make a pro rata allocation of the remaining shares in as uniform a manner as shall be reasonably practicable and as the Committee shall determine to be equitable. In such event, the Company will give notice of such reduction of the number of shares to be purchased under a Participant’s option to each Participant affected.
(d)Any Contributions accumulated in a Participant’s account which are not used to purchase stock due to the limitations in this Section 10, and not covered by Section 9(e), shall be returned to the Participant as soon as practicable after the end of the applicable Purchase Period, without interest (except to the extent required due to local legal requirements outside the United States).
11.WITHDRAWAL.
(a)Each Participant may withdraw from an Offering Period under this Plan pursuant to a method specified for such purpose by the Company. Such withdrawal may be elected at any time prior to the end of an Offering Period, or such other time period as specified by the Committee.
(b)Upon withdrawal from this Plan, the accumulated Contributions shall be returned to the withdrawn Participant, without interest (except to the extent required due to local legal requirements outside the United States), and his or her interest in this Plan shall terminate. In the event a Participant voluntarily elects to withdraw from this Plan, he or she may not resume his or her participation in this Plan during the same Offering Period, but he or she may participate in any Offering Period under this Plan which commences on a date subsequent to such withdrawal by filing a new authorization for Contributions in the same manner as set forth in Section 6 above for initial participation in this Plan.
(c)To the extent applicable, if the Fair Market Value on the first day of the current Offering Period in which a participant is enrolled is higher than the Fair Market Value on the first day of any subsequent Offering Period, the Company will automatically enroll such participant in the subsequent Offering Period. Any funds accumulated in a Participant’s account prior to the first day of such subsequent Offering Period will be applied to the purchase of shares on the Purchase Date immediately prior to the first day of such subsequent Offering Period, if any.
12.TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Termination of a Participant’s employment for any reason, including retirement, death, disability, or the failure of a Participant to remain an eligible employee of the Company or of a Participating Corporation, immediately terminates his or her participation in this Plan (except as required due to local legal requirements outside the United States). In such event, accumulated Contributions credited to the Participant’s account will be returned to him or her or, in the case of his or her death, to his or her legal representative, without interest (except to the extent required due to local legal requirements outside the United States). For purposes of this Section 12, an employee will not be deemed to have terminated employment or failed to remain in the continuous employ of the Company or of a Participating Corporation in the case of sick leave, military leave, or any other leave of absence approved by the Company; provided that such leave is for a period of not more than ninety (90) days or reemployment upon the expiration of such leave is guaranteed by contract or statute. The Company will have sole discretion to determine whether a Participant has terminated employment and the effective date on which the Participant terminated employment, regardless of any notice period or garden leave required under local law.
13.RETURN OF CONTRIBUTIONS. In the event a Participant’s interest in this Plan is terminated by withdrawal, termination of employment or otherwise, or in the event this Plan is terminated by the Board, the Company shall deliver to the Participant all accumulated Contributions credited to such Participant’s account. No interest shall accrue on the Contributions of a Participant in this Plan (except to the extent required due to local legal requirements outside the United States).
14.CAPITAL CHANGES. If the number and class of outstanding shares is changed by a stock dividend, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, subdivision, combination, reclassification or similar change in the capital structure of the Company, without consideration, then the Committee shall adjust the number and class of Common Stock that may be delivered under the Plan, the Purchase Price per share and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each option under the Plan which has not yet been exercised, and the numerical limits of Sections 2 and 10 shall be proportionately adjusted, subject to any required action by the Board or the stockholders of the Company and in compliance with the applicable securities laws; provided that fractions of a share will not be issued.
15.NONASSIGNABILITY. Neither Contributions credited to a Participant’s account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an option or to receive shares under this Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or as provided in Section 22 below) by the Participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be void and without effect.
16.USE OF PARTICIPANT FUNDS AND REPORTS. The Company may use all Contributions received or held by it under the Plan for any corporate purpose, and the Company will not be required to segregate Participant Contributions (except to the extent required due to local legal requirements outside the United States). Until shares are issued, Participants will only have the rights of an unsecured creditor unless otherwise required under local law. Each Participant shall receive, or have access to, promptly after the end of each Purchase Period a report of his or her account setting forth the total Contributions accumulated, the number of shares purchased, the per share price thereof and the remaining cash balance, if any, carried forward to the next Purchase Period or Offering Period, as the case may be.
17.NOTICE OF DISPOSITION. Each U.S. taxpayer Participant shall notify the Company in writing if the Participant disposes of any of the shares purchased in any Offering Period pursuant to this Plan if such disposition occurs within two (2) years from the Offering Date or within one (1) year from the Purchase Date on which such shares were purchased (the “Notice Period”). The Company may, at any time during the Notice Period, place a legend or legends on any certificate representing shares acquired pursuant to this Plan requesting the Company’s transfer agent to notify the Company of any transfer of the shares. The obligation of the Participant to provide such notice shall continue notwithstanding the placement of any such legend on the certificates.
18.NO RIGHTS TO CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT. Neither this Plan nor the grant of any option hereunder shall confer any right on any employee to remain in the employ of the Company or any Participating Corporation, or restrict the right of the Company or any Participating Corporation to terminate such employee’s employment.
19.EQUAL RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES. All eligible employees granted an option under the Section 423 Component of this Plan shall have equal rights and privileges with respect to this Plan or within any separate offering under the Plan so that this Plan qualifies as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423 or any successor provision of the Code and the related regulations. Any provision of this Plan which is inconsistent with Section 423 or any successor provision of the Code, without further act or amendment by the Company, the Committee or the Board, shall be reformed to comply with the requirements of Section 423. This Section 19 shall take precedence over all other provisions in this Plan.
20.NOTICES. All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Company under or in connection with this Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.
21.TERM; STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL. This Plan will become effective on the Effective Date. This Plan shall be approved by the stockholders of the Company, in any manner permitted by applicable corporate law, within twelve (12) months before or after the date this Plan is adopted by the Board. No purchase of shares that are subject to such stockholder approval before becoming available under this Plan shall occur prior to stockholder approval of such shares and the Board or Committee may delay any Purchase Date and postpone the commencement of any Offering Period subsequent to such Purchase Date as deemed necessary or desirable to obtain such approval (provided that if a Purchase Date would occur more than six (6) months after commencement of the Offering Period to which it relates, then such Purchase Date shall not occur and instead such Offering Period shall terminate without the purchase of such shares and Participants in such Offering Period shall be refunded their Contributions without interest). This Plan shall continue until the earlier to occur of (a) termination of this Plan by the Board (which termination may be effected by the Board at any time pursuant to Section 25 below), (b) issuance of all of the shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under this Plan, or (c) the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date.
22.DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY.
(a)If authorized by the Committee, a Participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the Participant’s account under this Plan in the event of such Participant’s death prior to a Purchase Date. Such form shall be valid only if it was filed with the Company at the prescribed location before the Participant’s death.
(b)If authorized by the Company, such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the Participant at any time by written notice filed with the Company at the prescribed location before the Participant’s death. In the event of the death of a Participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under this Plan who is living at the time of such Participant’s death, the Company shall deliver such cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the Participant or to the legal heirs of the Participant.
23.CONDITIONS UPON ISSUANCE OF SHARES; LIMITATION ON SALE OF SHARES. Shares shall not be issued with respect to an option unless the exercise of such option and the issuance and delivery of such shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange or automated quotation system upon which the shares may then be listed, exchange control restrictions and/or securities law restrictions outside the United States, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. Shares may be held in trust or subject to further restrictions as permitted by any subplan.
24.APPLICABLE LAW. The Plan shall be governed by the substantive laws (excluding the conflict of laws rules) of the State of Delaware.
25.AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may amend, suspend, or terminate the Plan, or any part thereof, at any time and for any reason. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, if the Plan is terminated, the Committee, in its discretion, may elect to terminate all outstanding Offering Periods either immediately or upon completion of the purchase of shares of Common Stock on the next Purchase Date (which may be sooner than originally scheduled, if determined by the Committee in its discretion), or may elect to permit Offering Periods to expire in accordance with their terms (and subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 14). If an Offering Period is terminated prior to its previously-scheduled expiration, all amounts then credited to Participants’ accounts for such Offering Period, which have not been used to purchase shares of Common Stock, shall be returned to those Participants (without interest thereon, except as otherwise required under local laws) as soon as administratively practicable. Further, the Committee will be entitled to change the Purchase Periods and Offering Periods, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount contributed during an Offering Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts contributed in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit payroll withholding in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the administration of the Plan, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each Participant properly correspond with amounts contributed from the Participant’s base salary and other eligible compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Committee determines in its sole discretion advisable which are consistent with the Plan. Such actions will not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Participants. However, no amendment shall be made without approval of the stockholders of the Company (obtained in accordance with Section 21 above) within twelve (12) months of the adoption of such amendment (or earlier if required by Section 21) if such amendment would: (a) increase the number of shares that may be issued under this Plan; or (b) change the designation of the employees (or class of employees) eligible for participation in this Plan. In addition, in the event the Board or Committee determines that the ongoing operation of the Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Board or Committee may, in its discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify, amend or terminate the Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequences including, but not limited to: (i) amending the definition of compensation, including with respect to an Offering Period underway at the time; (ii) altering the Purchase Price for any Offering Period including an Offering Period underway at the time of the change in Purchase Price; (iii) shortening any Offering Period by setting a Purchase Date, including an Offering Period underway at the time of the Committee’s action; (iv) reducing the maximum percentage of Compensation a participant may elect to set aside as Contributions; and (v) reducing the maximum number of shares a Participant may purchase during any Offering Period. Such modifications or amendments will not require approval of the stockholders of the Company or the consent of any Participants.
26.CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, the Offering Period for each outstanding right to purchase Common Stock will be shortened by setting a new Purchase Date and will end on the new Purchase Date. The new Purchase Date shall occur on or prior to the consummation of the Corporate Transaction, as determined by the Board or Committee, and the Plan shall terminate on the consummation of the Corporate Transaction.
27.CODE SECTION 409A; TAX QUALIFICATION.
(a)Options granted under the Plan generally are exempt from the application of Section 409A of the Code. However, options granted to U.S. taxpayers which are not intended to meet the Code Section 423 requirements are intended to be exempt from the application of Section 409A of the Code under the short-term deferral exception and any ambiguities shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent. Subject to Subsection (b), options granted to U.S. taxpayers outside of the Code Section 423 requirements shall be subject to such terms and conditions that will permit such options to satisfy the requirements of the short-term deferral exception available under Section 409A of the Code, including the requirement that the shares of Common Stock subject to an option be delivered within the short-term deferral period. Subject to Subsection (b), in the case of a Participant who would otherwise be subject to Section 409A of the Code, to the extent the Committee determines that an option or the exercise, payment, settlement or deferral thereof is subject to Section 409A of the Code, the option shall be granted, exercised, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will comply with Section 409A of the Code, including Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability to a Participant or any other party if the option that is intended to be exempt from or compliant with Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Committee with respect thereto.
(b)Although the Company may endeavor to (i) qualify an option for favorable tax treatment under the laws of the United States or jurisdictions outside of the United States or (ii) avoid adverse tax treatment (e.g., under Section 409A of the Code), the Company makes no representation to that effect and expressly disavows any covenant to maintain favorable or avoid unfavorable tax treatment, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, including Subsection (a). The Company shall be unconstrained in its corporate activities without regard to the potential negative tax impact on Participants under the Plan.
28.DEFINITIONS.
(a)“Affiliate” means any entity, other than a Subsidiary or Parent, (i) that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by, controls or is under common control with, the Company and (ii) in which the Company has a significant equity interest, in either case as determined by the Committee, whether now or hereafter existing.
(b)“Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.
(c)“Code” shall mean the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d)“Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board that consists exclusively of one or more members of the Board appointed by the Board.
(e)“Common Stock” shall mean the common stock of the Company.
(f)“Company” shall mean Coinbase Global, Inc.
(g)“Contributions” means payroll deductions taken from a Participant's Compensation and used to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan and, to the extent payroll deductions are not permitted by applicable laws (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) contributions by other means, provided, however, that allowing such other contributions does not jeopardize the qualification of the Plan as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Plan.
(h)“Corporate Transaction” means the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; or (ii) the consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or (iii) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation.
(i)“Effective Date” shall mean the date on which the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 in connection with its direct listing of Common Stock is declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
(j)“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(k)“Fair Market Value” shall mean, as of any date, the value of a share of Common Stock determined as follows:
(1)if such Common Stock is then quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Capital Market (collectively, the “Nasdaq Market”), its closing price on the Nasdaq Market on the date of determination, or if there are no sales for such date, then the last preceding business day on which there were sales, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board or the Committee deems reliable;
(2)if such Common Stock is publicly traded and is then listed on a national securities exchange, its closing price on the date of determination on the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board or the Committee deems reliable;
(3)if such Common Stock is publicly traded but is neither quoted on the Nasdaq Market nor listed or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on the date of determination as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Board or the Committee deems reliable; or
(4)if none of the foregoing is applicable, by the Board or the Committee in good faith.
(l)“Non-Section 423 Component” means the part of the Plan which is not intended to meet the requirements set forth in Section 423 of the Code.
(m)“Notice Period” shall mean within two (2) years from the Offering Date or within one (1) year from the Purchase Date on which such shares were purchased.
(n)“Offering Date” shall mean the first business day of each Offering Period. However, for the initial Offering Period the Offering Date shall be the Effective Date.
(o)“Offering Period” shall mean a period with respect to which the right to purchase Common Stock may be granted under the Plan, as determined by the Committee pursuant to Section 5(a).
(p)“Parent” shall have the same meaning as “parent corporation” in Sections 424(e) and 424(f) of the Code.
(q)“Participant” shall mean an eligible employee who meets the eligibility requirements set forth in Section 4 and who is either automatically enrolled in the initial Offering Period or who elects to participate in this Plan pursuant to Section 6(b).
(r)“Participating Corporation” shall mean any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate that the Committee designates from time to time as eligible to participate in this Plan. For purposes of the Section 423 Component, only the Parent and Subsidiaries may be Participating Corporations, provided, however, that at any given time a Parent or Subsidiary that is a Participating Corporation under the Section 423 Component shall not be a Participating Corporation under the Non-Section 423 Component. The Committee may provide that any Participating Corporation shall only be eligible to participate in the Non-Section 423 Component.
(s)“Plan” shall mean this 2021 Coinbase Global, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as may be amended from time to time.
(t)“Purchase Date” shall mean the last business day of each Purchase Period.
(u)“Purchase Period” shall mean a period during which Contributions may be made toward the purchase of Common Stock under the Plan, as determined by the Committee pursuant to Section 5(b).
(v)“Purchase Price” shall mean the price at which Participants may purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan, as determined pursuant to Section 8.
(w)“Section 423 Component” means the part of the Plan, which excludes the Non-Section 423 Component, pursuant to which options to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan that satisfy the requirements for “employee stock purchase plans” set forth in Section 423 of the Code may be granted to eligible employees.
(x)“Subsidiary” shall have the same meaning as “subsidiary corporation” in Sections 424(e) and 424(f) of the Code.
Coinbase Global, Inc. (the “Company”) Enrollment Confirmation / Change Form
2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning given to them in the ESPP.
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Section 1:
Actions
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Check Desired Action: And Complete Sections:
☐ Enroll in the ESPP 2 + 3 + 4 + 12
☐ Elect / Change Contribution Percentage 2 + 4 + 12
☐ Discontinue/Withdraw from ESPP 2 + 5 + 12
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Section 2:
Personal Data
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Name: _______________________________________________________
Home Address: ________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Employee ID: _________________________________________________
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Section 3:
Enroll
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☐ I hereby elect to participate in the Company’s 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), effective at the beginning of the next Offering Period. I elect to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock (“Shares”) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the ESPP and this Enrollment Confirmation / Change Form (this “Agreement”). I understand that the Shares purchased on my behalf will be issued in street name and deposited directly into my brokerage account. I hereby agree to take all steps, and sign all forms, required to establish an account with the Company’s broker for this purpose.
My participation in the ESPP will continue to be governed by this Agreement and the ESPP as long as I remain eligible to participate in the ESPP, unless I withdraw from the ESPP by filing a new Enrollment Confirmation / Change Form with the Company or any third party designated by the Company. At its discretion and to the extent permitted by the ESPP, the Company may amend the ESPP and/or this Agreement, and by continuing to participate in the ESPP and without the need to provide affirmative consent, I agree to the terms and conditions of the amended ESPP and/or Agreement.
I understand that I must notify the Company of any disposition of Shares purchased under the ESPP.
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Section 4:
Elect / Change Contribution Percentage
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I hereby authorize the Company to withhold from each of my paychecks such amount as is equal to ___% of my Compensation paid during such Purchase Period, as long as I continue to participate in the ESPP. My Contributions, plus any accumulated Contributions thus far during the current Purchase Period if this is a change, will be applied to the purchase of Shares pursuant to the ESPP. The percentage must be a whole number (from 1% up to a maximum of 15%).
If this is a change to my current enrollment, this represents an ☐-increase ☐-decrease to my contribution percentage.
Note: You may not increase your Contributions at any time within an ongoing Offering Period. An increase in your contribution percentage can only take effect with the next Offering Period. You may decrease your contribution percentage to a percentage other than 0% only once within an Offering Period to be effective during that Offering Period. A change will become effective as soon as reasonably practicable after this Agreement is received by the Company.
Furthermore, I acknowledge that applicable law (including, but not limited to, minimum salary and minimum subsistence level requirements) may limit the percentage of payroll deductions I am able to contribute to the ESPP, and the Company will lower my elected percentage of Contribution if such election results in an amount of overall deductions from payroll that is greater than the amount permitted under applicable law, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion.
Upon request of the Company, or if different, the Participating Corporation that employs me (the “Employer”), I agree to execute a power of attorney and any other agreement or consent that may be required to authorize payroll deductions in accordance with applicable law and/or enable the Employer, any other Subsidiary or Affiliate, or any third party designated by the Employer or the Company to remit accumulated payroll deductions from my country to the United States for the purchase of Shares. I understand that if I fail to execute a power of attorney or any other form of agreement or consent that is required for the authorization of payroll deductions or remittance of my payroll deductions, I will not be able to participate in the ESPP.
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Section 5:
Withdraw from ESPP / Discontinue Contributions
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DO NOT CHECK THE BOX BELOW IF YOU WISH TO CONTINUE PARTICIPATION IN THE ESPP
☐ I hereby elect to withdraw from the ESPP and stop my Contributions under the ESPP, effective as soon as reasonably practicable after this Agreement is received by the Company. Accumulated Contributions will be returned to me without interest.
Please ☐-refund all Contributions to me in cash, without interest, except as may be required by applicable law, OR ☐- use my Contributions to purchase Shares on the next Purchase Date. I understand that I cannot resume participation until the start of the next Offering Period and must timely file a new Enrollment Confirmation / Change Form to do so.
Note: No future Contributions will be made if you elect to discontinue Contributions or withdraw from the ESPP. You may enroll in subsequent Offering Periods.
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Section 6:
Compliance with Law
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Unless there is an available exemption from any registration, qualification or other legal requirement applicable to the Shares, the Company shall not be required to deliver any Shares under the ESPP prior to the completion of any registration or qualification of the Shares under any applicable law, or prior to obtaining any approval or other clearance from any local, state, federal or foreign governmental agency, which registration, qualification or approval the Company shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable. I agree that the Company shall have unilateral authority to amend the ESPP and this Agreement without my consent to the extent necessary to comply with securities or other laws applicable to the issuance of Shares. |
Section 7:
No Advice Regarding Grant
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The Company is not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor is the Company making any recommendations regarding my participation in the ESPP or my acquisition or sale of Shares. I understand that I should consult with my own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding my participation in the ESPP before taking any action related to the ESPP. |
Section 8:
Electronic Delivery and Acceptance
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The Company may, in its sole discretion, decide to deliver any documents related to current or future participation in the ESPP by electronic means. I hereby consent to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agree to participate in the ESPP through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company. |
Section 9:
Severability
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The provisions of this Agreement and the appendices are severable and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions will nevertheless be binding and enforceable. |
Section 10:
Waiver
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I acknowledge that a waiver by the Company of breach of any provision of this Agreement will not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement or of any subsequent breach by me or any other participant. |
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Section 11:
Non-U.S. Additional Terms and Conditions
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Notwithstanding any provisions in this Agreement, I understand that if I am working or resident in a country other than the United States, my participation in the ESPP also will be subject to the additional terms and conditions set forth in Appendix A attached hereto and any special terms and conditions for my country set forth in Appendix B attached hereto. Moreover, if I relocate to one of the countries included in Appendix B, the special terms and conditions for such country will apply to me to the extent the Company determines that the application of such terms and conditions is necessary or advisable for legal or administrative reasons. Appendix A and Appendix B constitute part of this Agreement. |
Section 12:
Acknowledgment and Signature
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I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the ESPP Prospectus (which summarizes the major features of the ESPP) and the ESPP. I have read the ESPP Prospectus, and my signature below indicates that I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the ESPP.
Signature: ________________________________ Date: __________________________
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EX-10.12
4
exhibit1012amendedandresta.htm
EX-10.12
Document
AMENDED AND RESTATED CHANGE OF CONTROL AND SEVERANCE POLICY
(Effective Date: October 16, 2024)
(1)Overview. This Change of Control and Severance Policy (the “Policy”) of Coinbase Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) was originally effective as of February 13, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) and may be amended from time to time.
(a)Purpose and Participation. The purpose of this Policy is to provide specified benefits to employees Level 10, 11 or 12 and above of the Company or other such person or persons as may be specifically designated by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) or compensation committee thereof (the “Committee”) (such employees, the “Participants”), in order to induce the Participants to remain employed by the Company. If the Administrator (as defined below) so determines, in its sole discretion, Participants may be provided participation letters or agreements (“Participation Letters”) memorializing their participation in this Policy in accordance with the terms herewith.
(b)Term and Automatic Renewal. This Policy had an initial term of three (3) years commencing on the Effective Date (the “Initial Expiration Date”). This Policy will renew automatically and continue in effect for three (3) year periods measured from the Initial Expiration Date (the end of each three (3) year period shall be defined as an “Expiration Date”), unless the Company provides each Participant hereunder notice of nonrenewal at least three (3) months prior to an Expiration Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a definitive agreement relating to a Change of Control has been signed by the Company on or before an Expiration Date, then this Policy will remain in effect through the date the Company has met all of its obligations hereunder.
(2)Qualifying Termination. If a Participant is Level 10 or above and is subject to a Qualifying Termination, then subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Policy, the Participant will be entitled to the following benefits:
(a)Severance Benefits.
(i)The Company will pay the Participant six (6) months, or such other number of months as may be set forth in the Participant’s Participation Letter, of his or her base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the actions that resulted in the Qualifying Termination.
(ii)The Participant will receive his or her severance payment in a cash lump sum in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll procedures, which payment will be made no later than the first regular payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following the Separation, provided that the Release Conditions have been satisfied
(b)Continued Employee Benefits for US Employees.
(i)If Participant timely elects continued coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), the Company will pay the full amount of Participant’s COBRA premiums on behalf of the Participant (and his or her eligible dependents) for continued coverage under the Company’s health benefit plans for up to six (6) months, or such other number of months as may be set forth in the Participant’s Participation Letter, following the Participant’s Separation, in any case, only until Participant is eligible to be covered under substantially equivalent group insurance plans of a subsequent employer, provided, however, that if the Release Conditions are not satisfied, then the COBRA subsidies described in this subsection (i) will immediately cease as of the sixtieth (60th) day following the Separation, and any COBRA subsidies previously paid by the Company will immediately become due and repayable in full (gross of any applicable taxes) by the Participant.
(ii)Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that it cannot provide the foregoing subsidy of COBRA coverage without potentially violating, or causing the Company to incur additional expense as a result of noncompliance with, applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), then the Company instead will provide Participant a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the full monthly COBRA premium for the Participant (and his or her eligible dependents) to continue the coverage in effect on the date of the Separation, which amounts will: (A) be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage, (B) not be grossed up to account for taxes and/or withholding on such amounts, (C) be paid regardless of whether Participant elects COBRA continuation coverage, (D) commence on the later of (1) the first day of the month following the month in which Participant experiences a Separation and (2) the effective date of the Company’s determination of violation of applicable law and (E) end on the effective date on which Participant becomes covered by subsequent employer’s health, dental, or vision plan.
(iii)Any taxable payments under the foregoing subsection (ii) will not be paid before the first business day occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following the Separation, provided that the Release Conditions have been satisfied, and, once they commence, will include any unpaid amounts accrued from the date of Participant’s Separation (to the extent not otherwise satisfied with continuation coverage). If the sixty (60)-day period described in the preceding sentence and the ten (10)-day period described in the definition of “Good Reason” below, together, span two calendar years, then the payments that constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A will not in any case be paid in the first calendar year.
(3)COC Qualifying Termination. If a Participant is Level 11 or above and is subject to a COC Qualifying Termination, then subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Policy, the Participant will be entitled to the following benefits:
(a)Severance Benefits
(i)The Company will pay the Participant twelve (12) months, or such other number of months as may be set forth in the Participant’s Participation Letter, of his or her base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the actions that resulted in the COC Qualifying Termination.
(ii)The Participant will receive his or her severance payment in a cash lump sum in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll procedures, which payment will be made no later than the first regular payroll date occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following the Separation, provided that the Release Conditions have been satisfied.
(b)Continued Employee Benefits for US Employees.
(i)If Participant timely elects continued coverage under COBRA, the Company will continue to pay the full portion of Participant’s COBRA premiums on behalf of the Participant (and his or her eligible dependents) for continued coverage under the Company’s health benefit plans for up to twelve (12) months, or such other number of months as may be set forth in the Participant’s Participation Letter, following the Participant’s Separation, in any case, only until Participant is eligible to be covered under substantially equivalent group insurance plans of a subsequent employer, provided, however, that if the Release Conditions are not satisfied, then the COBRA subsidies described in this subsection (i) will immediately cease as of the sixtieth (60th) day following the Separation, and any COBRA subsidies previously paid by the Company will immediately become due and repayable in full (gross of any applicable taxes) by the Participant.
(ii)Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that it cannot provide the foregoing subsidy of COBRA coverage without potentially violating, or causing the Company to incur additional expense as a result of noncompliance with, applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), then the Company instead will provide Participant a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the full amount of the monthly COBRA premium for the Participant (and his or her eligible dependents) to continue the coverage in effect on the date of the Separation, which amounts will: (A) be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage, (B) not be grossed up to account for taxes and/or withholding on such amounts, (C) be paid regardless of whether Participant elects COBRA continuation coverage, (D) commence on the later of (1) the first day of the month following the month in which Participant experiences a Separation and (2) the effective date of the Company’s determination of violation of applicable law and (E) end on the effective date on which Participant becomes covered by a group insurance plan of a subsequent employer.
(iii)Any taxable payments under the foregoing subsection (ii) will not be paid before the first business day occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following the Separation, provided that the Release Conditions have been satisfied, and, once they commence, will include any unpaid amounts accrued from the date of Participant’s Separation (to the extent not otherwise satisfied with continuation coverage). If the sixty (60)-day period described in the preceding sentence and the ten (10)-day period described in the definition of “Good Reason” below, together, span two calendar years, then the payments that constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A will not in any case be paid in the first calendar year.
(c)Equity
(i)Each of Participant’s then-outstanding Equity Awards, including awards that would otherwise vest only upon satisfaction of performance criteria, will accelerate and become vested and exercisable as to, if such Participant is Level 11, fifty percent (50%), or, if such Participant is Level 12 or above, one hundred percent (100%), of the then-unvested and, in the case of performance-based awards, if such Participant is Level 11, fifty percent (50%), or, if such Participant is Level 12 or above, one hundred percent (100%), of the then-unearned (at the actual performance level or, if the actual performance level has not been determined at the time of such COC Qualifying Termination, at achievement of target or, if better, actual performance through the end of the performance period, projected based on information available as of immediately prior to such Qualifying Termination, in any case, unless more-favorable acceleration terms are otherwise provided in the award agreement applicable to such performance-based award) shares subject to the Equity Award.
(ii)Subject to Section 4 below, the accelerated vesting described above in this subsection (c) will be effective as of the Separation, and the Participant’s Equity Awards will remain outstanding (including as to the then-unvested portion thereof), notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the applicable award agreement(s), for the minimum amount of time necessary following a Separation that occurs other than within twelve (12) months following Change of Control but that would constitute a COC Qualifying Termination if a Change of Control occurs within three (3) months following such Separation.
(iii)This subsection (c) expressly supersedes the acceleration provision(s), if any, set forth in Equity Awards granted prior to the effective date hereof, to the extent (if at all) that the former and the latter conflict, and applies to all future Equity Awards, except to the extent the applicable award agreement provides otherwise in a provision that expressly references this provision.
(4)Release Conditions. The benefits under Section 2 and Section 3 will not apply unless the Participant (i) has executed a general release (in a form prescribed by the Company) of all known and unknown claims that he or she may then have against the Company and/or persons affiliated with the Company and such release has become effective and (ii) has agreed not to prosecute any legal action or other proceeding based upon any of such claims.
The release must be in the form prescribed by the Company (to include, in the Company’s sole discretion, such standard clauses as confidentiality, cooperation and non-disparagement) without alterations (this document effecting the foregoing, the “Release”), which the Company will deliver to the Participant within thirty (30) days after the Participant’s Separation. The Participant must execute and return the Release within the time period specified in the Release and, in any case, within sixty (60) days following Participant’s Separation. “Release Conditions” means: (i) Company has timely received the Participant’s executed Release and (ii) any rescission period applicable to the Participant’s executed Release has expired (without Participant having rescinded the executed Release).
(5)Accrued Compensation and Benefits. In connection with any termination of employment, whether a Qualifying Termination, COC Qualifying Termination or otherwise, the Company will pay Participant’s earned but unpaid base salary and other vested but unpaid cash entitlements for the period through and including the termination of employment, including unreimbursed documented business expenses incurred by Participant through and including the date of termination (all the foregoing, collectively, “Accrued Compensation and Expenses”), as required by law and the applicable Company plan or policy. Participant will also be entitled to any other vested benefits earned by Participant for the period through and including the termination date of Participant’s employment under any other employee benefit plans and arrangements maintained by the Company, in accordance with the terms of such plans and arrangements, except as modified herein.
(6)Certain Definitions.
(a)“Cause” means, with respect to a Participant, any of the following: (i) any material breach by the Participant of any material written agreement between the Participant and the Company and the Participant’s failure to cure such breach within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof; (ii) any failure by the Participant to comply with the Company’s material written policies or rules, as they may be in effect from time to time; (iii) neglect or persistent unsatisfactory performance of the Participant’s duties and the Participant’s failure to cure such condition within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof; (iv) the Participant’s repeated failure to follow reasonable and lawful instructions from the Board or the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Participant’s failure to cure such condition within 30 days after receiving written notice thereof; (v) the Participant’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendre to, any felony or crime that results in, or is reasonably expected to result in, a material adverse effect on the business or reputation of the Company; (vi) the Participant’s commission of or participation in an act of fraud against the Company; (vii) the Participant’s intentional material damage to the Company’s business, property or reputation; or (viii) the Participant’s unauthorized use or disclosure of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom the Participant owe an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of the Participant’s relationship with the Company.
(b)“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(c)“Change of Control” means a “Corporate Transaction” as defined in the Plan, provided that the transaction or series of transactions also qualifies as a “change in control event” under U.S. Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(5).
(d)“COC Qualifying Termination” means, with respect to a Participant, his or her Separation (i) occurring within three (3) months before or twelve (12) months after a Change of Control and (ii) resulting from (A) the Company or its successor terminating the Participant’s employment for any reason other than Cause or (B) the Participant voluntarily resigning his or her employment for Good Reason, provided, in any case, that a termination or resignation due to the Participant’s death or disability will not constitute a COC Qualifying Termination.
(e)“Equity Awards” means all Participants’ options to purchase shares of Company common stock, as well as all other stock-based awards, including, but not limited to, stock bonus awards, restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights
(f)“Good Reason” means, with respect to a Participant, any of the following without Participant’s express written consent: (i) a material reduction in Participant’s base salary, except in a general reduction applicable to the Company’s management team or that is part of a broad cost-cutting effort, (ii) a material reduction in Participant’s overall responsibilities, authority or scope of duties, provided that a reduction in title alone shall not constitute a reduction in responsibilities, authority or scope of duties and further provided that a reduction in Participant’s responsibilities, authority and/or scope of duties following a Change of Control shall not constitute Good Reason if Participant is given a position of materially similar or greater overall responsibility, authority and/or scope of duties within the acquiring company, taking into appropriate consideration that a nominally lower hierarchical role in a larger company may involve responsibilities, authority and/or scope of duties greater than those of a nominally higher role in the hierarchy of a smaller company, or (iii) a relocation of Participant’s principal workplace that increases Participant’s one-way commute by at least fifty (50) miles; however, for Participant’s resignation to qualify as a resignation for Good Reason, (i) Participant must provide written notice to the Company of the occurrence(s) that Participant believes may provide Participant Good Reason to resign within fifteen (15) days following the initial occurrence(s), (iii) the Company must fail to cure such occurrence(s) within thirty (30) days after Participant’s notice is received by the Company and, (iv) provided that the Company has failed to cure such occurrence(s) within such thirty (30) day cure period, Participant must terminate Participant’s employment immediately following the expiration of such cure period or, if applicable, the Company’s earlier written notice to Participant that the Company will not cure such occurrence(s).
(g)“Plan” means the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, as may be amended from time to time.
(h)“Qualifying Termination” means, with respect to a Participant, his or her Separation resulting from (i) the Company terminating the Participant’s employment for any reason other than Cause or (ii) the Participant voluntarily resigning his or her employment for Good Reason, in each case, occurring outside of the three (3) months prior to or twelve (12) months following a Change of Control, provided, in any case, that a termination or resignation due to the Participant’s death or disability will not constitute a Qualifying Termination
(i) “Separation” means a “separation from service” (as such term is defined in the regulations under Section 409A of the Code).
(7)Taxes.
(a)Golden Parachute Taxes for US Employees.
(i)Best After-Tax Result. In the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by Participant pursuant to this Policy or otherwise (such payments and benefits, “Payments”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and, (ii) but for this subsection (a), be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, any successor provisions, or any comparable federal, state, local or foreign excise tax (any of these, as applicable, the “Excise Tax”), then, subject to the provisions of Section 8, such Payments will be provided either (A) in full, pursuant to the terms of this Policy or any other applicable agreement, or (B) as to such lesser extent as would result in no portion of such Payments being subject to the Excise Tax (such lesser amount, the “Reduced Amount”), whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state, local and foreign income, employment and other taxes and the Excise Tax (including, without limitation, any interest or penalties on such taxes), results in the receipt by Participant, on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of payments and benefits provided for hereunder or otherwise, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such Payments may be subject to the Excise Tax. If the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) determines that any Payment is subject to the Excise Tax, then the following subsection (b) will apply, and the enforcement thereof will be the exclusive remedy to the Company.
(ii)Adjustments. If, notwithstanding any reduction described in the foregoing subsection (a) (or in the absence of any such reduction), the IRS determines that Participant is liable for the Excise Tax as a result of the receipt of one or more Payments, then Participant will be obligated to surrender or pay back to the Company, within one-hundred twenty (120) days after a final IRS determination, the smallest amount, if any, as will be required to be surrendered or paid to the Company so that Participant’s net proceeds with respect to such Payments (after taking into account the payment of the Excise Tax imposed on such Payments) will be maximized (such smallest amount, the “Repayment Amount”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Repayment Amount with respect to such Payments will be zero (0) if a Repayment Amount of more than zero (0) would not eliminate the Excise Tax imposed on such Payments or if a Repayment Amount of more than zero would not maximize the net amount received by Participant from the Payments. If the Excise Tax is not eliminated pursuant to this subsection (b), Participant will pay the Excise Tax
(iii)Independent Tax Counsel. Unless the Company and Participant otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section 7 will be made by independent tax counsel (the “Independent Tax Counsel”) designated by the Company and reasonably acceptable to Participant, whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Participant and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required under this Section 7, Independent Tax Counsel may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code, provided that Independent Tax Counsel will assume that Participant pays all taxes at the highest marginal rate. The Company and Participant will furnish to Independent Tax Counsel such information and documents as Independent Tax Counsel may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section 7. The Company will bear all costs that Independent Tax Counsel may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section 7. In the event that clause (B) above applies, then based on the information provided to Participant and the Company by Independent Tax Counsel, Participant may, in Participant’s sole discretion and within thirty (30) days of the date on which Participant is provided with the information prepared by Independent Tax Counsel, determine which and how much of the Payments (including the accelerated vesting of equity compensation awards) to be otherwise received by Participant will be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such determination the value (as calculated by Independent Tax Counsel in accordance with the provisions of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code) of the amounts payable or distributable to Participant equals the Reduced Amount).
(b)Section 409A for US Employees.
(i)Specified Employees. To the extent (i) any payments to which a Participant becomes entitled under this Policy, or any agreement or plan referenced herein, in connection with the Participant’s Separation constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code and (ii) the Participant is deemed at the time of such termination of employment to be a “specified” employee under Section 409A of the Code, then such payment or payments will not be made or commence until the earlier of (i) six (6) months after the Participant’s Separation and (ii) the Participant’s death following such Separation, provided, however, that such deferral will be effected only to the extent required to avoid adverse tax treatment to the Participant, including (without limitation) the additional twenty percent (20%) tax for which the Participant would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code in the absence of such deferral. Upon the expiration of the applicable deferral period, any payments which would have otherwise been made during that period (whether in a single sum or in installments) in the absence of this paragraph will be paid to the Participant (or his or her beneficiary) in one lump sum without interest.
(ii)Expense Reimbursements and In-Kind Benefits. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to the extent any expense reimbursement, or the provision of any in-kind benefit, under this Policy (or otherwise referenced herein) is determined to be subject to (and not exempt from) Section 409A of the Code, the amount of any such expenses eligible for reimbursement, or the provision of any in-kind benefit, in one calendar year will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in kind benefits to be provided in any other calendar year. In no event will any expenses be reimbursed for a Participant after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Participant incurred such expenses, and in no event will any right to reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
(iii)Interpretation. To the extent that any provision of this Policy is ambiguous as to its exemption or compliance with Section 409A, the provision will be read in such a manner so that all payments hereunder are exempt from Section 409A to the maximum permissible extent, and for any payments where such construction is not tenable, that those payments comply with Section 409A to the maximum permissible extent. To the extent any payment under this Policy may be classified as a “short-term deferral” within the meaning of Section 409A, such payment will be deemed a short-term deferral, even if it may also qualify for an exemption from Section 409A under another provision of Section 409A. Payments pursuant to this Policy (or referenced in this Policy) are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the regulations under Section 409A.
(8)Miscellaneous Provisions
(a)Administration. This Policy shall be administered primarily by the Committee, subject to the Board’s ability to administer at its discretion (either of these, as applicable, the “Administrator”). All questions of interpretation or application of this Policy shall be determined by the Administrator, and every finding, decision and determination made by the Administrator will, to the full extent permitted by law, be final and binding upon all Participants. The Administrator will have full and exclusive discretionary authority to construe, interpret and apply the terms of the Policy, to determine eligibility, to designate the Participants and to decide claims filed under the Policy.
(b)Other Arrangements. Except as set forth in the final sentence of this subsection, this Policy supersedes all cash severance arrangements and vesting acceleration arrangements (if any) under any agreement governing Equity Awards, severance and salary continuation arrangements, programs and plans that were previously offered by the Company to Participants, including employment agreements and offer letters, and by participating in this Policy, Participants waive their rights to such other benefits. In no event will any individual receive cash severance benefits under both this Policy and any other vesting acceleration, severance pay or salary continuation program, plan or other arrangement with the Company. The vesting acceleration provisions set forth in any employment agreement, offer letter or similar agreement between the Company and any Participant in effect on the Effective Date, to the extent more favorable to the Participant, will continue to apply to the Equity Awards held by the Participant on such date.
(c)Dispute Resolution. For all US employees, to ensure rapid and economical resolution of any and all disputes that might arise in connection with this Policy, the Participants and the Company agree that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action, in law or equity, arising from or relating to this Policy or its enforcement, performance, breach or interpretation, will be resolved solely and exclusively by final, binding and individual arbitration, by a single arbitrator in accordance with the Confidential Information, Invention Assignment and Arbitration Agreement (CIIAA) Participant signed at the start of Participant’s employment. Nothing in this section, however, is intended to prevent either party from obtaining injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm pending the conclusion of any such arbitration. Each party to an arbitration or litigation hereunder will be responsible for the payment of its own attorneys’ fees.
(d)Notice. Notices and all other communications contemplated by this Policy will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid or deposited with Federal Express Corporation, with shipping charges prepaid. Notices mailed to Participants will be addressed to each of them at the respective home address that he or she most recently communicated to the Company in writing. Notices mailed to the Company will be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices will be directed to the attention of its Secretary.
(e)Waiver. The Administrator may modify and/or terminate this Policy, in whole or in part, and/or add/remove Participants at any time, provided that no such modification and/or termination will adversely affect any Participant’s rights under this Policy without such Participant’s prior written consent. No provision of this Policy, as applicable to any Participant, will be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Participant and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than the Participant). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Policy will be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.
(f)Withholding Taxes. All payments made under this Policy will be subject to all such taxes and/or withholding as may be required by applicable federal, state and local law.
(g)Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Policy will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which will remain in full force and effect.
(h)Unfunded Obligations. The obligations of the Company under this Policy are funded from the Company’s general assets.
(i)Successors. The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets to assume this Policy and to agree expressly to perform this Policy in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform it in the absence of a succession. For all purposes under this Policy, the term “Company” will include any successor to the Company’s business and/or assets or which becomes bound by this Policy by operation of law. This Policy and all rights of Participants hereunder will inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the Participants’ respective personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.
(j)No Right of Continued Employment. This Policy does not obligate the Company to continue to employ any Participant for any specific period of time or in any specific role or geographic location. Nothing in this Policy will confer upon any Participant any right to continue in service for any period of specific duration or interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or of the Participant to terminate the Participant’s service at any time and for any reason or no reason, with or without Cause, and such rights are hereby expressly reserved.
(k)Choice of Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Policy will be governed by the laws of the State of California (other than its choice-of-law provisions). Participants represent and agree that they are subject to the personal jurisdiction of said courts and hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of such courts in any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning, or arising from such dispute, and waive to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which such Participant may now or hereafter have that the laying of the venue of any legal or equitable proceedings related to, concerning, or arising from such dispute which is brought in such courts is improper or that such proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum.
(l)Entire Agreement. This Policy represents the entire agreement between the Participants and the Company with respect to the Participants’ severance rights, except where the Company has entered into a separate written agreement with any Participant. This Policy otherwise supersedes and replaces all the Company’s prior severance policies (if any), including, but not limited to, prior versions of this Policy, applicable to the Participants.
(m)Review and Amendments. The Company’s management will review and reassess the adequacy of this Policy periodically and review updates to this Policy with the Administrator. Changes to this Policy are subject to the following approvals:
(i)Administrative and non substantive changes: Policy Owner
(ii)Changes other than those impacting Executive Officers & L12+: the Company’s President & Chief Operating Officer and the Company’s Chief People Officer
(iii)Changes impacting Executive Officers & L12+: Compensation Committee
***
Appendix 1
Level 12 Participant
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
[Letter Transmission Date]
[Participant First] [Participant Last]
Re: Participation in Change of Control Severance Policy
Dear [Participant First]:
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that you have been designated by Coinbase Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), as a participant in the Company’s Change of Control Severance Policy, a copy of which is enclosed herewith (as in effect from time to time, the “Policy”). Capitalized terms used in this letter but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given in the Policy.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy, if you undergo a Qualifying Termination and satisfy the Release Conditions (as well as the other terms and conditions set forth in the Policy), the Company will provide you the following amounts of severance benefits described in the Policy:
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Severance benefits under Section 2(a): six months |
COBRA subsidization under Section 2(b): six months |
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy, if you undergo a COC Qualifying Termination and satisfy the Release Conditions (as well as the other terms and conditions set forth in the Policy), the Company will provide you the following amounts of severance benefits described in the Policy:
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Severance benefits under Section 3(a): twelve months |
COBRA subsidization under Section 3(b): twelve months |
Equity acceleration under Section 3(c): 100% |
Your participation in the Policy is governed in all respects by the terms and conditions of the Policy, and in the event of any conflict between this letter and the Policy, the Policy will control.
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Sincerely, |
Coinbase Global, Inc. |
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[Company Signatory Name, Title] |
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Acknowledged and agreed, |
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[Participant First] [Participant Last] |
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(Date) |
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Appendix 2
Level 11 Participant
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
[Letter Transmission Date]
[Participant First] [Participant Last]
Re: Participation in Change of Control Severance Policy
Dear [Participant First]:
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that you have been designated by Coinbase Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), as a participant in the Company’s Change of Control Severance Policy, a copy of which is enclosed herewith (as in effect from time to time, the “Policy”). Capitalized terms used in this letter but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given in the Policy.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy, if you undergo a Qualifying Termination and satisfy the Release Conditions (as well as the other terms and conditions set forth in the Policy), the Company will provide you the following amounts of severance benefits described in the Policy:
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Severance benefits under Section 2(a): six months |
COBRA subsidization under Section 2(b): six months |
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy, if you undergo a COC Qualifying Termination and satisfy the Release Conditions (as well as the other terms and conditions set forth in the Policy), the Company will provide you the following amounts of severance benefits described in the Policy:
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Severance benefits under Section 3(a): twelve months |
COBRA subsidization under Section 3(b): twelve months |
Equity acceleration under Section 3(c): 50% |
Your participation in the Policy is governed in all respects by the terms and conditions of the Policy, and in the event of any conflict between this letter and the Policy, the Policy will control.
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Sincerely, |
Coinbase Global, Inc. |
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[Company Signatory Name, Title] |
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Acknowledged and agreed, |
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[Participant First] [Participant Last] |
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(Date) |
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Appendix 3
Level 10 Participant
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
[Letter Transmission Date]
[Participant First] [Participant Last]
Re: Participation in Change of Control Severance Policy
Dear [Participant First]:
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that you have been designated by Coinbase Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), as a participant in the Company’s Change of Control Severance Policy, a copy of which is enclosed herewith (as in effect from time to time, the “Policy”). Capitalized terms used in this letter but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given in the Policy.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy, if you undergo a Qualifying Termination and satisfy the Release Conditions (as well as the other terms and conditions set forth in the Policy), the Company will provide you the following amounts of severance benefits described in the Policy:
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Severance benefits under Section 2(a): six months |
COBRA subsidization under Section 2(b): six months |
Your participation in the Policy is governed in all respects by the terms and conditions of the Policy, and in the event of any conflict between this letter and the Policy, the Policy will control.
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Sincerely, |
Coinbase Global, Inc. |
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[Company Signatory Name, Title] |
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Acknowledged and agreed, |
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[Participant First] [Participant Last] |
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(Date) |
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EX-10.15
5
exhibit1015q42024.htm
EX-10.15
Document
Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by [*], has been omitted because the registrant has determined that the information (i) is not material and (ii) is the type of information that the registrant treats as private or confidential.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
AND
CIRCLE INTERNET FINANCIAL, LLC
DATED AS OF
August 18, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Page
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT
This COLLABORATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 18, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between Coinbase Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Coinbase”), and Circle Internet Financial, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Circle”). Coinbase and Circle are sometimes referred to herein individually as, a “Party” and collectively as, the “Parties.”
WHEREAS, Coinbase Technologies, Inc. (“Coinbase Technologies”), an Affiliate of Coinbase, and Circle had previously formed Centre Consortium, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Centre”) to develop the network and operations of USDC (as defined below);
WHEREAS, the Parties and Affiliates thereof have entered into that certain Transaction Agreement dated as of the date hereof (the “Transaction Agreement”), pursuant to which Coinbase Technologies transferred its interests in Centre to Circle;
WHEREAS, Coinbase, Inc. and Circle have entered into that certain Intellectual Property License Agreement dated as of the date hereof (the “IP License Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the Parties now desire to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of agreeing on certain terms related to USDC and other potential future Stablecoins (as defined below).
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Definitions and Interpretation.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings unless the context otherwise requires (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined).
“Accountant” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(b).
“Active Address” means, with respect to a given Party and a given calendar day, a blockchain address from which [*] provided by such Party or its Affiliates (with respect to [*], and by way of example only, [*]). Such blockchain address shall remain an Active Address for such Party until such calendar day [*] provided by such Party or its Affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if [*] such address shall not constitute an Active Address for either Party on such calendar day and will continue to not be an Active Address for either Party until [*] provided by the other Party or its Affiliates. For the sake of clarity, the list of Active Addresses as of the Effective Date may include blockchain addresses from which [*] provided by such Party or its Affiliates on a calendar day [*].
“[*]” means, with respect to [*] provided by a Party or its Affiliates, [*].
“Adverse Impact Under Law” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a).
“Affected Party Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a).
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person at any time, any other Person directly or indirectly Controlling, Controlled by, or under common Control with, such Person at such time. A Person shall be deemed to “Control” another Person if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such other Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Agreement Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(a).
“Applicable Law” means, with respect to any Person, any and all (a) laws, ordinances, or regulations, (b) codes, standards, rules, requirements, orders, guidance or criteria issued under any laws, ordinances or regulations, (c) rules of an SRO (including the rules of any securities exchange or equivalent) and (d) any and all judgments, orders, writs, directives, authorizations, rulings, decisions, injunctions, decrees, assessments, settlement agreements, or awards of any Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to such Person or its business or properties. For the sake of clarity, Applicable Law shall not include any terms or conditions of any settlement agreement, consent order, or other similar voluntary commitment that is made without the other Party’s express written consent that require or authorize a Party to materially breach the Transaction Documents or otherwise materially impair a Party’s rights under the Transaction Documents.
“Applicable Month” means each calendar month during the Term; provided that the first Applicable Month shall begin on August 1, 2023, and end on the last day of the calendar month in which the Effective Date occurs, and the last Applicable Month shall end on the last day of the Term subject to the survival periods set forth herein.
“Applicable Shortfall Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
“Applicable Stablecoin” means USDC and any New Stablecoin that a Party elects to be treated as an Applicable Stablecoin hereunder by written notice pursuant to Section 6.4.
“Business Day” means any day except (a) a Saturday or a Sunday or (b) any other day on which commercial banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or directed by Applicable Law to close.
“Capital Reserve” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
“[*]” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.2(c).
“Chain” means a distributed digital ledger that records computationally verified transactions or other data and acts as a separate digital ecosystem, but which may be connected via a bridging protocol to other distributed digital ledgers that record computationally verified transactions or other data.
“Claim” means any legal, administrative or arbitration action, suit, complaint, charge, hearing, or Proceeding, in each case instituted by a Person that is not Party to this Agreement or an Affiliate of a Party.
“Collaboration Payment” means, with respect to any Applicable Stablecoin and any Applicable Month, [*].
“Company Threshold” means that the applicable Party, together with its Affiliates, has provided resources and actively contributed to public policy and regulatory activities that encourage mainstream adoption of a relevant Applicable Stablecoin (by way of example only, engaging in discussions with legislators regarding such Applicable Stablecoin).
“Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.
“Confidentiality Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.4.
“Cost of Capital Requirement” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3.
“Covered Source Code” means, with respect to an Applicable Stablecoin, the Smart Contract source code or scripts deployed by the applicable Issuer Party on a Chain for implementing such Applicable Stablecoin on such Chain.
“[*]” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
“Daily Circulation” means, with respect to any Applicable Stablecoin and a given calendar day, the total amount of Applicable Stablecoins of such type in circulation, as calculated by the Issuer Party at 11:59 pm UTC with respect to such day in accordance with the procedures described on Exhibit 1 (as may be updated from time to time by mutual written agreement of the Parties).
“Daily Payment Base” means, with respect to any Applicable Stablecoin and any calendar day in a given Applicable Month, the total interest or dividend income and realized gains or losses accrued on such day in respect of the Reserves Base and Capital Reserves on such calendar day, less the total documented portfolio management fees (such as asset management and custody fees, but for the avoidance of doubt, not the Issuer Party’s or its Affiliates’ internal or overhead costs) charged by non-Affiliated third parties in connection with the management of the Reserves Base and Capital Reserves during the Applicable Month divided by the number of days in such Applicable Month.
“Daily Party Product Economics Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).
“Determination Date” means the date which is [*] prior to the expiration of the then-current Term.
“Dispute” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a).
“Dispute Escalation Procedure” means the process set forth in Section 2.4.
“Ecosystem Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(a).
“[*]” means, with respect to a given Applicable Stablecoin, [*], as applicable with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin; provided, that if (i) [*] and (ii) [*].
“Ecosystem Stablecoins” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(a).
“Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Entity” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3.
“EURC” means the Euro Stablecoin marketed under the EURC Mark together with all predecessor Stablecoins (including, without limitation, EUROC and Euro Coin) and Successor Stablecoins thereto.
“Executive Lead Sponsor” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
“Existing Agreements” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
“Final Order” means a final and non-appealable Order.
“Force Majeure Event” means any action, event or occurrence outside the reasonable control of the Party in question, including any riot, strike, other labor dispute, insurrection, terrorism, fire, severe weather, other act of God, shortages of materials, rationing, internet failure or other delay in receiving data, pandemic, epidemic, explosion, war, acts of public enemies, blockade, embargo or power failure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstances will [*] constitute a Force Majeure Event hereunder.
“Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any regulatory agency, body or authority, any supra-national authority and any SRO (including, in each case, any branch, department or official thereof).
“Gross Payment Base” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b).
“[*]” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(b).
“Included Balance” for a given calendar day means, with respect to an Applicable Stablecoin and an applicable Active Address, the number of such Applicable Stablecoins held at such Active Address, calculated as of 11:59 pm UTC on such calendar day.
“Initial Payment Base” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a).
“Initial Term” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
“Initial [*]” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3.
“Intellectual Property Rights” means all inventions (whether or not subject to protection under patent laws), works of authorship and other expressions fixed in any tangible or electronic medium (whether or not subject to protection under copyright laws), moral rights, trademarks, trade names, trade dress, trade secrets, publicity rights, know-how, and all other subject matter subject to protection under patent, copyright, moral right, trademark, trade secret or other laws, including, all new or useful art, configurations, documentation, methodologies, best practices, operations, routines, combinations, discoveries, formulae, technical developments, artwork, software, programming, applets, scripts, designs, or other business processes, in each case, together with all rights therein or thereto.
“IP License Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“IP Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(d).
“Issuer Party” means the Party that issues (or whose Affiliate issues) an Applicable Stablecoin. As of the Effective Date, Circle is the Issuer Party with respect to USDC and EURC.
“Issuer Retention” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(a).
“Layer 2 Protocol” means a protocol or network that operates in connection with a Chain and adds functionality or scalability.
“Launch Date” means, with respect to any New Stablecoin, the date on which such New Stablecoin is available for use by the general public in the country in which the relevant fiat currency underlying such New Stablecoin is issued or any country in which the relevant fiat currency is used as such country’s official currency.
“Launch Date Notice” means, with respect to any New Stablecoin, written notice provided by the prospective Issuer Party with respect to such New Stablecoin in accordance with Section 6.3 to the other Party not later than [*] prior to the anticipated Launch Date for such New Stablecoin, notifying such other Party of the anticipated Launch Date for such New Stablecoin.
“Launch Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
“Licensed Marks” has the meaning given to such term in the Intellectual Property License Agreement, by and between Coinbase, Inc. and Circle Internet Financial, LLC, dated as of the date hereof.
“Losses” means any and all losses, penalties, fines, costs, damages (and any interest due thereon), liabilities, amounts paid in settlements and offsets and any reasonable out-of-pocket costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees, including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with the investigation, response to and defense or settlement of a claim against or in respect of which indemnification is provided hereunder (including any such reasonable costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred in enforcing a Party’s right to indemnification against or with respect to any appeal) and penalties and interest.
“[*]” means, with respect to the Capital Reserve required for any Applicable Stablecoin, (a) [*], and (b) [*]. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) [*] and (ii) [*] and [*].
“Marketing Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
“Marks” means any registered or unregistered trademarks, service marks, logos, slogans, trade dress and other designations of source or origin, domain names, uniform adaptations, derivations and combinations thereof, and together with the goodwill associated with or symbolized by any of the foregoing.
“Master Services Agreement” means, in the case of Circle as the Issuer Party, that certain Master Services Agreement, by and among Coinbase, Inc. and Circle, dated as of the date hereof, or in the case of Coinbase as the Issuer Party, the agreement referenced in Section 7.6 of this Agreement.
“Mediator” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(c).
“Mint” means the creation by the Issuer Party of an Applicable Stablecoin token in exchange for the relevant fiat currency.
“[*] Keys” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.3.
“Net Payment Base” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(c).
“New Stablecoin” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.
“New Stablecoin Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.
“New Stablecoin Start Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.
“New Stablecoin Product Threshold” means, with respect to any New Stablecoin, each of the following criteria: [*].
“OKRs” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
“[*]” means a [*].
“Order” means, with respect to an Applicable Stablecoin, any order, agreement, directive, judgment, decision, decree, injunction, ruling, settlement agreement, stipulation, writ or assessment of any Governmental Authority, excluding: (i) any of the foregoing expressly sought by a Party hereto (by way of example only, a declaratory judgment or regulatory assessment sought by a Party) and (ii) any terms or conditions of any settlement agreement, consent order, or other similar voluntary commitment that is made without the other Party’s express written consent that require or authorize a Party to materially breach the Transaction Documents or otherwise materially impair a Party’s rights under the Transaction Documents.
“Parties” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Party Product Economics Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).
“Party Product Percentage” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).
“Party Product Stablecoins” means, with respect to either Party, any Applicable Stablecoin and a given calendar day in an Applicable Month: (i) Applicable Stablecoins of such type held in such Party’s fully custodial products and services ([*]), (ii) Applicable Stablecoins of such type held in such Party’s managed wallet services ([*]), which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include such Applicable Stablecoins [*] and (iii) the Included Balance of Applicable Stablecoins of such type held at Active Addresses with respect to such Party, in each case of (i) through (iii), at 11:59pm UTC on such calendar day. With respect to each enumerated example of the Party’s respective products set forth in the parentheticals of clauses (i) and (ii) of the preceding sentence, such references refer to such products in their respective [*].
“Party Product Stablecoin Data” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(b).
“Payee” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(a).
“Payment Base” means, with respect to any Applicable Stablecoin and any Applicable Month, the sum of the Daily Payment Base for such Applicable Stablecoin for each calendar day in such Applicable Month.
“Payor” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(a).
“Payor Withholding Tax Action” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(b).
“Permissive License” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.4.
“Permitted Investments” means, with respect to the Reserves Base of an Applicable Stablecoin, any investments permitted by Applicable Law, which for the purposes of this definition as applied to the Reserve Base of USDC, until such time as there is a change in law or regulation, shall include [*], except that requirements to [*].
“Person” means a natural person, partnership, domestic or foreign limited partnership, domestic or foreign limited liability company, trust, estate, association, corporation, other legal Entity, or Governmental Authority.
“Proceeding” means any legal, administrative or arbitration action, suit, complaint, charge, hearing, inquiry, investigation or proceeding.
“Product Threshold” means, with respect to USDC, each of the following criteria, and with respect to any New Stablecoin that becomes an Applicable Stablecoin, the New Stablecoin Product Threshold: [*].
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Product Threshold shall not apply with respect to an Applicable Stablecoin during any period in which [*].
“Product Threshold Cure Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(c)(iii).
“Product Threshold Exclusion Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(c)(i).
“Product Threshold Re-Entry Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(c)(iii).
“Proxy Address” means, with respect to USDC or EURC, and a given Chain, the block address on such Chain at which the proxy contracts that implement USDC or EURC, as applicable, for that Chain are deployed. The Proxy Addresses shall be listed on Schedule B, which shall be updated by the Parties from time to time in accordance with Section 7.1 and to reflect the Proxy Addresses of new Applicable Stablecoins.
“Redemption” means the redemption of an Applicable Stablecoin in exchange for the related fiat currency.
“Renewal Term” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
“Representatives” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates, and its and their directors, officers, employees, attorneys, accountants or other professional service providers, and/or agents.
“Reseller Party” means, with respect to an Applicable Stablecoin, the Party that is not (and whose Affiliates are not) the Issuer Party. As of the Effective Date, Coinbase is the Reseller Party with respect to USDC and EURC.
“Reseller Party Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.
“Reseller Threshold” means, with respect to any Applicable Stablecoin, that the applicable Reseller Party, together with its Affiliates, throughout the Term (after the applicable Launch Date with respect to any New Stablecoin) [*]; provided that while the Issuer Party [*], such requirement shall not apply to the Reseller Party with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Reseller Threshold shall not apply with respect to an Applicable Stablecoin during any period in which [*].
“Reseller Threshold Cure Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(d)(iii).
“Reseller Threshold Exclusion Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(d)(i).
“Reseller Threshold Re-Entry Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(d)(iii).
“Reserves Base” means the total reserves held for the benefit of holders of any Applicable Stablecoin, which reserves back the total amount of then-issued and outstanding Applicable Stablecoins of such type in circulation on a one-to-one basis at all times.
“Residual Payment Base” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(d).
“Restructuring Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(c).
“Section 3.3 Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(c).
“Senior Executive Lead” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
“Smart Contract” means a distributed protocol that follows pre-defined rules to enforce or self-execute agreed-upon obligations automatically and without the involvement of any third party.
“SRO” means a non-governmental entity that has been granted executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions pertaining to government (including any stock exchange with authority over a Person pursuant to the listing of such Person’s securities).
“Stablecoin” means a cryptocurrency that is pegged to a specific underlying fiat currency and for which the issuer maintains at least one-to-one reserves such that each coin is fully backed by and redeemable for one unit of the underlying fiat currency.
“Stablecoin ROFR Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
“Successor Stablecoin” means a Stablecoin that is implemented through a proxy contract deployed at a Proxy Address.
“Tax” or “Taxes” means taxes, levies, imposes, duties, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax, or penalties applicable thereto.
“Taxing Authority” means any domestic or foreign Governmental Authority responsible for the imposition, collection or administration of any Tax or Tax Return.
“Tax Return(s)” means any return, report, information return or other document (including any related or supporting information and any amendment to any of the foregoing) filed or required to be filed with any Taxing Authority with respect to Taxes.
“Total Shortfall Amount” means, with respect to a given Applicable Stablecoin and an Applicable Month, the sum of: (a) the carried forward portion of the prior Applicable Month’s Total Shortfall Amount (as described in Section 4.1(b)), if any, (b) the Applicable Shortfall Amount for that Applicable Month, and (c) interest accrued on (a) and (b) at [*] rate equal to the [*], calculated daily and compounded monthly.
“Term” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
“Threshold Criteria” means the Product Threshold, the Reseller Threshold and the Company Threshold.
“Transaction Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, the Transaction Agreement and all agreements attached as exhibits thereto (including the Master Services Agreement and the IP License Agreement).
“USDC” means the United States Dollar Stablecoin marketed using the USDC Mark and all Successor Stablecoins thereto.
“[*]” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3.
“Withholding Certificate” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(a).
“Withholding Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1(a).
2. Relationship Framework.
2.1 Executive Lead Sponsors. Each Party will appoint its respective chief financial officer, or the chief financial officer of its ultimate parent, as the ultimate relationship owner with respect to this Agreement and the arrangements of the Parties with respect to Applicable Stablecoins (each, an “Executive Lead Sponsor”). The Executive Lead Sponsors will meet (a) at least once per year (in-person, if practicable) to review and evaluate the state of the Parties’ collaboration and OKRs, growth and investment opportunities and (b) on an as-needed basis, to resolve conflicts referred to the Executive Lead Sponsors via the Dispute Escalation Procedure, if applicable, in each case relating to Applicable Stablecoins. The initial Executive Lead Sponsors [*] for Circle, and [*] for Coinbase. Each Party will promptly notify the other in writing of a change in its Executive Lead Sponsor.
2.2 Senior Executive Leads. Additionally, each Party will appoint one senior functional team leader to manage the relationship and ensure the Parties are building together and maximizing the opportunity for Applicable Stablecoins (each, a “Senior Executive Lead”). The Senior Executive Leads will meet at least quarterly (in-person, if practicable) to (a) set parameters and guidelines with respect to all public communications by the Parties and their Affiliates regarding Applicable Stablecoins, with the goal of increased transparency, collaboration and cooperation, (b) set objectives and key results for the Parties’ collaboration with respect to Applicable Stablecoins (“OKRs”), (c) review and evaluate the state of the collaboration, OKRs, growth and investment opportunities, (d) discuss the product roadmap, marketing plan and roadmap, and third-party collaboration roadmap, with the goal of ensuring connectivity between all the relevant stakeholders of each Party, (e) review and update the Marketing Plan, and (f) collaborate in good faith to determine how best to grow issuances of Ecosystem Stablecoins (as further described in Section 4.5), and will meet on an as-needed basis to resolve conflicts via the Dispute Escalation Procedure. The initial Senior Executive Leads are [*] for Circle, and [*] for Coinbase. Either Party may change its Senior Executive Lead by providing written notice of the change to the other Party.
2.3 Meetings; Failure to Attend.
(a)Other Representatives of a Party involved in a Party’s business related to Applicable Stablecoins may attend meetings of the Executive Lead Sponsors and Senior Executive Leads by invitation, and each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure the attendance of any Representative of such Party requested by an Executive Lead Sponsor or Senior Executive Partner of the other Party.
(b)For the avoidance of doubt, the frequency and content of meetings between the Parties’ respective Executive Lead Sponsors and Senior Executive Leads shall not be a basis for either Party to claim a material breach of this Agreement unless a Party fails to use good faith efforts to attend such meetings and such failure to attend meetings is excessive and repeated. For purposes of the foregoing sentence, “excessive and repeated” means [*].
2.4 Dispute Escalation Procedure.
(a)The Parties shall use good faith and commercially reasonable efforts to resolve any and all disputes, controversies, conflicts and claims (each, a “Dispute”) arising out of, relating to or in connection with this Agreement, or any transactions contemplated hereby, the performance or non-performance of the obligations set forth herein, or the asserted breach hereof (including any questions regarding the existence, validity, interpretation, enforceability or termination of any right or obligation), in the first instance by negotiation and consultation between the Parties’ operational representatives. If the Dispute cannot be resolved through good faith negotiations, any Party’s operational representative may provide written notice of the Dispute to the Senior Executive Leads.
(b)If the Senior Executive Leads are unable to resolve a Dispute within [*] of such Dispute being referred to the Senior Executive Leads in writing, either Senior Executive Lead may escalate such Dispute to the Executive Lead Sponsors by providing written notice of such escalation to the Executive Lead Sponsors. Each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause its Executive Lead Sponsor to attempt in good faith to resolve such dispute by negotiation and consultation for a [*] period commencing on the day on which written notice of escalation is provided. If the Executive Lead Sponsors are unable to resolve the Dispute within such [*] period, such Dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 12.2 or the other applicable provision of this Agreement.
(c)At any stage of the process set forth in this Section 2.4, either Party may request mediation of the relevant Dispute by providing to the other Party a notice containing a demand for mediation, setting forth the subject of the Dispute and the relief requested. The Parties will cooperate in good faith with one another in selecting an independent third party mediator and in scheduling the mediation proceedings. The mediation proceedings will be held at a suitable site [*], unless the Parties mutually agree on a different location (including remote proceedings via video conference). The Parties agree that they will participate in the mediation in good faith and that they will share equally in mediation costs. All offers, promises, conduct, and statements, whether oral or written, made in the course of the mediation by any of the Parties, their agents, employees, experts and attorneys, and by the mediator, are confidential, privileged and inadmissible for any purpose, including impeachment, in any other proceeding involving the Parties; provided that evidence that is otherwise admissible or discoverable will not be rendered inadmissible or non-discoverable as a result of its use in the mediation.
(d)Notwithstanding any demand for mediation, either Party may proceed to litigation as set forth in Section 12.2 if the Dispute is not resolved within [*] from the date the initial notice of Dispute is delivered pursuant to Section 2.4(a). For clarity, the Dispute Escalation Procedure described in this Section 2.4 is not intended to and shall not apply to any claim arising out of any other agreement between the Parties (including, without limitation, the Master Services Agreement), or any claim for injunctive relief, specific performance, a temporary restraining order or other emergency equitable relief, or any other equitable relief.
3. Term and Termination.
3.1 Initial Term. The initial term (the “Initial Term”) of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue for a period of three (3) years. The Parties may agree to renew the Agreement for additional periods (each a “Renewal Term,” and collectively and together with the Initial Term, the “Term”), and this Agreement shall automatically renew for additional three (3) year Renewal Terms in the circumstances described in Section 3.2.
3.2 Renewals; Failure to Meet Threshold Criteria.
(a)Renewals. During the [*] period preceding the Determination Date with respect to the end of the Initial Term or any Renewal Term, the Parties will discuss in good faith whether any modifications to this Agreement are warranted. If the Parties do not agree on the terms for such renewal by the applicable Determination Date, then if the Threshold Criteria for an Applicable Stablecoin have been met with respect to each Party as of the Determination Date, this Agreement shall automatically renew with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin for an additional three (3) year Renewal Term.
(b)Threshold Criteria. If the Threshold Criteria have not been met in their entirety for an Applicable Stablecoin by the Reseller Party, and the Parties do not reach mutual agreement with respect to renewal of this Agreement upon the expiration of the then-current Term with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin, then Sections 3.2(c), 3.2(d) and 3.4 shall apply. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Threshold Criteria have not been met in their entirety for an Applicable Stablecoin by the Issuer Party with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin, any termination of this Agreement with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin upon expiration of the then-current Term will be at the Reseller Party’s election in its sole discretion.
(c)Failure to Meet Product Threshold.
(i)During any Renewal Term, subject to Section 3.2(c)(ii) below, the Issuer Party may elect to exclude the Party Product Economics Amount from the Collaboration Payment with respect to any Applicable Stablecoin by written notice to the Reseller Party (a “Product Threshold Exclusion Notice”) if the Reseller Party (i) has failed to meet the Product Threshold with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin and does not cure such failure within [*] of receiving notice thereof, or (ii) has failed to meet the Product Threshold with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin more than [*] times during any [*] and received notice of each such failure and was given an opportunity to cure each such failure in accordance with clause (i), in each case of (i) and (ii), unless such failure is solely caused by a Force Majeure Event, or by technological downtime or system outages (for the sake of clarity, where such downtime or outage was outside of the Reseller Party’s reasonable control, or, if such downtime or outage was intentional, solely to the extent such downtime or outage is for routine or emergency maintenance or for the purpose of system upgrades). For the sake of clarity, exclusion of the Party Product Economics Amount will not affect the remainder of this Agreement (including such Reseller Party’s right to receive its Ecosystem Economics Amount).
(ii)The Reseller Party shall remain entitled to receive the Party Product Economics Amount pursuant to Section 4 for such Applicable Stablecoin following delivery of a Product Threshold Exclusion Notice for the [*] of (x) [*] following the Product Threshold Exclusion Notice and (y) if the Party Product Economics Amount was re-started for the relevant Applicable Stablecoin pursuant to the prior delivery of a Product Threshold Re-Entry Notice, the number of days between the prior Product Threshold Re-Entry Notice and the current Product Threshold Exclusion Notice for such Applicable Stablecoin.
(iii)If, within [*] following a Product Threshold Exclusion Notice for an Applicable Stablecoin (the “Product Threshold Cure Period”), the Reseller Party satisfies the Product Threshold with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin (and reasonably believes in good faith that it can continue to do so on an ongoing basis), the Reseller Party may issue a notice of re-entry to the Issuer Party (the “Product Threshold Re-Entry Notice”), in which case the Collaboration Payment shall include the Reseller Party’s Party Product Economics Amount, effective from the date the validly issued Product Threshold Re-Entry Notice was received by the Issuer Party in accordance with Section 12.3 and thereafter on a going-forward basis in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If the Reseller Party does not deliver a Product Threshold Re-Entry Notice during the Product Threshold Cure Period with respect to the relevant Applicable Stablecoin, the Reseller Party shall have no further right to receive its Party Product Economics Amount with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin. The Product Threshold Cure Period is a cumulative cure period and does not reset for each Product Threshold Exclusion Notice. Accordingly, following each Product Threshold Re-Entry Notice, the Product Threshold Cure Period for subsequent Product Threshold Exclusion Notices will be reduced by the period of time between the date of the Product Threshold Exclusion Notice for which such Product Threshold Re-Entry Notice was delivered, and the date of such Product Threshold Re-Entry Notice.
(iv)Subject to the terms of Section 4 hereof (or as mutually agreed in writing otherwise), the Issuer Party with respect to an Applicable Stablecoin shall not, during the Product Threshold Cure Period, [*], without the written consent (which consent, if requested after the end of [*] shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) of the Reseller Party; provided, that if a Product Threshold Re-Entry Notice is validly issued pursuant to clause (ii) above, (x) the Reseller Party shall be entitled to its Party Product Economics Amount [*], and (y) [*].
(d)Failure to Meet Reseller Threshold.
(i)During any Renewal Term, subject to Section 3.2(d)(ii) below, the Issuer Party may elect to exclude the Ecosystem Economics Amount from the Collaboration Payment with respect to any Applicable Stablecoin by written notice to the Reseller Party (a “Reseller Threshold Exclusion Notice”) if the Reseller Party: (i) has failed to meet the Reseller Threshold with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin and does not cure such failure within [*] of receiving notice thereof, or (ii) has failed to meet the Reseller Threshold with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin more than [*] times during [*] and received notice of each such failure and was given an opportunity to cure each such failure in accordance with clause (i), in each case of (i) and (ii), unless such failure is solely caused by a Force Majeure Event, or by technological downtime or system outages (for the sake of clarity, where such downtime or outage was outside of the Reseller Party’s reasonable control, or, if such downtime or outage was intentional, solely to the extent such downtime or outage is for routine or emergency maintenance or for the purpose of system upgrades). For the sake of clarity, termination of the Reseller Party’s right to receive the Ecosystem Economics Amount will not affect the remainder of this Agreement (including such Reseller Party’s right to receive its Party Product Economics Amount).
(ii)The Reseller Party shall remain entitled to receive the Ecosystem Economics Amount pursuant to Section 4 for such Applicable Stablecoin following the delivery of a Reseller Threshold Exclusion Notice for the [*] of (x) [*] following the Reseller Threshold Exclusion Notice and (y) if the Ecosystem Economics Amount was re-started for the relevant Applicable Stablecoin pursuant to the prior delivery of a Reseller Threshold Re-Entry Notice, the number of days between the prior Reseller Threshold Re-Entry Notice and the current Reseller Threshold Exclusion Notice for such Applicable Stablecoin.
(iii)If, within [*] following such Reseller Threshold Exclusion Notice (the “Reseller Threshold Cure Period”), the Reseller Party satisfies the Reseller Threshold with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin (and reasonably believes in good faith that it can continue to do so on an ongoing basis), the Reseller Party may issue a notice of re-entry to the Issuer Party (the “Reseller Threshold Re-Entry Notice”), in which case the Collaboration Payment shall include the Reseller Party’s Ecosystem Economics Amount, effective from the date the validly issued Reseller Threshold Re-Entry Notice was received by the Issuer Party in accordance with Section 12.3 and thereafter on a going forward basis in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If the Reseller Party does not deliver a Reseller Threshold Re-Entry Notice during the Reseller Threshold Cure Period with respect to the relevant Applicable Stablecoin, the Reseller Party shall have no further right to receive its Ecosystem Economics Amount with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin. The Reseller Threshold Cure Period is a cumulative cure period and does not reset for each Reseller Threshold Exclusion Notice. Accordingly, following each Reseller Threshold Re-Entry Notice, the Reseller Threshold Cure Period for subsequent Reseller Threshold Exclusion Notices will be reduced by the period of time between the date of the Reseller Threshold Exclusion Notice for which such Reseller Threshold Re-Entry Notice was delivered, and the date of such Reseller Threshold Re-Entry Notice.
(iv)The Issuer Party with respect to an Applicable Stablecoin shall not, during the Reseller Threshold Cure Period, [*], without the written consent (which consent, if requested after the end of [*], shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) of the Reseller Party; provided, that if a Reseller Threshold Re-Entry Notice is validly issued pursuant to clause (ii) above, (x) the Reseller Party shall be entitled to its Ecosystem Economics Amount [*], and (y) [*].
(e)Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, except where the Issuer Party terminates or suspends performance under the Master Services Agreement pursuant to [*] of the Master Services Agreement, the Reseller Party shall be deemed to have met the Product Threshold and the Reseller Threshold during any period in which the Issuer Party and its Affiliates are not providing any service pursuant to the Master Services Agreement.
(f)If there is a dispute regarding whether a Party has met the Threshold Criteria with respect to any Applicable Stablecoin, such dispute shall be resolved in accordance with the Dispute Escalation Procedure.
(g)This Agreement will automatically terminate if there are no Applicable Stablecoins remaining in circulation.
3.3 Changes in Applicable Law.
(a)If the Issuer Party determines in good faith that its continuing to make the payments described in Section 4 hereof with respect to an Applicable Stablecoin would cause the Issuer Party to be in violation of Applicable Law or Order (an “Adverse Impact Under Law”) due to a change in Applicable Law or an Order enacted following the Effective Date, the Issuer Party will promptly notify the Reseller Party in writing (an “Affected Party Notice”), which notice will specify in a reasonable amount of detail, the affected obligations and the Issuer Party Party’s reasons for why it believes performing such obligations will cause it to be in violation of Applicable Law or Order. An Issuer Party may [*] issue an Affected Party Notice under this Section 3.3(a) [*] for a given Applicable Stablecoin, which shall not limit the issuance of a notice under Section 3.3(b).
(b)If a court of competent jurisdiction issues an Order that prevents the Issuer Party’s making payments as described in Section 4 hereof with respect to an Applicable Stablecoin, or if the Issuer Party ceases to make payments pursuant to Section 4 hereof (other than in accordance with Section 3.2) and does not resume payments within [*] of the Reseller Party’s written request, in each case with respect to an Applicable Stablecoin, then either Party may notify the other Party in writing of such Party’s intent to invoke the provisions of this Section 3.3 with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction issues such an Order with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin following the delivery of an Affected Party Notice, the Restructuring Period set forth in Section 3.3(d) will be measured from [*] and [*].
(c)Promptly following the delivery by either Party of an Affected Party Notice under Section 3.3(a) or a notice under Section 3.3(b) (each, a “Section 3.3 Notice”), the Parties will take commercially reasonable actions in good faith to amend this Agreement (including, by way of example only, [*]) with respect to the affected Applicable Stablecoin and the Parties will use their commercially reasonable efforts to restructure their operations in connection with the affected Applicable Stablecoins such that the Issuer Party is able to comply with this Agreement, as may have been amended, in all material respects with respect to such affected Applicable Stablecoins without violation of Applicable Law or Order. The Parties agree to engage an independent, impartial and disinterested third-party mediator to assist the Parties with the activities described in this Section 3.3(c) (the “Mediator”), which [*] shall select from a list of [*] prospective mediators proposed [*] (which prospective mediators shall not any include current or former employee, shareholder, director or officer [*] or its Affiliates). Neither Party shall take any action that is intended to or would reasonably be expected to inhibit the other Party’s ability to restructure its operations in connection with the affected Applicable Stablecoins in order to allow Issuer Party to comply with this Agreement without violation of Applicable Law or Order.
(d)If, within [*] of the delivery of the Section 3.3 Notice (the “Restructuring Period”), (i) the Parties are unable to so modify this Agreement or otherwise restructure their operations with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin as contemplated by this Section, (ii) there is an Order which prohibits the Issuer Party from continuing to perform its payment obligations as contemplated by Section 4 hereof with respect to the affected Applicable Stablecoins, or (iii) the Issuer Party has not resumed complying with its payment obligations as contemplated in Section 4 hereof, then upon the Reseller Party’s written request, (1) the Issuer Party hereby assigns any Licensed Marks corresponding to the affected Applicable Stablecoins and owned by the Issuer Party or its Affiliates to the Reseller Party or an Affiliate of the Reseller Party designated by the Reseller Party (the “IP Transfer”), (2) the IP License Agreement (if it is outstanding) will be terminated with respect to such Licensed Marks, (3) the agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 2, as such agreement may be further amended by the Parties upon mutual written agreement, will come into effect with respect to such Licensed Marks (the “New IP License Agreement”), (4) the Reseller Party shall be permitted to file any documents that have been previously executed by the Issuer Party or its Affiliates that are designed to effect the IP Transfer, (5) the provisions of Section 4 shall be terminated with respect to such affected Applicable Stablecoins (and, for the sake of clarity, the remaining provisions of this Agreement will continue to survive), and (6) Parties will collaborate in good faith to make any additional changes to this Agreement that are necessary to effect the foregoing changes to the Parties’ relationship. The consideration for the transfers contemplated by this Section will be the assumption of the costs by the transferee to maintain such transferred Licensed Marks and payment of the United States Patent and Trademark Office recordation fees, which the Parties agree shall constitute good and sufficient consideration for such transfer. [*]. Circle shall provide Coinbase with any information and assistance reasonably requested by Coinbase regarding Circle’s computation of any Taxes related to the IP Transfer, including without limitation, the tax basis, support for the fair market value of the assets transferred, and the tax rate applied with respect to such transfer. In the event of the IP Transfer, the Issuer Party shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, execute all documents and cooperate with the Reseller Party in all filings that are required to effectuate, document, and perfect the transfer of such Licensed Marks to the Reseller Party or its applicable Affiliate as contemplated in this Section. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that [*]. If following the date of the IP Transfer any Order preventing the Issuer Party’s making payments as described in Section 4 with respect to an Applicable Stablecoin has been revised through a Final Order, and the Issuer Party is current with respect to all payments pursuant to Section 4 hereof (other than in accordance with Section 3.2), and no other circumstance exists which would permit either Party to deliver a Section 3.3 Notice with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin, then any Licensed Marks associated with that Applicable Stablecoin shall transfer back to the Issuer Party pursuant to this Section 3.3(d), the IP License Agreement and the provisions of Section 4 hereof will come back into force with respect to such Licensed Marks, the New IP License Agreement will be terminated with respect to such Licensed Marks, [*], and the Parties will collaborate in good faith to make any additional changes or execute any additional documents that are necessary to effect the foregoing.
(e)During the Restructuring Period, if the Adverse Impact Under Law would result in the payment of the Collaboration Payment by the Issuer Party to the Reseller Party to be in violation of Applicable Law or Order, the Issuer Party may suspend the making of any affected Collaboration Payments that are currently outstanding (other than Collaboration Payments that were required to be paid prior to the delivery of the Section 3.3 Notice which must be paid in a timely manner). All suspended Collaboration Payments will accrue and incur interest [*] (such accrued amounts, together with such interest, the “Accrued Unpaid Amounts”), until the earlier of (i) resolution of the Adverse Impact Under Law, in which case payment will be made immediately following such resolution and (ii) the end of the Restructuring Period, in which case the Accrued Unpaid Amounts will be payable unless a Final Order prohibits the Issuer Party from making such payments. During the suspension of such payments, if the applicable Order is not a Final Order, the Issuer Party shall continue to challenge such Order whether by pursuing all available and non-frivolous appellate remedies or negotiating with the relevant Governmental Authority.
(f)The Parties agree that the provisions of this Section 3.3 are an essential element of the basis of the bargain among the Parties and their Affiliates relating to the transfer of Coinbase Technologies’ interest in Centre to Circle, and that the Parties would not have entered into the Transaction Agreement without the agreements set forth in this Section 3.3.
3.4 Survival.
(a)The following provisions and obligations arising hereunder shall survive any termination of this Agreement with respect to any or all Applicable Stablecoins and shall continue in full force and effect following such termination:
(i)Section 3.2 (to the extent set forth therein), Section 3.4, Section 7.8, Section 8, Section 10, Section 12;
(ii)any liability or payment obligation arising under this Agreement prior to such termination or expiration, including with respect to any Collaboration Payment required with respect to any Applicable Month prior to such termination, and any provisions related to the process for calculating such liabilities or payment obligations and resolving any disputes in connection with any of the foregoing; and
(iii)any other provisions of this Agreement that are stated to, or which by their terms or nature would be expected to, survive termination of this Agreement.
(b)For the sake of clarity, if this Agreement is terminated with respect to any Applicable Stablecoin, this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect with respect to all other then-existing Applicable Stablecoins.
4. Economics; Retention and Payments.
4.1 Adjustments to Payment Base.
(a)The “Initial Payment Base” used in calculating the Collaboration Payment for each Applicable Stablecoin and each Applicable Month shall be determined by reducing the Payment Base for such Applicable Stablecoin and Applicable Month, but not below zero, by [*] of the Applicable Month’s Cost of Capital Requirement for such Applicable Stablecoin and Applicable Month. Any portion of the Cost of Capital Requirement that is in excess of the Payment Base will be deemed an “Applicable Shortfall Amount”;
(b)The “Gross Payment Base” used in calculating the Collaboration Payment for each Applicable Stablecoin and each Applicable Month shall be determined by reducing the Initial Payment Base for such Applicable Stablecoin and Applicable Month, but not below zero, by the Total Shortfall Amount, if any. Any portion of the Total Shortfall Amount that is in excess of the Initial Payments Base will carry forward to the following Applicable Month;
(c)The “Net Payment Base” used in calculating the Collaboration Payment for each Applicable Stablecoin and each Applicable Month shall be determined by reducing the Gross Payment Base, if any, but not below zero, by the Issuer Retention for the relevant Applicable Month;
(d)The “Residual Payment Base” used in calculating the Collaboration Payment for each Applicable Stablecoin and each Applicable Month shall be determined by reducing the Net Payment Base, if any, but not below zero, by the Party Product Economic Amounts for such Applicable Month payable or retained in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.4; and
(e)A portion of any Residual Payment Base shall be included in the Collaboration Payment in accordance with Section 4.5.
For the sake of clarity, except as expressly set forth above, the calculation of the Initial Payment Base, Gross Payment Base, Net Payment Base, Residual Payment Base and the determination of the amounts included in the Collaboration Payment for each Applicable Stablecoin and each Applicable Month shall be determined in accordance with the foregoing provisions, regardless of any shortfalls in the Payment Base in prior Applicable Months. In no event will the Reseller Party be obligated to pay any amount of the Cost of Capital Requirement out-of-pocket to the Issuer Party.
4.2 Calculations; Payments.
(a)No later than the [*] day of the calendar month following each Applicable Month (or otherwise as soon as practicable thereafter, but in no event later than the [*] of such calendar month), the Parties will exchange the following information for such Applicable Month:
(i)The Issuer Party shall provide information detailing the amount of the Daily Circulation, Capital Reserves, Cost of Capital Requirement, Issuer Retention, and Reserves Base for all Applicable Stablecoins for which it is the Issuer Party, for each day of the preceding Applicable Month and accompanying information as agreed upon by the Parties once Capital Reserves with respect to any such Applicable Stablecoin are defined and required by Applicable Law;
(ii)The Issuer Party shall provide information detailing the amount of the Total Shortfall Amount for all Applicable Stablecoins for which it is the Issuer Party as of the last day of the preceding Applicable Month;
(iii)The Issuer Party shall provide information detailing the amount of such Applicable Month’s Payment Base, broken down by Applicable Stablecoin for all Applicable Stablecoins for which it is the Issuer Party; and
(iv)Each Party shall each provide information detailing their amount of Party Product Stablecoins for each Applicable Stablecoin for each day in such Applicable Month, which amounts shall be self-reported by each Party using the data sources set forth on Exhibit 3, unless otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties in writing.
(b)Based on the information exchanged by the Parties, the applicable Issuer Party will calculate the Collaboration Payment owed by the Issuer Party under this Agreement with respect to each Applicable Stablecoin for which it is the Issuer Party and notify the Reseller Party of the same. The applicable Reseller Party will issue one (1) invoice to the Issuer Party reflecting such amounts for all Applicable Stablecoins by the [*] day of the following calendar month (or, if all information required pursuant to Section 4.2(a) has not been provided by the [*] day of such calendar month, within [*] days following receipt of all required information), which invoice will separately state the Collaboration Payment owed on an Applicable Stablecoin-by-Applicable Stablecoin basis, and in the corresponding fiat currency for each such Applicable Stablecoin. For the sake of clarity, failure to deliver an invoice by such date shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement or a waiver of a right to receive payment.
(c)The Issuer Party will remit payment of amounts invoiced based on the information exchanged by the Parties in accordance with Section 4.2(b) to the Reseller Party in the Applicable Stablecoin to the wallet designated in writing by such other Party no later than [*] day of the calendar month in which an invoice is delivered, without deduction for any disputed amounts which the Parties agree will be subject to the dispute provisions in Section 4.4(c). By way of example only, the Collaboration Payment based on January inputs and invoiced in February will be paid by [*] day in February.
(d)All calculations made with respect to Collaboration Payments shall be made in accordance with the procedures described on Exhibit 3 (as may be updated from time to time by mutual written agreement of the Parties), and the Parties intend that the calculations and methodology in Exhibit 3 control over the text of this Agreement in the event of any conflict.
4.3 Issuer Retention.
(a)The Issuer Party will retain an amount (the “Issuer Retention”) from the Gross Payment Base for each Applicable Stablecoin for which it is the Issuer Party for each Applicable Month in accordance with Section 4.1(c). The Issuer Retention for USDC will be calculated as follows (for the sake of clarity, the Issuer Retention with respect to additional Applicable Stablecoins shall be calculated as set forth in Section 6.4):
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USDC Circulation |
Rate |
[*] |
[*] |
[*] |
[*] |
[*] |
[*] |
[*] |
[*] |
[*] |
[*] |
(b)The Issuer Retention will be calculated for each calendar day using a [*] based on the Daily Circulation for the relevant Applicable Stablecoin (by way of example only, for a particular day, if the Daily Circulation for USDC is [*], and the [*] the resulting amounts for such day will be the Issuer Retention for such day. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Gross Payment Base for any Applicable Stablecoin in any Applicable Month is not sufficient to fund the full Issuer Retention for such Applicable Month, the shortfall with respect to the Issuer Retention shall not accrue, and the Issuer Party shall not be
entitled to carry forward to the next Applicable Month such shortfall nor add such shortfall for such Applicable Month to the Issuer Retention for the next Applicable Month. In no event shall the Reseller Party be required to pay any Issuer Retention out-of-pocket to the Issuer Party.
4.4 Party Product Economics.
(a)Each Party shall be entitled to be paid or retain an amount (such Party’s “Party Product Economics Amount”) related to its Party Product Stablecoins for each Applicable Stablecoin and each Applicable Month, calculated by adding together the Daily Party Product Economics Amount for each day in such Applicable Month. The “Daily Party Product Economics Amount” for a given Applicable Stablecoin and for a given day is calculated by multiplying the Daily Payment Base for such Applicable Stablecoin by such Party’s Party Product Percentage for such Applicable Stablecoin for that day. A Party’s “Party Product Percentage” for any Applicable Stablecoin for a given day shall be equal to such [*] for that day, [*] for such day. By way of example only, if [*] in a given day is [*], Coinbase has [*] and Circle has [*], the Collaboration Payment due to Coinbase for such day will include a Daily Party Product Economics Amount for such day equal to [*] and Circle shall be entitled to retain [*] for such day, in each case subject to adjustment as set forth in the following sentence if the amount remaining in the Net Payment Base is lower than the sum of the Parties’ respective Party Product Economics Amounts. For the avoidance of doubt, if the sum of the Parties’ respective Party Product Economics Amounts exceeds the Net Payment Base for any Applicable Month, each Party’s Party Product Economics Amount will be adjusted such that the Collaboration Payment due to [*] will reflect [*]’s pro rata share of the Net Payment Base based on each Party’s Party Product Percentage. By way of example only, if the Net Payment Base equals [*], and Coinbase and Circle each have Party Product Economics Amounts of [*] and [*] respectively, the Collaboration Payment due to Coinbase for such day will include a Party Product Economics Amount adjusted to [*] ([*]), and Circle shall be entitled to retain its Party Product Economics Amount as adjusted to [*] ([*]). No Party Product Economics Amounts shall accrue to following Applicable Months.
(b)Each of Circle and Coinbase will record data reasonably necessary to verify the types and quantities of their respective Party Product Stablecoins, and each Party shall, subject to compliance with Applicable Law, provide a report containing such data in the form set forth on the “Party Product Stablecoin Reconciliation” tabs of Exhibit 3, anonymized to protect client, customer or proprietary information, to the other Party with respect to each Applicable Stablecoin (the “Party Product Stablecoin Data”). Following the Effective Date, on [*] of a given calendar year each Party shall direct [*] or a nationally recognized third party financial or certified accounting firm mutually agreeable to each Party (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) (the “Accountant”) to deliver, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Accountant to deliver, to the other Party in connection with the Party Product Stablecoin Data an “agreed upon procedures letter” addressed to the other Party affirming the correct application of procedures by such Party in calculating the Party Product Stablecoins with respect to each Applicable Stablecoin, with such agreed upon procedures letter to cover the matters set forth on Exhibit 3. The Parties agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to finalize the first such “agreed upon procedures letter” covering the topics in Exhibit 4 within [*] of the Effective Date, and if not finalized within such time period due to a dispute regarding such letter, such dispute will be resolved in accordance with the procedure described in Section 4.4(c); provided, that no such dispute or resulting delay in delivery of such letter shall excuse a Party’s invoicing and payment obligations pursuant to this Section 4. If any discrepancies are identified in such reports the Party that is found to have received a net overpayment shall pay to the other Party the amount of such net overpayment within [*] following the exchange of such reports (or such net overpayment may be netted out of the Collaboration Payment to be paid in the next calendar month pursuant to Section 4.2(c)).
(c)If there is a disagreement on the calculation by either Party of the calculation of Party Product Stablecoins of the other Party, the Party challenging the calculation shall raise the dispute through the Dispute Escalation Procedure (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, Sections 2.4(c) and 2.4(d)) in pursuit of a true-up reimbursement with respect to the foregoing payment; provided, that any such dispute shall be deemed to have been waived by a Party that does not raise such dispute in writing within [*] of the Applicable Month that is the subject of such dispute. If any such dispute is not resolved through the Dispute Escalation Procedure as set forth in Sections 2.4(a) and 2.4(b), either Party’s Executive Lead Sponsor may, upon the expiration of the [*] period set forth in Section 2.4(b), elect to involve the Accountant, in which case:
(i)each Party shall make available to the Accountant its unredacted books and records which relate to such Party’s Party Product Stablecoins, and shall permit the Accountant to have free and full access thereto for the sole purpose of reviewing and confirming such Party’s Party Product Stablecoin calculations;
(ii)the determination of the Accountant shall guide the Executive Lead Sponsors in resolving such dispute, but shall not be binding on the Parties with respect to such dispute;
(iii)if the Parties mutually agree that an overpayment in the Collaboration Payments occurred with respect to any Applicable Stablecoin, then (A) the overpaid Party will promptly (but in any event within [*] of such agreement) return the overpayment to the other Party and (B) if such overpayment is greater than [*] of the amounts paid with respect to the relevant Applicable Stablecoin for the periods audited, then the overpaid Party shall (1) reimburse the overpaying Party for the reasonable and documented costs and expenses of such audit actually incurred by the overpaying Party (but in no event more than US$[*] for any audit) and (2) reimburse the overpaying Party for any reasonable and documented out of pocket expenses required to collect the overpaid amount, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and other professional fees incurred by the overpaying Party in connection therewith;
(iv)if the Parties mutually agree that an underpayment in the Collaboration Payments occurred with respect to any Applicable Stablecoin, then (A) the underpaying Party will promptly (but in any event within [*] of such agreement) pay to the underpaid Party the amount of such underpayment, and (B) if such underpayment is greater than [*] of the amounts paid with respect to the relevant Applicable Stablecoin for the periods audited, then the Party that underpaid shall (1) reimburse the underpaid Party for the reasonable and documented costs and expenses of such audit actually incurred by the underpaid Party (but in no event more than US$[*] for any audit) and (2) reimburse the underpaid Party for any reasonable and documented out of pocket expenses required to collect the underpaid amount, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and other professional fees incurred by the underpaid Party in connection therewith; and
(v)notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if the Parties are unable to resolve the dispute via the Dispute Escalation Procedure, Sections 2.4(c) and 2.4(d) shall apply with respect to such dispute.
4.5 Ecosystem Stablecoin Economics.
(a)The Parties agree they will collaborate in good faith to determine how to best grow issuances of Applicable Stablecoins other than Party Product Stablecoins (“Ecosystem Stablecoins”) and to discuss establishing terms for how non-Affiliate third parties (“Ecosystem Participants”) may participate in the interest or dividend income and realized gains or losses accrued in respect of the Reserves Base [*] and to discuss [*] with respect to Applicable Stablecoins held in wallets that are managed or provided by such Ecosystem Participant. If the Parties agree to [*]. For the avoidance of doubt, [*].
(b)The Reseller Party shall be entitled to [*] of the Residual Payment Base for an Applicable Stablecoin and Applicable Month (the “Ecosystem Economics Amount”), which Ecosystem Economics Amount shall be a part of the Collaboration Payments made to the Reseller Party on a monthly basis in accordance with this Section 4.
5. Capital Requirements.
5.1 Determination of Capital Requirements. The Parties acknowledge that: (i) Applicable Law may require the Issuer Party or its applicable Affiliate to create and maintain a segregated amount of capital in addition to the Reserves Base (such as cash or various approved investment types) for one or more Applicable Stablecoins; or (ii) it may be reasonable or prudent to create and maintain such a segregated amount of capital to ensure compliance [*] (by way of example only [*]) (each [*]) [*]. The Parties agree that, [*], the Issuer Party will [*] with the consultation of Reseller Party (whose input the Issuer Party shall consider in good faith) and the Issuer Party shall [*]. If Applicable Law requires any such Capital Reserve, the Issuer Party will determine, with the consultation of the Reseller Party (whose input the Issuer Party shall consider in good faith), the amount of such Capital Reserve, based on the following principles:
(a)[*], unless otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing. [*], unless otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing. The Parties agree to discuss in good faith potential amendments to this Agreement if the existence of or a Party’s compliance with this Agreement results in (or is likely to result in) an increase in the required Capital Reserve.
(b)Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Reseller Party, the Reseller Party shall [*]; provided, that [*] of the Cost of Capital Requirement for the relevant Applicable Stablecoin may be deducted from the Payment Base in accordance with Section 4.1(a).
(c)The applicable Issuer Party shall use reasonable best efforts to provide no less than [*] prior written notice to the applicable Reseller Party of any changes to the methodology for determining the required amount of the Capital Reserve.
(d)Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties agree that as of the Effective Date, the Issuer Party may estimate the required Capital Reserve for USDC by multiplying the then-current Reserves Base by [*] basis points (i.e. [*]%), and Circle, as the Issuer Party with respect to USDC as of the Effective Date, hereby represents to Coinbase that, as of the Effective Date, Circle or an Affiliate thereof has funded $[*] of Capital Reserves for USDC.
5.2 Reserves Base Shortfall. In the event of a shortfall in the total Reserves Base of any Applicable Stablecoin such that the Reserves Base is no longer sufficient to back the total amount of then-issued and outstanding Applicable Stablecoins of such type in circulation on a one-to-one basis, Capital Reserves may be used to cover such shortfall.
5.3 Cost of Capital Requirement; Changes in Capital Requirements. The “Cost of Capital Requirement”, with respect to a given Applicable Stablecoin and a given Applicable Month, will be calculated on a daily basis by multiplying (a) the [*](as calculated by a nationally recognized certified accounting, valuation, or financial firm on at least [*] basis) (“[*]”), divided by three hundred and sixty five (365), by (b) the lower of (x) the Capital Reserve actually held by such Issuer Party with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin on such day and (y) the Capital Reserve for such day that is then-effective or that will become effective within the following [*] as determined in accordance with Section 5.1 above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the [*] shall provide the [*] to the [*] prior to the effectiveness of such [*] and must obtain such [*] prior written agreement to the [*] for such [*] to become effective with respect to a given Applicable Stablecoin. In the event that the [*] objects to the [*] of a [*] and such objection is not resolved by the Parties within [*] of such notice, the Parties shall engage an Accountant [*] to determine the [*] and shall use the [*] determined by such Accountant. If the Parties cannot mutually agree on the selection of such Accountant, each Party shall independently engage an Accountant offering valuation services to determine the [*], and the [*] shall be [*] determined by such Accountants. The [*] in effect immediately prior to the [*] notice thereof will continue to apply until the earlier of the [*] approval of the new [*], or the conclusion of the Accountant’s [*] determinations in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence. The Parties agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to finalize the [*] that will apply as of August 1, 2023 (the “Initial [*]”) within [*] of the date this Agreement is entered into by the Parties, and if not finalized within such time period due to the Parties’ disagreement or dispute over the [*], the Parties shall engage an Accountant [*] to determine the Initial [*] and shall use the Initial [*] determined by such Accountant. If the Parties cannot mutually agree on the selection of such Accountant, each Party shall independently engage an Accountant [*] to determine the Initial [*], and the Initial [*] shall be [*] determined by such Accountants.
6. Launch of New Stablecoins.
6.1 Right to Launch. Subject to the terms of this Section 6, either Party may (or may designate any of its Affiliates to) launch a new Stablecoin using any of the Licensed Marks (such new Stablecoin, a “New Stablecoin”) that do not already correspond to an existing Applicable Stablecoin, including USDC. If a Party desires to launch a New Stablecoin, such Party shall notify the other Party in writing (a “New Stablecoin Notice”), which notice shall include the fiat currency associated with such New Stablecoin (and the Licensed Marks to be used in connection with such New Stablecoin shall be the Licensed Marks corresponding to such fiat currency), the anticipated Launch Date and the jurisdictions in which such New Stablecoin is expected to be available as of the Launch Date
6.2. Circle Right of First Refusal. If Coinbase delivers a New Stablecoin Notice to Circle, Circle may notify Coinbase in writing (the “Stablecoin ROFR Notice”), within fifteen (15) calendar days of Circle’s receipt of such New Stablecoin Notice, that it or one of its Affiliates wishes to launch such New Stablecoin using the associated Licensed Marks. If Circle delivers a Stablecoin ROFR Notice to Coinbase, Circle and its Affiliates shall have the first right to launch such New Stablecoin pursuant to Section 6.3.
6.3 Launch Period. If Coinbase delivers a New Stablecoin Notice and Circle does not deliver a Stablecoin ROFR Notice, or if Circle delivers a New Stablecoin Notice or a Stablecoin ROFR Notice, then following the date of the latter such notice (the “New Stablecoin Start Date”), Coinbase or Circle (or its applicable Affiliate), as applicable, shall have the exclusive right as between the Parties to use the relevant Licensed Mark to launch and issue such New Stablecoin until the earlier of (i) such time as the Party proposing to issue the New Stablecoin ceases to use commercially reasonable efforts in good faith to launch such New Stablecoin and (ii) the [*] of the New Stablecoin Start Date (the “Launch Period”). If the Party proposing to launch such New Stablecoin achieves a Launch Date for such New Stablecoin during the Launch Period, the other Party may elect to participate as a Reseller Party in accordance with Section 6.4, but may not launch a New Stablecoin using the same Licensed Marks or underlying Proxy Address as such New Stablecoin. If the Party proposing to launch such New Stablecoin does not achieve a Launch Date for such New Stablecoin (either itself or through an Affiliate) within the Launch Period, the other Party shall exclusively have the foregoing right to launch such New Stablecoin for a period of [*] following the end of such Launch Date. If, following the Launch Period and the foregoing [*] period thereafter, neither Party has achieved a Launch Date with respect to such New Stablecoin, this Section 6.3 shall apply to future attempts to launch such New Stablecoin as if no such prior attempts had been made by the Parties. The Party that achieves a Launch Date for a New Stablecoin pursuant to this Section 6.3 will become the Issuer Party with respect to such New Stablecoin, and the other Party may not issue or launch a New Stablecoin using the same Licensed Marks or underlying Proxy Address as such New Stablecoin (but may still elect to participate as a Reseller Party in accordance with Section 6.4).
6.4 Election to Treat New Stablecoin as an Applicable Stablecoin. Following a Launch Date for a New Stablecoin, but not later than [*] following receipt of the Launch Date Notice for such Launch Date, the Reseller Party with respect to such New Stablecoin may elect to treat such New Stablecoin as an Applicable Stablecoin for all purposes hereunder by written notice to the other Party; provided, that the Reseller Party has met the New Stablecoin Product Threshold and the Reseller Threshold with respect to such New Stablecoin. Unless the Parties agree in writing to deviate from the economics described in this Agreement with respect to USDC, the provisions of Sections 4 and 5 of this Agreement shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to any such Applicable Stablecoin as of the first day of the first full calendar month following the date on which the Reseller Party provides written notice to the other Party of its election to treat such New Stablecoin as an Applicable Stablecoin; provided further, that the Issuer Retention for such Applicable Stablecoin shall be calculated as follows:
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New Stablecoin Circulation |
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[*] |
[*] |
6.5 EURC. The Parties hereby agree that Circle shall be deemed to have delivered a New Stablecoin Notice to Coinbase with respect to EURC as of the Effective Date. Circle hereby acknowledges and agrees that (i) the “Euro Coin”, or “EUROC”, in circulation as of the Effective Date shall be rebranded as “EURC” as promptly as reasonably practicable following the Effective Date, but in any event not later than [*] following the Effective Date and (ii) thereafter, Circle shall cease use of “Euro Coin” and “EUROC” in all of its marketing and promotional materials when referring to EURC.
6.6 Transfer of Licensed Marks. In the event that Coinbase becomes the Issuer Party with respect to any Stablecoin that utilizes a Licensed Mark pursuant to this Section 6, Circle (or an Affiliate thereof, as applicable) shall transfer to Coinbase (or an Affiliate thereof, as applicable) all applicable Licensed Marks for such Stablecoin owned by Circle or its Affiliates. The consideration for any transfer contemplated by this Section 6.6 shall be [*], which the Parties agree shall constitute good and sufficient consideration for such transfer. Coinbase shall [*]. Immediately upon the consummation of such transfer, the IP License Agreement shall be construed as set forth in Section 8.8(b) of the IP License Agreement.
7. Additional Covenants.
7.1 Proxy Addresses. The Issuer Party will promptly notify the Reseller Party of any changes to the Proxy Addresses for USDC, or EURC, and Schedule B will be deemed to have been updated accordingly, effective as of such change. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where the Issuer Party adds or removes USDC or EURC, as applicable, to or from a given Chain, then effective upon such addition or removal, the Proxy Addresses associated with such Applicable Stablecoin and Chain will be deemed added or removed, as applicable, from Schedule B.
7.2 [*] Keys. On the Effective Date, Coinbase shall transfer to Circle all [*] keys relating to USDC held by Coinbase (including, without limitation, [*]) (collectively, the “[*] Keys”). Circle shall thereafter exclusively own all USDC keys and shall be exclusively responsible and liable for the custodying, use and management thereof. For clarity, [*].
7.3 Marketing Plan. Each Party shall engage in good faith to collaborate on the development and fulfillment of an initial annual marketing plan for USDC and other Applicable Stablecoins, which plan may include a public announcement of the existence, but not the terms, of this Agreement, and which may include participation by Coinbase in Circle-sponsored events (the “Marketing Plan”).
7.4 Release of Source Code. Each Party agrees, with respect to Applicable Stablecoins for which it is the Issuer Party, to, prior to use in production following the Effective Date, publicly release the Covered Source Code under the Apache 2.0 license, the MIT license, or another open source Permissive License reasonably chosen by the Issuer Party; provided that if a portion of the Covered Source Code is licensed to the Issuer Party under a license that is not a Permissive License, the Issuer Party may, to the extent permitted under such license, publicly release the Covered Source Code under the same license under which it receives such portion. A “Permissive License” is an open source license that does not require that the licensed software or other software incorporated into, derived from, linked to or distributed with such licensed code (i) be disclosed or distributed in source code form, (ii) be licensed for the purpose of making derivative works or (iii) be redistributable at no charge. Circle represents and warrants that it has released the Covered Source Code in existence as of the Effective Date for USDC on the GitHub repositories listed on Schedule A.
7.5 Payments under Prior Agreements. On the Effective Date, Circle shall transfer [*] in USDC to the wallet address previously designated by Coinbase which the Parties agree represents all amounts that have accrued on or before [*] under Circle’s (and its Affiliates’) payment obligations to Coinbase and its Affiliates pursuant to the USDC Reserve Balancing Policy Side Agreement, dated as of July 27, 2020, by and between Circle US Holdings, LLC and Coinbase Technologies Inc., and the USDC Reserve Allocation Side Agreement, effective as of April 1, 2019 and dated as of June 3, 2019, by and between Circle Internet Financial, Inc. and Coinbase, Inc. (together, the “Existing Agreements”). Circle shall pay to Coinbase all amounts owed to Coinbase pursuant to the Existing Agreements as were in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date in USDC to the wallet address designated by Coinbase no later than [*] for the calendar month of [*].
7.6 Mint and Redemption Access. If Coinbase becomes the Issuer Party with respect to any Applicable Stablecoin, Coinbase (or one of its sufficiently capitalized Affiliates) will enter into a written agreement providing for the provision to Circle (or its Affiliate) of substantially the same services and commitments as those provided by Circle as the Issuer Party to Coinbase, Inc. under the Master Services Agreement on substantially similar terms as those provided by Circle as the Issuer Party under such Master Services Agreement.
7.7 Additional Obligations. Each Party will, with respect to its activities relating to an Applicable Stablecoin: (a) avoid deceptive, misleading or unethical practices that might be detrimental to the other Party or the brand name or image of the Applicable Stablecoin, (b) not make any false or misleading representations with regard to the Applicable Stablecoins or in connection with achieving the Product Threshold or the Reseller Threshold, and (c) not make any representations, warranties or guarantees on behalf of the other Party (or about the other Party’s products or services) without the other Party’s express prior written consent; provided, that the foregoing clause (d) shall not be construed in any way to limit a Party’s ability to make factual statements regarding the other Party (or its products or services) or an Applicable Stablecoin.
7.8 Limitation on Damages. EXCEPT IN CONNECTION WITH A PARTY’S FRAUD, BAD FAITH, GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, A PARTY’S AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO THE OTHER PARTY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO A BREACH OF ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER [*]. THE FOREGOING WILL NOT LIMIT EITHER PARTY’S LIABILITY FOR ANY OTHER PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT OR BREACH THEREOF.
8. Confidential Information.
8.1 Confidential Information Defined. As used herein, “Confidential Information” means all information that is identified as confidential at the time of disclosure by the Party disclosing such information (the “disclosing party”) or that should reasonably be understood to be confidential due to the nature of the information or the circumstances in which it is made available to the other Party (the “receiving party”) or its Representatives by, on behalf of, a disclosing party or its Representatives in connection with this Agreement, except to the extent that the same can be shown to (a) have been known by the receiving party on a non-confidential basis prior to receipt from the disclosing party, (b) have been or become available to the receiving party on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the disclosing party or its Representatives without such source being in violation of any obligation to the disclosing party or its Representatives, (c) publicly known through no fault of the receiving party or (d) later lawfully acquired by the receiving party on a non-confidential basis from sources other than the disclosing party or its Representatives.
8.2 Restrictions. Except as expressly provided otherwise herein, the receiving party: (a) shall not use the disclosing party’s Confidential Information, or any part thereof, for any purpose other than to exercise its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreement, (b) shall not make any such Confidential Information, or any part thereof, available to any third party and (c) shall exercise at least the same standard of care to protect such information from unauthorized disclosure or use as it uses to protect its own confidential information of a similar nature, which in no event shall be less than reasonable care. For the sake of clarity, the receiving party may disclose the disclosing party’s Confidential Information to its Representatives who need to know such information for purposes of this Agreement, provided that the receiving party shall ensure that such Representatives keep such Confidential Information confidential in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. For the sake of clarity, the foregoing shall not be construed to prevent a Party or its respective Representatives from carrying on existing businesses, seeking or making other business opportunities or investments, entering into new lines of business and/or developing or marketing new or existing products or services in any jurisdiction or territory (whether or not the same as or similar to or competitive with any business, line of business, or any product or service now conducted, developed or marketed or intended in the future to be conducted, developed or marketed by a Party or its Representatives) so long as the Confidential Information of the disclosing party is not used to develop such business or used or referenced in any such products or services and such Party complies with the provisions of this Section 8.
8.3 Permitted Disclosures. A receiving party may disclose Confidential Information to third parties if: (a) (i) such Confidential Information is required to be filed with or disclosed to any Governmental Authority, (ii) it is requested to do so by any Governmental Authority having regulatory authority over such receiving party (or its Affiliates), or (iii) disclosure of such Confidential Information is otherwise required by Applicable Law; provided, in each case, that the receiving party shall have, where applicable, taken such reasonable steps to protect the confidentiality of such information as the receiving party takes with respect to the protection of its own comparable confidential information in such circumstances; and provided, further, that, the receiving party shall, to the extent practicable and permitted by Applicable Law, (A) notify the disclosing party in advance of any disclosure of such Confidential Information to a Governmental Authority and (B) provide the disclosing party with a reasonable opportunity to seek an appropriate protective order or other reliable assurances that confidential treatment shall be afforded to such Confidential Information; (b) the provision of such Confidential Information is reasonably necessary in connection with the enforcement or defense of any rights or remedies hereunder or the transactions contemplated hereby; (c) such Confidential Information is required by an auditor for the purpose of an audit of the recipient (or one or more of its Affiliates); provided such auditor agrees in writing to maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information provided to it; or (d) such Confidential Information is, in the reasonable opinion of the recipient, necessary to provide to a Governmental Authority in connection with any tax return of the recipient or its Affiliates.
8.4 Non-Disclosure Agreement. The Parties hereby agree, on behalf of themselves or their respective Affiliates party to that certain Mutual Confidentiality Agreement between the Parties dated as of October 24, 2022, as amended on November 1, 2022 (the “Confidentiality Agreement”) that as of the Effective Date the Confidentiality Agreement shall terminate and shall no longer be of any force and effect; provided that the Parties understand and agree, on behalf of themselves and their respective Affiliates, that any Confidential Information that the Parties or any of their respective Affiliates received prior to the Effective Date shall constitute Confidential Information under this Agreement.
9. Representations, Warranties and Disclaimers.
9.1 Mutual Representations and Warranties. Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other Party, as of the Effective Date, that:
(a)Such Party is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, and in good standing (to the extent such concept is relevant) in each jurisdiction necessary or applicable for the performance of its obligations as set forth herein, except where the failure to so be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Such Party is duly qualified to do business in its jurisdiction of organization and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals from Governmental Authorities in each jurisdiction that requires such qualification, except where the failure to so qualify or obtain licenses or approvals would not have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
(b)The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder have been duly approved and authorized by all necessary action of such Party. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Party, enforceable against such Party in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, receivership, conservatorship, and other laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.
(c)The execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Party, the performance by such Party, and the fulfillment by such Party of the provisions of this Agreement shall not (i) conflict with, violate or result in any breach of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, any material indenture, contract, agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, or other instrument to which such Party is a party or by which it or any of its properties are bound, (ii) violate the charter or bylaws or any other equivalent organizational document of such Party, (iii) require any consent or approval under any judgment, order, memorandum of understanding, writ, decree, permit or license to which such Party is a party or by which its assets are bound, or (iv) require the consent or approval of any other party to any material contract, instrument, or commitment to which such Party is a party or by which it is bound.
(d)There are no Proceedings pending or, to the actual knowledge of such Party, threatened or contemplated against such Party (i) asserting the invalidity of this Agreement, (ii) seeking any determination or ruling that could materially and adversely affect the exercise by such Party of its rights or performance by such Party of its obligations under this Agreement or (iii) seeking any determination or ruling that could materially and adversely affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement.
(e)Neither such Party nor any of its Affiliates, nor any of their officers, directors or principals is a Person (i) named on any of the following lists maintained by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control: the Specially Designated Nationals List, the Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List and Non-SDN Iranian Sanctions List, any list of geographic territories subject to comprehensive restrictions (e.g., Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, North Korea, and the Crimea Region of Ukraine), (ii) named on the EU Consolidated List, the UK HM Treasury Consolidated List, the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Lists of Designated Individuals and Entities, or the Consolidated United Nations Security Council Sanctions List, (iii) which resides or transacts, or is organized under the laws of a country (1) designated as non-cooperative with anti-money laundering laws by a Governmental Authority, including the Financial Action Task Force, or (2) designated as warranting USA Patriot Act Section 311 “special measures,” (iv) which operates under an offshore banking license that prohibits such Person from conducting banking activities with the citizens of, or with the local currency of, the country that issued the license, or (v) which is a “foreign shell bank” or a “senior foreign political figure” as such terms are defined in the USA PATRIOT Act.
10. Limitation of Liability; Indemnity.
10.1 Limitation on Damages. EXCEPT IN CONNECTION WITH A BREACH OF ANY PARTY’S [*], NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING ANY DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF GOODWILL, LOSS OF OPPORTUNITY, LOSS OF DATA, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF USE OR LOSS OF BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS), RELATING TO OR ARISING IN ANY MANNER OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE PERFORMANCE OR NON-PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES COULD HAVE BEEN FORESEEN OR PREVENTED; PROVIDED, THAT THE LIABILITY OF A PARTY FOR FRAUD, BAD FAITH, GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT SHALL NOT BE LIMITED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 10.1.
10.2 No Limitations on Other Agreements. For the sake of clarity, nothing herein shall operate to limit any Person’s liability under any other Transaction Document, provided that a Party will not be entitled to recover under multiple Transaction Documents for the same Loss.
10.3 Indemnification.
(a)Each Party will, at its sole expense, indemnify, defend (or settle) and hold harmless the other Party, its Affiliates, its Representatives (collectively, the “indemnified Party”) from and against any and all Losses resulting from a Claim to the extent that such Claim is caused by the indemnifying Party’s: (i) actual or alleged violation of Applicable Law or Order; or (ii) fraud, bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct.
(b)The indemnified Party agrees to (i) notify the indemnifying Party of a Claim in writing as soon as practicable, (ii) provide the indemnifying Party (at the indemnifying Party’s expense) any assistance reasonably requested by the indemnifying Party and reasonably necessary for the defense or settlement of such Claim, and (iii) allow the indemnifying Party to direct and control the defense and settlement of such Claim, provided however, that the indemnified Party reserves the right to retain counsel to participate in the defense and settlement of any Claim for which indemnification is sought, at the indemnified Party’s expense unless (x) the employment of counsel by the indemnified Party has been authorized by the indemnifying Party in writing, (y) the representation of such indemnified Party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying Party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential conflicts of interest between such indemnitee and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceedings, or (z) the indemnifying Party shall have not employed counsel to assume the defense of such action in a timely fashion, in each of which cases the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the indemnified Party shall be at the expense of the indemnifying Party.
(c)The indemnifying Party shall not, without the indemnified Party’s prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), settle, compromise or admit any fault or wrongdoing in respect of any Claim (or any claim, issue or matter therein), or consent to the entry of a judgment or settlement of a Claim which imposes any obligations on the indemnified Party other than the requirement to pay monies fully indemnifiable by the indemnifying Party.
(d)The rights to indemnification conferred in this Section 10 shall not be exclusive of any other right which any Person may have or hereafter acquire under Applicable Law, under any other agreement or otherwise; provided that an indemnified Party shall not be entitled to recover more than once for the same Loss. The indemnifying Party will not be obligated to indemnify the indemnified Party to the extent the indemnifying Party is prejudiced by the indemnified Party’s failure to comply with this Section 10.
11. Taxes.
11.1 Withholding.
(a)If Applicable Laws require a Party making a payment under this Agreement (such payment, an “Agreement Payment”, such Party, the “Payor”) to withhold Taxes (“Withholding Taxes”) from Agreement Payments made by Payor to the other Party (the “Payee”), then Payor shall be entitled to deduct and withhold the amount required by Applicable Law and pay such amount over time to the applicable Taxing Authority. Such withheld and deducted amount shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Payee. Payee shall provide to Payor, at the time or times reasonably requested by Payor or as required by Applicable Law, such properly completed and duly executed documentation, if any, including but not limited to an IRS Form W-9 (a “Withholding Certificate”), that Payee is entitled to provide under Applicable Law as will, to the reasonable satisfaction of Payor, permit Agreement Payments to be made without, or at a reduced rate of, Withholding Taxes.
(b)Notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to Section 11.1(c), in the event that Agreement Payments made by Payor following the date of this are subject to deduction or withholding solely as [*] (such action referred to as a “Payor Withholding Tax Action”), and no deduction or withholding would have been required absent such Payor Withholding Tax Action, then the Payor shall pay to the Payee [*].
(c)In the event that Agreement Payments made by Payor are subject to deduction or withholding, and no deduction or withholding would have been required absent [*], then [*]. Such withheld and deducted amount shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Payee.
(d)If an Agreement Payment is subject to Withholding Taxes, the Payor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide Payee with [*] written notice of its intent to make a deduction and withholding. Payor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with Payee in good faith to obtain reduction of or relief from such obligation to deduct and withhold. All Withholding Taxes deducted and withheld from Agreement Payments shall be timely paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority in accordance with Applicable Law, and the Payor shall promptly provide the Payee with a written receipt or other reasonably available evidence establishing the amount and timing of each payment to the appropriate Taxing Authority.
11.2 Cooperation. The Parties agree to furnish or cause to be furnished to each other, upon reasonable request and as promptly as is reasonably necessary, such information that is in each Party’s possession and that relates to the transactions contemplated hereunder as is reasonably required for the filing of all Tax Returns, the preparation for any audit by any Taxing Authority, and the prosecution or defense of any claim, suit or Proceeding, including any threatened Proceeding, relating to any Tax Return. The Parties shall retain all books and records with respect to the Taxes pertaining to the transactions contemplated in this Agreement. The Parties shall reasonably cooperate with each other in the conduct of any audit or other Proceeding, including any threatened Proceeding, related to Taxes under this Agreement.
11.3 Tax Matters.
(a)Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed or construed by the Parties or any of their Affiliates to treat the relationship between the Parties contemplated by this Agreement as a partnership, joint venture or other business entity under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-1(a)(2) (or any corresponding provision under state, local or non-U.S. tax Law) (an “Entity”). Without the prior written consent of the Parties (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), no Party (or successor or assignee) shall, for Tax purposes, report the relationships established by this Agreement as an Entity, including either (a) making any disclosure that the relationships established by this Agreement may give rise to an Entity (whether on a U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 8275 or otherwise) or (b) withholding any amounts from payments made to the other Party pursuant to Section 1446 of the Internal Revenue Code (or any corresponding provision under state, local or non-U.S. tax law) unless required by a Taxing Authority on audit or other examination.
(b)This Agreement is not intended to effect any transfer or beneficial ownership of any amount of a Reserves Base, or any interest, dividend, gain or other income with respect thereto, for U.S. federal, state and local tax purposes. The Parties agree to file all tax returns in a manner consistent with the foregoing intent unless required by a Taxing Authority on audit or other examination.
12. Miscellaneous Provisions.
12.1 Force Majeure. No Party shall be considered to be in breach of any of its representations and warranties under this Agreement as a result of a Force Majeure Event, or in breach of its obligations under this Agreement solely to the extent that performance of such obligations is prevented by any Force Majeure Event; provided, that (x) the Force Majeure Event was not caused by the negligence of the Party whose performance is adversely affected, or by the negligence of its Representatives, (y) notice of such Force Majeure Event is given in accordance with the provisions of Section 12.3 and (z) the Party whose performance is adversely affected uses commercially reasonable efforts to promptly overcome or mitigate the effects of such Force Majeure Event. Upon the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event, the Parties shall consult in good faith with respect to any commercially reasonable measures that may be taken in order to mitigate the impact of such Force Majeure Event. The Party whose performance is adversely affected by a Force Majeure Event shall give the other Party prompt written notice of the Force Majeure Event’s cessation or abatement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Force Majeure Event shall relieve an Issuer Party of its obligations to make Collaboration Payments pursuant to Section 4 of this Agreement.
12.2 Governing Law; Dispute Resolution.
(a)This Agreement and all matters or disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the subject matter hereof or the activities of the Parties in connection with or contemplated by this Agreement, shall be governed by, construed under and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, without reference to any conflicts of laws provisions which would require the imposition of the laws of any other jurisdiction.
(b)In the event that any matters or disputes arising out of or in connection with this agreement, the subject matter hereof, or the activities of the Parties in connection with or contemplated by this Agreement, is not resolved through the Dispute Escalation Procedure, the Parties agree to resolve all such matters or disputes in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or other court located in the State of Delaware if the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction over such matter or dispute). In the event of any such matters or disputes, each of the Parties hereby (i) expressly and irrevocably submits to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery (or other court located in the state of Delaware if the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction over such matter or dispute), (ii) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court, (iii) agrees that it will not bring any action arising under or relating to this Agreement in any court other than the Delaware Court of Chancery (or other court located in the state of Delaware if the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction over such matter or dispute), and (iv) waives, to the fullest extent it may legally effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, as well as any right to the removal of any suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
(c)Notwithstanding Section 12.2(a) and Section 12.2(b), in the event any such Dispute relates solely to the [*] (a “[*]”) other than the requirement to consummate the actions required pursuant to Section 3.3(d), (i) such [*] shall be governed by, construed under and enforced in accordance with the state and federal laws of the United States, and (ii) the Parties agree to resolve all such [*] in [*].
12.3 Notices. All notices and other communications pertaining to this Agreement (except as otherwise provided herein) shall be in writing and may be given in any manner described below to the address set out below, and shall be deemed effective as follows: (a) if delivered personally to the Person designated below, (b) when the same is actually received, if sent by express overnight courier service, with charges prepaid and return receipt requested, or (c) if sent by email, if notice of nondelivery is not received, (i) at or prior to 5:00 pm local time of the recipient on a Business Day, on that Business Day or (ii) later than 5:00 pm local time of the recipient, on the next succeeding Business Day. The initial addresses and contact details of the Parties are as follows:
To Circle:
[*]
with a copy (which shall not constitute actual or constructive notice) to:
[*]
To Coinbase:
[*]
Any Party hereto may change its address or contact details from time to time by giving notice to that effect as provided in this Agreement.
12.4 Waiver. Failure of a Party hereto to insist, in any one or more instances, upon the strict performance of any of the covenants, agreements, terms, provisions or conditions of this Agreement, or to exercise any rights contained herein or therein shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment for the failure of the same covenant, agreement, term, provision or condition, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect.
12.5 Entire Agreement; Amendments.
(a)This Agreement, together with the other Transaction Documents, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the matters contemplated hereby and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous oral or written agreements or understandings of the Parties.
(b)The provisions of this Agreement, including this Section 12.5(b), may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions of this Agreement may not be given without the written consent of Circle and Coinbase.
12.6 Assignments, Successors.
(a)The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their successors and permitted assigns. Except as expressly permitted hereunder, neither Party may or shall assign this Agreement or any of its respective rights or obligations hereunder, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other Party hereto. Any purported assignment or delegation made in violation of this Section 12.6 shall be null and void ab initio.
(b)Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 12.6, either Party may assign this Agreement, in whole but not in part, upon at least [*] prior written notice to the other Party, but without the consent of the other Party, to an Affiliate or to a Person that acquires all or substantially all of the assets or operations of such Party; provided, that such Affiliate or Person acknowledges and assumes in writing all responsibilities of such Party under this Agreement. If either Party or any of its Affiliates transfers or assigns its business related to any Applicable Stablecoin to any third party, such Party shall cause such transferee or assignee to agree to assume the obligations of this Agreement with respect to such Applicable Stablecoin.
12.7 Third Party Rights. The Parties do not intend that any term of this Agreement shall be enforceable by any Person who is not a Party to this Agreement. This Agreement, and all of its provisions and conditions, are for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Parties and their successors and permitted assigns.
12.8 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision, covenant or condition of this Agreement or the application hereof or thereof to any Person or circumstance is deemed invalid or to any extent unenforceable, that wording insofar as it relates to that Person or circumstance shall be deemed not to be included in this Agreement and the balance of this Agreement (or part hereof, as applicable), shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding upon the Parties; provided that [*]. In the circumstances referred to in this Section 12.8, the Parties shall use reasonable efforts to negotiate in good faith to substitute any invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision with a valid, legal or enforceable provision which achieves to the greatest extent enforceable the original intent (and commercial position) of the Parties as would have been achieved by the original provision including, without limitation and by way of example only, a Party’s assigning this Agreement to an Affiliate, restructuring the provisions set forth in Section 4 of this Agreement, or otherwise amending this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if a court of competent jurisdiction issues an Order that prevents the Issuer Party’s making payments as described in Section 4 hereof then the provisions of Section 3.3 shall apply.
12.9 Availability of Equitable Relief. Each Party recognizes that a breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement could result in irreparable damage and harm to the other Party (and its Affiliates) and such Person may be without an adequate remedy at law in the event of any such breach. Therefore, each Party agrees that, if any provision of this Agreement is breached or is threatened to be breached, each Party and/or its Affiliates may: (a) seek to obtain specific performance, (b) seek to enjoin any Person that has breached, or threatens to breach, any such provision from engaging in any activity restricted by such provisions, and (c) pursue any one or more of the foregoing or any other remedy available to it under Applicable Law, provided that the seeking Party has provided the other Party notice of such actual or threatened material breach and has given such other Party a reasonable opportunity to cure unless the provision of notice and opportunity to cure may result in irreparable harm, in which case the seeking Party may pursue such remedies immediately and provide notice and opportunity to cure as soon as practicable. A Person seeking or obtaining any such relief shall not be precluded from obtaining any other relief to which that Person may be entitled. In addition, without limiting the foregoing and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each Party hereby acknowledges and agrees that any breach by a Party of its obligations under Section 3.3 shall irreparably harm the other Party, notwithstanding the availability of any monetary damages, and that the non-breaching Party shall be entitled, in addition to any other remedies or relief permitted herein, to specific performance or any other equitable remedy (including a temporary restraining order) to enforce the other Party’s obligations under Section 3.3 of this Agreement, provided that the non-breaching Party has provided the other Party notice of such actual or threatened breach and has given such other Party a reasonable opportunity to cure.
12.10 Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof or thereof at law or in equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise or beginning of the exercise of any thereof by a Party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other such right, power or remedy by such Party
12.11 No Joint Venture. This Agreement shall not be deemed to establish a joint venture, partnership, association or fiduciary or similar relationship between the Parties for any purpose. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as authorizing either Party to act as agent for or to negotiate or conclude any contract (or similar instrument) in the name of or on behalf of the other Party. Neither Party shall make any representations, warranties or commitments, express or implied, which purport to bind, or do bind, the other Party. Each Party shall be fully responsible for its Representatives’ compliance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement.
12.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any signature to this Agreement may be delivered by facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf) or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000 or the New York Electronic Signature and Records Act or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing also applies to any amendment, extension or renewal of this Agreement.
12.13 Expenses. Each Party shall bear its own expenses incident to the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder.
12.14 Press Releases; Public Announcements. Notwithstanding anything herein or in any other Transaction Document to the contrary, neither Party shall, and each Party shall cause its Affiliates not to, make, issue or cause the publication of any press release or other public announcement with respect to this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other Party, unless such publication or public announcement is required by Applicable Law or any listing agreement with any national securities exchange, in which case the disclosing Party shall provide prior notice and the opportunity for review and comment by the non-disclosing Party, in each case except to the extent that Applicable Law or any listing agreement with any national securities exchange precludes the opportunity for such prior notice, review or comment, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent a Party or its Affiliates from making, issuing or causing the publication of any press release or other public announcement regarding any public Dispute or any Proceeding between the Parties and/or their Affiliates.
12.15 Non-Circumvention. Each Party agrees that it will not, and will cause its Affiliates not to, take any action or inaction that would avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Agreement, the IP License Agreement or the Master Services Agreement, and will at all times in good faith act in the interest of fulfilling its obligations under this Agreement and in a manner that it determines, in good faith, is necessary or appropriate in order to protect the rights of the Parties under this Agreement against impairment or circumvention. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither Party shall (and shall cause its Affiliates not to) (i) rebrand any Applicable Stablecoin to provide for the marketing of such Applicable Stablecoin both (a) without the use of a Licensed Mark, and (b) using [*] for the rebranded Applicable Stablecoin that was used for such Covered Stablecoin prior to such rebranding, (ii) [*], or (iii) [*]; provided, however, that the foregoing does not prevent either Party from entering into other third-party agreements that otherwise impact such Party's own Interest Income allocation in accordance with Section 3.2(c)(iv).
12.16 Reservation of Rights. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement will be deemed to be a grant or transfer by a Party to the other of any Intellectual Property Rights of any kind, and each Party hereby reserves all right, title and interest in and to their respective Intellectual Property Rights.
12.17 Interpretation. The definitions in Section 1 shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Unless the context requires otherwise, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. All references to Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be deemed to be references to Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement unless the context requires otherwise.
All Exhibits and Schedules attached hereto shall be deemed incorporated herein as if set forth in full herein, and the words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole, including all Schedules and Exhibits, and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” Any reference to a “day” or “days” in this Agreement (as opposed to, for the sake of clarity, Business Days) are references to a “calendar day” or “calendar days,” respectively and shall mean 12:00am UTC to 11:59pm UTC on such day. In any situation where a Party has the ability to consent or withhold consent to an action under this Agreement, such consent may be given or withheld in such Party’s sole discretion. In any situation where a Party must provide written notice to the other Party under this Agreement, email notice shall suffice. References to a Person are also to its permitted successors and permitted assigns. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any agreement, instrument or statute referred to herein means such agreement, instrument or statute as it may be amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable successor statutes and references.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Collaboration Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its officer thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.
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/s/ Brian Armstrong |
Name: |
Brian Armstrong |
Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
CIRCLE INTERNET FINANCIAL LLC
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By: |
/s/ Jeremy Allaire |
Name: |
Jeremy Allaire |
Title: |
Chief Executive Officer |
Schedule A
[*]
[Schedule A to Collaboration Agreement]
Schedule B
[*]
[Schedule B to Collaboration Agreement]
Exhibit 1
[*]
[Exhibit 1 to Collaboration Agreement]
Exhibit 2
[*]
[Exhibit 2 to Collaboration Agreement]
Exhibit 3
[*]
[Exhibit 3 to Collaboration Agreement]
Exhibit 4
[*]
[Exhibit 4 to Collaboration Agreement]
EX-10.16
6
exhibit1016q42024.htm
EX-10.16
Document
Certain confidential information contained in this document, marked by [*], has been omitted because the registrant has determined that the information (i) is not material and (ii) is the type of information that the registrant treats as private or confidential.
STABLECOIN ECOSYSTEM AGREEMENT
This STABLECOIN ECOSYSTEM AGREEMENT (“Ecosystem Agreement”) is made and entered into as of November 14, 2024, by and between Coinbase Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Coinbase”), and Circle Internet Financial, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Circle”).
RECITALS
A. The Parties are parties to that certain Collaboration Agreement dated August 18, 2023 (the “Collaboration Agreement”). Capitalized terms used and not defined herein or in any exhibits or schedules hereto shall have the meanings set forth in the Collaboration Agreement.
B. The Collaboration Agreement sets forth arrangements for certain Collaboration Payments to be made by an Issuer Party to a Reseller Party with respect to interest or dividend income and realized gains or losses accrued on such day in respect of the Reserves Base and Capital Reserves.
C. The Parties desire to enter into one or more arrangements to provide incentives to certain approved Ecosystem Participants to increase the circulation of Applicable Stablecoins, improve liquidity and drive growth in Applicable Stablecoins in circulation. In connection therewith, the Parties desire to enter into this Ecosystem Agreement to supplement the Collaboration Payment provisions set forth in Section 4 of the Collaboration Agreement with respect to Applicable Stablecoins upon a Party’s entry into one or more agreements with certain approved Ecosystem Participants. Nothing in this Ecosystem Agreement is intended to modify the rights or obligations set forth in the Collaboration Agreement between the Parties beyond the calculation of the Collaboration Payment provisions set forth in Section 4 of the Collaboration Agreement. The termination of this Ecosystem Agreement or any Schedule hereto has no effect on the Collaboration Agreement beyond such payment amounts.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises and the mutual representations, warranties and covenants set forth herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1.Approval of Ecosystem Participants.
1.1.Eligibility.
Either Party may propose one or more Ecosystem Participants to be included in the arrangements set forth herein, provided that any such Ecosystem Participant meets the jurisdictional eligibility criteria set forth in Section I of Exhibit 1 hereto. An Ecosystem Participant that is approved in writing by an authorized officer of each Party for inclusion in the arrangements set forth herein shall be referred to herein as an “Approved Participant,” and such Approved Participant together with its Affiliates, an “Approved Group.” Prior to the inclusion of any Ecosystem Participant in the arrangements set forth herein, the Parties shall agree in writing, using the form attached as Exhibit 2, on (i) the portion of the Residual Payment Base with respect to the relevant Applicable Stablecoin(s) that such Ecosystem Participant will be eligible to receive upon becoming an Approved Participant (the “Residual Portion”), and (ii) the undertakings to be required of such Ecosystem Participant upon becoming an Approved Participant and the members of its Approved Group as a condition to receiving the Residual Portion or otherwise (such agreement between Coinbase and Circle, an “Approved Participant Schedule”).
1.2.Diligence.
(a)Prior to the Parties’ entry into an Approved Participant Schedule with respect to a proposed Ecosystem Participant, the Party proposing the inclusion of such Ecosystem Participant in the arrangements set forth herein (the “Contracting Party”, and such other Party, the “Non-Contracting Party”) shall conduct diligence of such Ecosystem Participant and shall discuss with the Non-Contracting Party the diligence conducted by the Contracting Party and the findings thereof relating to such Ecosystem Participant and its Affiliates (the “Diligence”), which discussion shall exclude any competitively sensitive information or otherwise privileged information, but which Diligence shall include a review meeting the requirements set forth in Section II of Exhibit 1 hereto with respect to such Ecosystem Participant and its Affiliates. [*].
(b)Promptly (and in any event, no later than [*], unless otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties in writing) following the completion of the Contracting Party’s Diligence, the Contracting Party shall provide [*] and coordinate a meeting with the Non-Contracting Party (the “Diligence Meeting”), which Diligence Meeting shall convey a discussion of [*]. Upon reasonable request of the Non-Contracting Party, the Contracting Party shall (i) coordinate any follow-up Diligence meetings as necessary and appropriate on an as-needed basis and (ii) provide to the Non-Contracting Party copies of any source material of the Ecosystem Participant and its Affiliates reviewed by the Contracting Party in connection with the Diligence, which shall not include any privileged or non-material competitively sensitive information ([*]); provided that upon such request by the Non-Contracting Party, the Contracting Party shall obtain the Ecosystem Participant’s agreement and the Parties shall discuss in good faith an agreed-upon process for ensuring the Non-Contracting Party’s access to such source materials in compliance with Applicable Law (including, for the sake of clarity and without limitation, review of such source materials by a “clean team” or by external counsel to the Non-Contracting Party on a “legal review only” basis).
1.3.Process for Approval of Ecosystem Participants.
(a)The Contracting Party shall submit to the Non-Contracting Party a draft Approved Participant Schedule containing the proposed terms to be applicable to the relevant proposed Ecosystem Participant, which terms the Parties shall negotiate in good faith, along with a draft of the agreement between the Contracting Party and the proposed Ecosystem Participant (the “Approved Participant Agreement”). The Contracting Party’s entry into the Approved Participant Agreement and any amendments thereto shall be subject to the Non-Contracting Party’s prior written approval.
(b)The Non-Contracting Party shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to decide whether to approve a proposed Ecosystem Participant and its Affiliates for inclusion in the arrangements set forth herein, including whether to approve the relevant Approved Participant Agreement and the Approved Participant Schedule. As a condition to such approval and entry into the applicable Approved Participant Schedule, immediately prior to entry into such schedule, the Contracting Party will deliver [*].
(c)Unless otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties, the term of any Approved Participant Schedule shall continue until the expiration or termination of the applicable Approved Participant Agreement (including any survival periods, to the extent applicable), unless a Withdrawal has been effected by the Non-Contracting Party pursuant to Section 2.1. For the avoidance of doubt, the extension of the term of an Approved Participant Agreement for which the provisions of Section 3 of this Ecosystem Agreement will continue to apply requires the mutual written agreement of the Parties.
(d)For the sake of clarity, each Party shall remain free to enter into incentive arrangements with respect to USDC and other Applicable Stablecoins with third parties that are not Approved Participants or with parties that are Approved Participants but which arrangements are not subject to this Ecosystem Agreement or the terms hereof (“Other Participants”), but the provisions of Section 3 shall not apply to such arrangements, and for the avoidance of doubt such Other Participants shall not be deemed Ecosystem Participants under the provisions of the Collaboration Agreement or this Ecosystem Agreement by virtue of such arrangements.
1.4.Provisions Related to Approved Participants.
(a)Unless (x) the Non-Contracting Party has separately approved in writing an Approved Participant Agreement that does not include or otherwise comply with such provisions or (y) otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties in the Approved Participant Schedule, the Contracting Party shall cause each Approved Participant Agreement to require the related Approved Participant to make representations and warranties with respect to the following matters (with respect to itself and its Affiliates):
(i)fundamental representations relating to such Approved Participant’s organization, valid existence and good standing (or equivalent, if applicable) under Applicable Laws, authority to enter into the transactions contemplated by such incentive agreement, compliance with its governing documents and other applicable instruments and that the transactions contemplated by such incentive agreements will not result in a violation of, or default under, any of the foregoing instruments and obligations;
(ii)the Approved Group’s compliance with Applicable Law;
(iii)the sufficiency of the Approved Group’s policies and procedures with respect to compliance with all anti-money laundering and know-your-customer requirements under Applicable Laws;
(iv)that there are no Proceedings pending or threatened by virtue of a Wells Notice or equivalent notice by a Governmental Authority against any member of the Approved Group that would have a material effect on the Approved Group or such member of the Approved Group, individually or in the aggregate;
(v)that no member of such Approved Group, nor any of their officers, directors or principals is, and that no member of such Approved Group does any business with, a Person (1) named on any of the following lists maintained by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control: the Specially Designated Nationals List, the Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List and Non-SDN Iranian Sanctions List, any list of geographic territories subject to comprehensive restrictions (e.g., Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Syria, North Korea, and the Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine), (2) named on the EU Consolidated List, the UK HM Treasury Consolidated List, the Consolidated United Nations Security Council Sanctions List or any other sanctions list(s) under any sanctions regime(s) applicable to the Approved Group, (3) which resides or transacts in, or is organized under the laws of a country (A) designated as “Call to Action for Countermeasures” by the Financial Action Task Force, or (B) designated as warranting USA PATRIOT Act Section 311 “special measures” (collectively, “Sanctions”);
(vi)that no member of such Approved Group, nor any of their officers, directors or principals is, and that no member of such Approved Group does any business with, a Person (1) which operates under an offshore banking license that prohibits such Person from conducting banking activities with the citizens of, or with the local currency of, the country that issued the license, or
(2) which is a “foreign shell bank” as such term is defined in the USA PATRIOT Act;
(vii)that no petition or action for relief under any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or moratorium law or any other law for the relief of, or relating to, debtors or the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee (or other similar official), or the assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other action in furtherance of any of the foregoing has been initiated, or filed with respect to any member of the Applicable Group; and
(viii)any other representations and warranties that are necessary, desirable or appropriate to include based on the Contracting Party’s Diligence investigation and following good faith consultation with the Non-Contracting Party.
(b)Unless (x) the Non-Contracting Party has separately approved an Approved Participant Agreement that does not include or otherwise comply with such provisions or (y) otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties in the Approved Participant Schedule, the Contracting Party shall cause each Approved Participant Agreement to require the related Approved Participant to comply, and to cause its Affiliates to comply, with the following provisions:
(i)A requirement to comply with Applicable Laws in all respects, including without limitation a requirement for each Approved Group member to refrain from offering products or services to users in any jurisdiction where such Person does not have a required license, registration or authorization;
(ii)A requirement to notify the Contracting Party of any Proceeding instituted against any member of such Approved Group (x) initiated by a Governmental Authority or (y) involving an amount that is or was otherwise material to the business or financial condition of the applicable member of the Approved Group (or to the Approved Group as a whole), individually or in the aggregate;
(iii)To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, a requirement to notify the Contracting Party if any member of such Approved Group has become subject to any order, agreement, directive, judgment, decision, decree, injunction, ruling, settlement agreement, stipulation, writ or assessment of any Governmental Authority (solely for purposes of this Ecosystem Agreement and for the avoidance of doubt, without impacting such definition as defined and used in the Collaboration Agreement, an “Order”) directed specifically to such member or to the Approved Group as a whole that relates to the Applicable Stablecoin or that is material to such Approved Participant Group’s products or services that directly support the Applicable Stablecoin;
(iv)A requirement to notify the Contracting Party of any member of the Approved Group’s loss of any license, registration or authorization from any Governmental Authority that relates to its performance of its obligations under the Approved Participant Agreement;
(v)A requirement to notify the Contracting Party if any petition or action for relief under any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or moratorium law or any other law for the relief of, or relating to, debtors or the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee (or other similar official), or the assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other action in furtherance of any of the foregoing has been initiated, filed with respect to any member of the Applicable Group;
(vi)A requirement to maintain policies and procedures related to listing of digital assets, trading practices (including policies and procedures for monitoring and preventing manipulative activity), diligence and onboarding of customers; compliance with Applicable Laws relating to Sanctions, data privacy and the laws agreed to in the Approved Participant Agreement; as well as a requirement to notify the Contracting Party of any material changes to such policies and procedures;
(vii)A requirement to notify the Contracting Party of any actual breach or compromise of the security, confidentiality, or integrity of any personal data or other confidential information (including private keys) held by or on behalf of the Approved Group or any member thereof, or any of the information technology systems of the Approved Group or any member thereof, including any circumstance pursuant to which Applicable Law requires notification of such breach to be given to affected individuals or Governmental Authorities, and in each case, that either (x) causes a material disruption or interruption in the business of the Approved Group (or any member thereof) in excess of [*] (or other duration as may be mutually agreed by the Parties pursuant to the Approved Participant Schedule), or (y) is likely to cause a material and adverse effect on the Approved Group’s business as a whole;
(viii)A carve-out to any confidentiality obligations therein, allowing the Contracting Party to share information received from such Approved Participant or any member of the Approved Group with the Non-Contracting Party, subject in all cases to confidentiality provisions at least as protective as those set forth in the Collaboration Agreement and other customary carve-outs to confidentiality obligations (e.g., legally compelled disclosure or disclosure required by the Contracting Party’s banking partners); and
(ix)A right granted to the Contracting Party to audit the Approved Group at least once per calendar year with respect to the matters agreed in the Approved Participant Agreement, which may include, by way of example only, the satisfaction of Approved Participant promotional obligations, payment matters and the matters set forth in Section II of Exhibit 1 hereto (the “Audit Right”), including the option to engage an independent firm to conduct any such audit (subject to the reimbursement provisions set forth in Section 1.4(d) below).
(c)At all times while an Approved Participant Schedule remains in effect, the Contracting Party with respect to such Approved Participant shall provide notice to the Non-Contracting Party of (i) any matter for which the Contracting Party received notice from or sends notice to the Approved Group (x) in connection with the obligations set forth in Section 1.4(b) or (y) pursuant to the notice provisions in the relevant Approved Participant Agreement, including without limitation, notices related to the occurrence of events that give rise to either the Contracting Party or Approved Participant’s right to terminate the relevant Approved Participant Agreement, (ii) the matters set forth in Section III of Exhibit 1 hereto and (iii) any findings by the Contracting Party in connection with an exercise of its Audit Right, in each case on an ongoing basis and as promptly as practicable upon receipt (and in any event, within [*] of receipt) by the Contracting Party of such information or notice. The Contracting Party shall at all times provide the Non-Contracting Party with all additional information reasonably requested by the Non-Contracting Party regarding the applicable Approved Group; provided that (1) upon such request by the Non-Contracting Party, the Parties shall discuss in good faith an agreed-upon process for ensuring the Non-Contracting Party’s access to such materials is in compliance with Applicable Law (including, for the sake of clarity and without limitation, review of such source materials by a “clean team” or by external counsel to the Non-Contracting Party on a “legal review only” basis), (2) this provision does not require disclosure of information the sharing of which is prohibited by law, and (3) competitively sensitive information may be provided only to external counsel of the Non-Contracting Party on a “legal review only” basis.
(d)The Non-Contracting Party shall have the right to require the Contracting Party’s exercise of the Audit Right pursuant to Section 1.4(b)(ix). The Non-Contracting Party shall also have the right to require the Contracting Party’s exercise of the Audit Right pursuant to Section 1.4(b)(ix) to be conducted by an independent firm, in which case the Contracting Party shall engage a reputable auditing firm reasonably acceptable to [*] and shall make commercially reasonable efforts to begin such audit within [*] from the Non-Contracting Party’s request, and in all events, shall begin such audit within [*] from the Non-Contracting Party’s request. Where the Audit Right is conducted by an independent auditor in accordance with this provision or Section 1.4(b)(ix), [*]. The Parties acknowledge and agree that any breach by the Contracting Party of its obligations to exercise the Audit Right under this Ecosystem Agreement shall irreparably harm the Non-Contracting Party, notwithstanding the availability of any monetary damages, and that the Non-Contracting Party shall be entitled, in addition to any other remedies or relief permitted herein, to specific performance or any other equitable remedy (including a temporary restraining order) to enforce the Contracting Party’s obligations to exercise the Audit Right; provided that the Non-Contracting Party has provided the Contracting Party notice of such breach and has given the Contracting Party a [*] cure period.
1.5.Ongoing Diligence. The Contracting Party shall comply with the ongoing Diligence obligations set forth in Section III of Exhibit 1 hereto.
2.Withdrawal of Approval.
2.1.Circumstances in which Withdrawal is Permitted.
(a)The Non-Contracting Party may, in its sole and absolute discretion, withdraw its entry into an Approved Participant Schedule (a “Withdrawal”) in the following circumstances (each, a “Withdrawal Event”), unless the Non-Contracting Party has separately agreed otherwise in an Approved Participant Schedule that expressly states which of the following Section 2.1(a) provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis and which will be superseded, in each case, by express reference in the relevant Approved Participant Schedule to the corresponding provisions of this Section 2.1(a):
(i)Upon a material breach by such Approved Participant of its Approved Participant Agreement with the Contracting Party (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the occurrence of any event that gives rise to the Contracting Party’s right to terminate the Approved Participant Agreement, subject to any cure periods set forth therein, if applicable, which will be deemed to be a material breach), which breach (if curable) has not been cured by such Approved Participant within [*] (or such other agreed cure period, if any, set forth in the Approved Participant Agreement) following the Contracting Party’s written notice to such Approved Participant of such breach; provided that in the event the Contracting Party fails to promptly notify the Approved Participant of such breach within [*] following the Contracting Party’s first becoming aware of such breach, the Non-Contracting Party shall be permitted to withdraw its approval of such Approved Participant retroactively with such withdrawal effective as of the date which is [*] (or such other agreed cure period set forth in the Approved Participant Agreement) following such Approved Participant’s breach;
(ii)Subject to any cure provisions agreed to within the Approved Participant Agreement, upon the commencement of any new Proceeding or adverse finding and/or holding in an existing Proceeding by a Governmental Authority following the date of this Ecosystem Agreement against: (a) any member of such Approved Group that (x) is or would reasonably be expected to be material and adverse to the Approved Group or any member thereof or (y) relates to the Approved Participant Agreement, or (b) the Contracting Party or the Non-Contracting Party that (x) is or would reasonably be expected to be material and adverse to the Contracting Party or the Non-Contracting Party, as applicable or (y) relates to the relevant Approved Participant Agreement;
(iii)Subject to any cure provisions agreed to within the Approved Participant Agreement, upon the determination that any member of such Approved Group has violated any Applicable Law in a manner that is material and adverse to the Approved Group’s business taken as a whole or to the Contracting Party or to the relevant Applicable Stablecoin ecosystem;
(iv)Upon (a) the filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding by any member of such Approved Group, (b) the entry of an order for relief by any court in bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding by any member of such Approved Group, (c) a general assignment by any member of such Approved Group for the benefit of creditors, (d) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator, custodian or similar official with respect to any member of such Approved Group or its property, or (e) the filing of an involuntary petition in bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding against any member of such Approved Group;
(v)Upon occurrence of any actual breach or compromise of the security, confidentiality, or integrity of any personal data or other confidential information (including private keys) held by or on behalf of any member of the Approved Group, or any of the information technology systems of any member of such Approved Group, including any circumstance pursuant to which Applicable Law requires notification of such breach to be given to affected individuals or Governmental Authorities, and in each case, that either (x) causes a material disruption or interruption in the Approved Group’s business or services in excess of [*] (or other duration as may be mutually agreed by the Parties pursuant to the relevant Approved Participant Schedule), or (y) is likely to cause a material and adverse effect on Approved Group’s business as a whole;
(vi)Based on (1) information that becomes public or known to the Non-Contracting Party or events that occur following the Parties’ entry into the Approved Participant Schedule and (2) the advice of a law firm of recognized international standing, that Approved Group or any member thereof would reasonably be expected to cause material legal, regulatory, or compliance harm to the relevant Applicable Stablecoin ecosystem or the Contracting Party’s business as a whole, including that the Approved Group or a member thereof has failed to implement or comply with applicable anti-money laundering and/or know-your-customer procedures or policies;
(vii)Upon the occurrence and continuation of a Force Majeure (as defined in the Approved Participant Agreement); provided that if the relevant Approved Participant Agreement specifies a period for the Force Majeure, the Non-Contracting Party may Withdraw only if the Force Majeure exceeds such period;
(viii)Upon the termination of the relevant Approved Participant Agreement due to a disagreement or dispute between the Contracting Party and the Approved Participant relating to Approved Participant payment terms, subject to any ongoing obligations, including payment obligations, of the Parties during any applicable survival period under the Approved Participant Agreement;
(ix)Upon the entry by the Contracting Party and Approved Group or a member thereof into any instrument that modifies, amends or supplements the applicable Approved Participant Agreement that has not been previously approved in writing by the Non-Contracting Party; or
(x)Upon the delivery of a termination notice by either the Contracting Party or the Approved Group (or a member thereof) of the Approved Participant Agreement terminating any survival period under the Approved Participant Agreement, subject to any prior notice of termination requirements set forth therein solely in the case of a termination of the Approved Participant Agreement for convenience. For the avoidance of doubt, the Non-
Contracting Party may effect a Withdrawal upon the termination of a survival period under the Approved Participant Agreement in the event of termination for any reason other than a termination for convenience.
In each case of [*], the Non-Contracting Party shall notify the Contracting Party in writing that it intends to effect a Withdrawal, and shall consult and discuss with the Contracting Party in good faith for [*] prior to the Non-Contracting Party effecting such Withdrawal. In each case of [*], and subject to the applicable consultation rights described in the preceding sentence, the Non-Contracting Party shall have the right to make its own determination as to whether a Withdrawal Event has occurred and/or whether a cure has been effected, if applicable, and even if the Contracting Party waives the applicable termination right and/or the applicable cure period, with respect to the Approved Participant under the Approved Participant Agreement, the Non-Contracting Party shall retain its Withdrawal right notwithstanding the Contracting Party’s waiver.
(b)In addition to the foregoing, any right that the Contracting Party has to terminate the Approved Participant Agreement (including any survival period thereunder) for convenience shall inure to the Non-Contracting Party (who shall have the right to Withdraw under the same conditions as the Contracting Party has to terminate for convenience under the Approved Participant Agreement), but solely to the extent such exercise of the termination for convenience is in accordance with the Approved Participant Agreement and, if applicable in accordance with Section 2.2(a), any ongoing payment obligations or liabilities provided therein will continue in full force and effect during the applicable survival period notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein. For the avoidance of doubt, the Non-Contracting Party’s Withdrawal right, other than for a termination for convenience, shall continue to apply during any such survival period.
(c)The Contracting Party shall notify the Non-Contracting Party of the occurrence of any facts or circumstances that are reasonably likely to result in a Withdrawal Event with respect to any of such Contracting Party’s Approved Participants within [*] of the time when the Contracting Party knows, or reasonably should have known through the exercise of reasonable diligence (including through exercise of the Audit Right [*] and through undertaking the diligence specified in Exhibit 1) of the occurrence of such facts or circumstances; provided that knowledge shall not be imputed if the Contracting Party has used reasonable efforts to obtain information and such information has been withheld by the Approved Participant.
2.2.Survival of Approved Participant Agreement; Termination of Approved Participant Agreement and Effect of Withdrawal.
(a)In the event of a termination of an Approved Participant Agreement for convenience where payment and certain promotion, product or other obligation provisions survive such termination in accordance with the terms thereof, Section 3 of this Ecosystem Agreement shall continue to apply with respect to payments to the relevant Approved Participant for the “Survival Period” specified in the relevant Approved Participant Schedule. If such survival period is terminated for cause pursuant to the terms of the Approved Participant Agreement, Section 2.2(b) shall apply. For the avoidance of doubt, the Non-Contracting Party’s Withdrawal rights, other than for Withdrawal for convenience, shall continue to apply during any such survival period.
(b)Upon the termination of an Approved Participant Agreement and any survival periods thereunder, (i) the related Approved Participant Schedule with respect to such Approved Participant shall immediately and automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect and (ii) the provisions of Section 3 shall no longer apply to any payments made by the Contracting Party to the related Approved Participant, and no further deductions will be made from the Residual Payment Base on respect of an Applicable Stablecoin held by such Approved Group or any member thereof.
(c)Upon the effectiveness of a Withdrawal with respect to any Approved Participant, subject to the Non-Contracting Party’s observance of and compliance with any survival period obligations applicable to the Non-Contracting Party in the event of a Withdrawal for convenience pursuant to Section 2.1(b), (i) the provisions of Section 3 shall no longer apply to any payments made by the Contracting Party to the related Approved Participant, and no further deductions will be made from the Residual Payment Base in respect of an Applicable Stablecoin held by such Approved Group or any member thereof, unless for payments for periods prior to Withdrawal, and (ii) the Approved Participant Schedule with respect to such Approved Participant shall terminate and be of no further force or effect.
2.3.Termination of this Ecosystem Agreement.
This Ecosystem Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier of: (a) mutual written agreement of the Parties; or (b) such time as no further amounts are payable under the Collaboration Agreement with respect to all Applicable Stablecoins and all relevant cure periods set forth in Sections 3.2(c) and (d) of the Collaboration Agreement have expired. In addition to the foregoing, either Party may terminate this Ecosystem Agreement immediately upon written notice to the other Party if such other Party or a representative thereof issues any public communication or any written communication to any Governmental Authority (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), whether such communication is public or private, stating, acknowledging, agreeing, or conceding that USDC and/or related incentives or returns programs funded in connection with this Ecosystem Agreement (“Returns”) at any time constituted or involved or currently constitute or involve an offer or sale of securities required to be made pursuant to registration under the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom (including, but not limited to, Regulation D or Regulation S, each under the Securities Act) (a “Securities-Related Communication”); provided, however, that such termination right shall be deemed not to apply solely where a Securities-Related Communication states that USDC and/or Returns, as relevant, were or are structured in a manner that would comply with an exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act if such requirements applied (even though the Party making such Securities-Related Communication may reasonably believe that such requirements did not ever and do not currently apply), so long as: (x) the communication expressly states that such Party believes that USDC and/or Returns, as relevant, did not at any time and do not currently constitute or involve the offer or sales of securities, and (y) the Party makes the communication only after (i) providing the other Party with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the communication (in no event [*], and (ii) obtaining the written consent of the other Party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, and in any event such written consent or notice of the withholding of such written consent shall be provided by such other Party within such [*] period. After making a Securities-Related Communication, the communicating Party shall notify the other Party within [*] of any such communication; provided that [*]. For the sake of clarity, no termination of this Ecosystem Agreement shall cause the Collaboration Agreement to terminate.
3.Supplement to Collaboration Payments.
3.1.Payment Terms.
(a)Coinbase and Circle shall negotiate in good faith and agree upon the amounts of the Residual Payment Base with respect to each relevant Applicable Stablecoin to which each Approved Participant is entitled and, for so long as the related Approved Participant Schedule is in effect, amounts payable to such Approved Participant based on an invoice agreed by the Contracting Party and the relevant Approved Participant and shared with the Non-Contracting Party (such amount payable, such Approved Participant’s “Approved Participant Economics Amount”) shall be deducted from the Residual Payment Base with respect to each relevant Applicable Stablecoin for such Applicable Month prior to allocation of the respective Ecosystem Economics Amounts to each Party, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4.5(b) of the Collaboration Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Non-Contracting Party shall have the right to dispute any such invoice pursuant to the dispute resolution provisions of the Collaboration Agreement. Such agreement, including the level of each relevant Applicable Stablecoin held as a Party Product Stablecoin as of the date of the Approved Participant Schedule, if applicable, shall be documented in an Approved Participant Schedule.
(b)Where Coinbase is the Contracting Party with respect to any Approved Participant, Circle, or one of its Affiliates, shall pay the Approved Participant Economics Amount for such Approved Participant (based on an invoice agreed by the Contracting Party and the relevant Approved Participant and shared with the Non-Contracting Party) with respect to each Applicable Month to Coinbase at the same time as Circle is required to make the Collaboration Payment to Coinbase with respect to such Applicable Month; provided, however that nothing herein requires Coinbase to pay the Approved Participant Economics Amount to the Approved Participant prior to Coinbase’s receipt of such amount from Circle. For the avoidance of doubt, the Non-Contracting Party shall have the right to dispute any such invoice pursuant to the dispute resolution provisions of the Collaboration Agreement. Such agreement, including the level of each relevant Applicable Stablecoin held as a Party Product Stablecoin as of the date of the Approved Participant Schedule, if applicable, shall be documented in an Approved Participant Schedule.
(c)By way of example only: [*].
3.2.Calculation of Approved Participant Economics Amounts.
(a)The Approved Participant Economics Amount for a given Approved Participant shall be calculated as set forth in the relevant Approved Participant Schedule, which shall be mutually agreed by the Parties. Such Approved Participant Schedule shall include a means for determining the level of each type of Applicable Stablecoin held in the products and services of the relevant Approved Group that will be taken into account in determining such Approved Participant’s Approved Participant Economics Amount and set forth in the relevant Approved Participant Schedule (“Approved Participant Product Stablecoins”). For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Ecosystem Agreement modifies “Party Product Stablecoins” as defined in the Collaboration Agreement with respect to the Parties.
(b)Each Approved Participant Agreement shall provide for penalties for failure to deliver necessary reporting for the Approved Participant Economics Amount accrued for any Applicable Month in excess of [*] or as otherwise agreed between the Contracting Party and Non-Contracting Party, which shall be agreed between the Contracting Party and the Non-Contracting Party.
(c)Each Approved Participant Agreement shall provide that Approved Participant Economics Amounts shall only be payable within [*] from the end of the Applicable Month in which such Approved Participant Economics Amount was accrued, and any amounts not so paid shall be forfeited.
(d)Unless otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties in writing, the Party Product Economics Amount for an Approved Participant shall include only the related Approved Group’s Approved Participant Product Stablecoins in excess of the amount of each relevant Applicable Stablecoin held as Approved Participant Product Stablecoins as of the date of the Approved Participant Schedule, but shall otherwise be calculated in the same manner as the Party Product Economics Amount is calculated with respect to each Party.
3.3.Information Access.
With respect to any Approved Participant, the Contracting Party shall provide to the Non-Contracting Party all information that the Contracting Party has received from the Approved Participant pursuant to the Approved Participant Agreement that is necessary to verify the Party Product Economics Amount for such Approved Participant in accordance with this Ecosystem Agreement, which information shall include the amount of Applicable Stablecoins held in or by such Approved Group’s Approved Participant Product Stablecoins for each calendar day of an Applicable Month, determined in accordance with the determination of Party Product Stablecoins as set forth in the Collaboration Agreement, and any additional information agreed by the Parties in the applicable Approved Participant Schedule.
3.4.Disputes.
In the event of a dispute between a Contracting Party and an Approved Participant arising under, or resulting from, the relevant Approved Participant Agreement between such parties (a “Dispute”), the Contracting Party shall provide prompt written notice to the Non-Contracting Party of such Dispute, which notice shall include, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, a summary of the factual circumstances giving rise to the Dispute and copies of all written communications between the Contracting Party and the Approved Participant relating to such Dispute; provided, however, that nothing herein requires sharing of privileged information. The Contracting Party shall provide material updates regarding such Dispute to the Non-Contracting Party (including, without limitation and to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, copies of all relevant written communications between the Contracting Party and the Approved Participant that have not yet been provided to the Non-Contracting Party as of the time of such update).
The Contracting Party may agree to resolve a Dispute with an Approved Participant without prior consent from the Non-Contracting Party only if: (1) the Contracting Party has provided written notice (including a reasonably detailed explanation of the proposed resolution) to the Non-Contracting Party, and (2) the Non-Contracting Party has not notified the Contracting Party, within [*] of receiving such notice, that the Non-Contracting Party has reasonably determined that: (x) the resolution will negatively affect the Non-Contracting Party’s rights or obligations under this Ecosystem Agreement or the Collaboration Agreement (including, by way of example only, a dispute over whether an Approved Participant has breached the Approved Participant Agreement and/or cured any such breach); or (y) that the resolution will materially harm the Non-Contracting Party. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing in this Section 3.4 will affect the Non-Contracting Party’s right to Withdraw or terminate pursuant to Section 2. Under no circumstances shall the rights or obligations of the Parties under this Ecosystem Agreement be subject to or conditioned on any dispute-resolution procedure set forth in any Approved Participant Agreement. In the event that a Dispute is fully and finally resolved, the Contracting Party shall provide a written update to the Non-Contracting Party and the Parties may mutually agree in writing to reinstate or restart an Approved Participant Schedule for the Ecosystem Participant that was a party to the Dispute.
4.General Provisions.
4.1.Indemnification.
The Contracting Party shall indemnify, defend (or settle) and hold harmless the Non-Contracting Party, its Affiliates and its and their Representatives, in accordance with Sections 10.3(b), (c), and (d) of the Collaboration Agreement, from and against any and all Losses (including but not limited to a wrongful reduction of Collaboration Payments that would otherwise be required to have been paid to the Non-Contracting Party) related to an Approved Participant’s (or any member of its Approved Group’s) actual or alleged breach of the Approved Participant Agreement, solely to the extent that the Contracting Party has a right of recovery from the Approved Participant (whether through an indemnification right or through any other legal or equitable claim that the Contracting Party may have against the Approved Participant). The Contracting Party’s indemnification obligation to the Non-Contracting Party pursuant to this provision shall apply regardless of whether the Contracting Party actually brings a claim against the Approved Participant.
4.2.No Amendments.
Except with respect to Sections 3.1 and 3.2 of this Ecosystem Agreement, which supplement the Collaboration Payment provisions set forth in Section 4 of the Collaboration Agreement, all provisions of the Collaboration Agreement, and Circle’s and Coinbase’s respective rights and obligations thereunder, shall remain in full force and effect.
4.3.Notices.
All notices given in connection with this Ecosystem Agreement shall be given in writing in accordance with Section 12.3 of the Collaboration Agreement.
4.4.Counterparts.
This Ecosystem Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Any signature to this Ecosystem Agreement may be delivered by facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf) or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000 or the New York Electronic Signature and Records Act or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing also applies to any amendment, extension or renewal of this Ecosystem Agreement.
4.5.Governing Law.
This Ecosystem Agreement and all matters or disputes arising out of or in connection with this Ecosystem Agreement, the subject matter hereof or the activities of the Parties in connection with or contemplated by this Ecosystem Agreement, shall be governed by, construed under and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, without reference to any conflicts of laws provisions which would require the imposition of the laws of any other jurisdiction. Any matters or disputes arising out of or in connection with this Ecosystem Agreement, the subject matter hereof, or the activities of the Parties in connection with or contemplated by this Ecosystem Agreement shall be referred to the Dispute Escalation Procedure and, if not resolved pursuant thereto, shall be resolved in accordance with Section 12.2(b) or (c) of the Collaboration Agreement, as applicable.
4.6.Incorporation of Provisions by Reference.
Sections 8, 9 and 12 of the Collaboration Agreement are hereby incorporated herein by reference and made equally applicable to this Ecosystem Agreement, mutatis mutandis.
[Signature Page Immediately Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Ecosystem Agreement as of the date first written above:
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COINBASE GLOBAL, INC. |
By: |
/s/ Brian Armstrong |
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Name: Brian Armstrong |
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Title: Chief Executive Officer |
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CIRCLE INTERNET FINANCIAL, LLC |
By: |
/s/ Jeremy Allaire |
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Name: Jeremy Allaire |
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Title: Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 1
[*]
Exhibit 2
[*]
EX-19.1
7
exhibit191insidertradingpo.htm
EX-19.1
Document
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Insider Trading Policy
(Effective Date: January 22, 2025)
1.Overview
Coinbase Global, Inc. and its controlled subsidiaries (“Coinbase”) is committed to promoting high standards of honest and ethical business conduct and compliance with laws, rules and regulations, including those related to insider trading. Accordingly we have adopted this Insider Trading Policy (“Policy”) to promote compliance with applicable insider trading laws.
a.Legal Prohibitions on Insider Trading
Insider trading happens when someone who is in possession of material nonpublic information (“MNPI”) purchases, sells or otherwise trades securities on the basis of that information or discloses MNPI to someone else who then trades the company’s securities.
●Transactions will be considered “on the basis of” MNPI if the person engaged in the transaction was aware of the MNPI at the time of the transaction. It is not a defense that the person did not “use” the information for purposes of the transaction.
●Disclosing MNPI directly or indirectly to others or making recommendations or expressing opinions as to transactions in securities while aware of MNPI (referred to as “tipping”) is also illegal. Both the person who provides the information, recommendation or opinion (the “tipper”) and the person who trades based on it (the “tippee”) may be liable.
If you are considering trading securities of any kind (whether Coinbase stock or otherwise), please keep these three key points in mind:
●Never buy or sell our securities while in possession of MNPI;
●Keep all MNPI confidential, including from your family and friends; and
●When in doubt about whether you have MNPI, ask before trading.
b.Personal Responsibility and Interpretation
You are responsible for understanding and following this Policy and applicable laws and for the consequences of any actions you may take. You should use your best judgement at all times and consult with your legal and financial advisors, as needed. The rules relating to insider trading can be complex, and a violation of insider trading laws can carry severe consequences.
Our Chief Legal Officer or their designated representative, or, if no such employee at Coinbase has that title, the most senior in-house attorney of Coinbase (“Chief Legal Officer”) will assist with implementing, interpreting and enforcing this Policy, pre-clearing trading activities of certain people, and approving any trading plans pursuant to the Trading Plan Policy. Trading of digital assets is not governed by this Policy, and is instead governed by the Global Digital Asset Trading Policy.
c.Detection and Prosecution
Securities regulators use sophisticated electronic surveillance techniques to investigate and detect insider trading, and they pursue insider trading violations vigorously. Cases involving trading through foreign accounts, trading by family members and friends and trading involving only a small number of shares have been successfully prosecuted.
d.Significant Consequences for Violating this Policy and Insider Trading Laws
Civil and Criminal Penalties
The consequences of violating the insider trading laws can be severe. People who violate insider trading laws may be required to pay a criminal penalty of up to $5 million for individuals and $25 million for entities, serve a prison term of up to 20 years, disgorge profits made or losses avoided by trading, pay the loss suffered by the persons who purchased securities from or sold securities to the insider tipper and pay civil fines of up to three times the profit made or loss avoided.
Controlling Person Liability
In addition, a company, as well as individual directors, officers and other supervisory personnel, may also be subject to liability as “controlling persons” and required to pay major civil or criminal penalties for failure to take appropriate steps to prevent insider trading by those under their supervision, influence or control.
Company Disciplinary Actions
If Coinbase has a reasonable basis to conclude that you have failed to comply with this Policy, you may be subject to disciplinary action by Coinbase, up to and including termination of your employment, regardless of whether or not your failure to comply with this Policy results in a violation of law. It is not necessary for Coinbase to wait for the filing or conclusion of any civil or criminal action against an alleged violator before taking disciplinary action. In addition, Coinbase may give stop transfer and other instructions to Coinbase’s transfer agent to enforce compliance with this Policy.
1.Applicability
a.Persons Covered
This Policy applies to our employees, contractors, advisors, consultants, officers and members of Coinbase Global, Inc.’s Board of Directors (“Board”), as well as to their immediate family members and any other individuals or entities (including partnerships and trusts) in which they have a substantial beneficial interest or whose transactions in securities they influence or control (including, for example, a venture or other investment fund, if they influence or control transactions by the fund). An “immediate family member” under this Policy means any spouse, domestic partner or financially dependent children. You are responsible for making sure that these other individuals and entities comply with this Policy. We will refer to all of these individuals and entities in this Policy collectively as “Insiders.”
Additional trading restrictions in this Policy apply to Board members and Section 16 Officers (as defined below), as well as other members of the Coinbase executive team (“Executive Team”), Vice Presidents and other individuals who the Chief Legal Officer or his or her designee determines have regular exposure to MNPI in the normal course of their duties (collectively, “Designated Insiders”).
Additionally, Coinbase will not transact in its securities unless in compliance with applicable U.S. securities laws, rules and regulations and applicable exchange listing standards.
b.Types of Transactions
This Policy applies to all transactions involving the securities of Coinbase or the securities of other companies as to which you possess MNPI obtained in the course of your service to Coinbase. This Policy therefore applies to purchases, sales and other transactions of common stock, options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), warrants, preferred stock, debt securities (such as debentures, bonds and notes) and other securities (including distributions of securities by a venture or other investment fund to its constituent equity holders), as well as to derivative securities relating to the securities of Coinbase, whether or not issued by us. This Policy also applies to any offers with respect to the transactions discussed above.
c.Applicability After Your Departure
You are expected to comply with this Policy until such time as you are no longer affiliated with Coinbase and you no longer possess any MNPI. In addition, if you depart Coinbase while in possession of MNPI, then you are prohibited from trading Coinbase securities until either the information becomes public or it no longer constitutes MNPI.
d.No Exceptions
There may be instances where you suffer financial harm or other hardship or are otherwise required to forego a planned transaction because of the restrictions imposed by this Policy. Personal financial emergencies or other personal circumstances are not an exception from securities laws and will not excuse a failure to comply with this Policy.
2.Statement
a.MNPI
“Material information” is information about a company where there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making a decision to purchase, hold or sell the company’s securities or would view the information as significantly altering the total mix of information in the marketplace about the issuer of the security. Any information that could reasonably be expected to affect the market price of a security is likely to be material. Material information can be positive or negative and can relate to virtually any aspect of a company’s business or its securities.
Examples of material information about Coinbase may include:
●revenues, earnings or other financial results, whether forecasted or actual;
●possible significant mergers or acquisitions or dispositions of significant subsidiaries or assets;
●significant cybersecurity incidents or data breaches;
●changes in senior management;
●significant changes in corporate strategy;
●changes in accounting methods and write-offs; and
●stock offerings, stock splits or changes in dividend policy.
This list is illustrative only and is not intended to provide a comprehensive list of material information.
Material information is not limited to historical facts but may also include projections and forecasts. With respect to a future event, such as a merger, acquisition or introduction of a new product, the point at which negotiations or product development are determined to be material is determined by balancing the probability that the event will occur against the magnitude of the effect the event would have on Coinbase’s operations or stock price should it occur.
If you have any questions as to whether information should be considered “material,” you should consult with the Legal department.
“Nonpublic” means that the information has not yet been broadly disseminated to the public for a sufficient period to be reflected in the price of the company’s securities. As a general rule, information should be considered nonpublic until the start of the second full trading day after the information is broadly disseminated to the public in a broad, non-exclusionary form of public communication.
Any questions as to whether information is nonpublic should be directed to the Legal department.
The term “trading day” means a day on which the primary securities exchange on which Coinbase’s Class A common stock is listed is open for trading. A “full” trading day has elapsed when, after the public disclosure, trading in the relevant security has opened and then closed.
b.Prohibited Activities and Permitted Activities
Prohibited Activities
The primary purpose of this Policy is to prevent those who are in possession of MNPI from trading in our stock or other securities while in possession of MNPI or disclosing MNPI to someone else who trades in Coinbase’s securities.
This section addresses certain types of transactions that are prohibited and may expose you and Coinbase to significant risks. You should understand that, even though a transaction may not be expressly prohibited by this section, you are responsible for ensuring that the transaction otherwise complies with applicable insider trading laws and other provisions in this Policy that may apply to the transaction. The following is a list of prohibited activities for all Insiders:
●MNPI. Trade our securities, directly or indirectly through others, while in possession of MNPI (other than pursuant to a 10b5-1 Plan entered into in accordance with the Trading Plan Policy). It is not an excuse that you did not “use” the information in your transaction.
●Trading Windows and Special Trading Restrictions. Trade our securities during a Closed Trading Window or during a Special Trading Restriction (both as defined below) (other than pursuant to a 10b5-1 Plan entered into in accordance with the Trading Plan Policy).
●Gifts. Unless approved in advance by our Chief Legal Officer or his or her designee, make a gift, charitable contribution or other transfer without consideration, of our securities during a period when the Insider cannot trade.
●Sharing MNPI. Share MNPI with any outside person, unless required by your job and such person is under NDA, or as authorized by our Chief Legal Officer. This includes disclosure (even anonymous disclosure) via platforms such as the internet, mobile applications or investor forums.
●Tipping. Give trading advice, make recommendations or express opinions about Coinbase on the basis of MNPI, unless the advice is to tell someone not to trade our securities because the trade would violate this Policy or the law.
●Derivative Securities. Other than the exercise of equity awards issued by us, engage in transactions involving options or other derivative securities on our stock, such as puts and calls, whether on an exchange or in any other market.
●Hedging. Engage in hedging or monetization transactions involving our securities, such as zero cost collars and forward sale contracts.
●Short Sales. Engage in short sales of our securities, meaning a sale of securities that you do not own, including short sales “against the box.”
●Margin Accounts. Use or pledge our securities as collateral in a margin account.
●Distributions. Distribute our securities to limited partners, general partners or stockholders of any entity during a Closed Trading Window or during a Special Trading Restriction, unless those limited partners, general partners or stockholders have agreed in writing to hold the securities until the next Open Trading Window (as defined below).
●MNPI in Other Companies. Engage in any of the above activities for securities in any other company if you have MNPI about that company obtained in the course of your service to Coinbase.
The trading prohibitions of this Policy are not the only stock-trading rules and regulations you need to follow. You should be aware of additional prohibitions and restrictions set by contract or by federal and state securities laws and regulations (e.g., contractual restrictions on the resale of securities, rules on short swing trading by Section 16 Officers, compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and others). Any Insider who is uncertain whether other prohibitions or restrictions apply should ask the Legal department.
Permitted Activities
The following are permitted activities that qualify as limited exceptions to the restrictions imposed by Coinbase under this Policy. Please be aware that even if a transaction is listed below, you will need to separately assess whether the transaction complies with applicable law. The trading restrictions of this Policy do not apply to the following:
●Trading Plans. Transactions pursuant to a 10b5-1 Plan that complies with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules adopted pursuant to the Trading Plan Policy.
●401(k) Plan. Investing 401(k) plan contributions in a company stock fund in accordance with the terms of our 401(k) plan. However, any changes in your investment election regarding securities are subject to trading restrictions under this Policy.
●ESPP. Purchasing Coinbase stock through periodic, automatic payroll contributions, or making election changes, under Coinbase’s employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”). However, any sales of stock acquired under the ESPP are subject to trading restrictions under this Policy.
●Equity Awards. The grant or award to you of stock options or RSUs by Coinbase. The trading restrictions under this Policy also do not apply to the vesting, cancellation or forfeiture of stock options and RSUs in accordance with applicable plans and agreements. However, the trading restrictions do apply to any subsequent sales of any such securities, except as specifically provided below.
●Options.
○Exercising stock options granted under our equity incentive plans for cash or by delivering to Coinbase previously owned Coinbase stock or through a net exercise of a stock option that is permitted by Coinbase’s equity incentive plan and that does not involve a sale of shares in the open market.
○Payment of taxes in connection with exercising stock options granted under our equity incentive plans pursuant to net withholding arrangements approved by Coinbase for the payment of taxes upon the exercise of stock options and that does not involve a sale of shares in the open market. However, the sale of any shares issued on the exercise of Coinbase-granted stock options, as well as any cashless exercise of Coinbase-granted stock options in which stock is sold on the open market to pay the exercise price or taxes (i.e., “same-day sales”) are subject to trading restrictions under this Policy.
●RSUs. The settlement of RSUs pursuant to a net settlement or a “sale to cover” for non-discretionary, automatic tax withholdings initiated and approved by Coinbase for the payment of taxes upon the vesting of RSUs.
●Exchange-Traded Funds. Transactions in exchange-traded funds that may directly or indirectly hold, or otherwise have exposure to, Coinbase securities; provided, however, the Legal department may impose restrictions on such transactions at its sole discretion.
●Pledged Collateral. Pledges of our securities as collateral for loans (excluding in margin accounts); provided that pledging by Section 16 Officers and Board members shall be subject to the approval of the Chief Legal Officer. Note that a lender may liquidate such collateral in the event of an unmet margin call, and Coinbase makes no assurance that such sale will be in compliance with insider trading laws.
●Inheritance and Divorce. (i) Transfers by will or the laws of descent and distribution or (ii) transfers pursuant to a divorce settlement.
●Change in Form of Ownership. Transactions that only involve a change in the form in which you own securities, including estate planning transactions.
●Stock splits, stock dividends and similar transactions. Changes in the number of securities held as a result of a stock split or stock dividend applying equally to all securities of a class, or similar transactions.
c.Trading Windows and Special Trading Restrictions
To limit the likelihood of trading at times when there is a significant risk of insider trading exposure, we have designated specific quarterly periods where Insiders can trade in our securities. However, from time to time we may institute Special Trading Restrictions that prohibit trading, even during what otherwise would be an Open Trading Window.
●You Can Only Trade During an Open Trading Window. Other than pursuant to a 10b5-1 Plan, Insiders are only allowed to trade our securities during an Open Trading Window period, which opens at the open of trading on the second full trading day following the widespread public release of our quarterly or year end financial results, and closes at the close of trading on the fifth trading day of the third month of the then-current quarter (an “Open Trading Window”). For example, if we publicly announce our quarterly financial results after close of trading on a Monday (or before trading begins on a Tuesday), then the first time an Insider can trade our securities is at the open of market on Wednesday.
●Even During an Open Trading Window, You Are Not Allowed to Trade While in Possession of MNPI. Even during an Open Trading Window, you are subject to the limitations in this Policy and may not trade our securities if you possess MNPI at that time. An Insider who possesses MNPI during an Open Trading Window may only trade our securities after widespread public release of that information so that it no longer constitutes MNPI or if such information is no longer considered MNPI.
●You Cannot Trade During a Closed Trading Window. All periods outside of an Open Trading Window are considered “Closed Trading Window” periods, which are periods of time when Insiders must refrain from transacting in Coinbase’s securities (except as discussed in the section titled “Permitted Activities”). Closed Trading Window periods are a particularly sensitive time for transactions involving Coinbase’s securities due to the fact that, during this period, Insiders may often possess or have access to MNPI relevant to Coinbase’s expected financial results for the quarter.
●You Cannot Trade During a Special Trading Restriction. From time to time, our Chief Legal Officer, at his or her discretion, may designate what’s called a “Special Trading Restriction” that applies to specific individuals or groups of people (including all Insiders) for as long as our Chief Legal Officer determines. The Legal department will notify those persons subject to a Special Trading Restriction. Each person who has been so identified and notified by Coinbase may not engage in any transaction involving Coinbase’s securities until instructed otherwise by the Chief Legal Officer. Coinbase will generally impose Special Trading Restrictions when there are material developments known to Coinbase that have not yet been disclosed to the public. For example, Coinbase may impose a Special Trading Restriction in anticipation of announcing a significant acquisition; however, Special Trading Restrictions may be declared for any reason. Additionally, no Insider may tell anyone not subject to that Special Trading Restriction that a Special Trading Restriction has been designated or that one previously was in place because that also is confidential information that cannot be disclosed internally or externally.
d.Restrictions Applicable to Designated Insiders
Section 16 (“Section 16”) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), and the related rules and regulations, set forth obligations and limitations applicable to certain persons at a company. The Board has determined and notified those persons (“Section 16 Officers”) who are required to comply with Section 16, and the related rules and regulations, because of their positions with Coinbase. All of the restrictions noted above for Insiders also apply to Designated Insiders.
To facilitate timely reporting of transactions pursuant to Section 16 requirements, each person subject to Section 16 reporting requirements must provide, or must ensure that their broker provides, Coinbase with detailed information (e.g., trade date, number of shares, exact price, etc.) regarding any 10b5-1 Plan and any of their transactions involving Coinbase’s securities, including gifts, transfers, pledges and transactions pursuant to a trading plan, both prior to (to confirm compliance with pre-clearance procedures, if applicable) and promptly following execution.
Prior to trading our securities, Designated Insiders who are trading outside of a 10b5-1 Plan must obtain pre-approval from our Chief Legal Officer or his or her designee by: (a) providing written notification of the amount and nature of the proposed trade, (b) certifying prior to the first proposed trade that you have no MNPI and (c) receiving confirmation from our Chief Legal Officer or his or her designee approving the trade, which approval can be granted or denied at his or her discretion.
3.Governance
This is a Tier 1 policy, owned by the Legal department and governed by:
a.Approval
This Policy is subject to Tier 1 approval by Coinbase Global Inc.’s Audit & Compliance Committee (the “Audit & Compliance Committee”).
b.Monitoring, Compliance and Audit Oversight
The Chief Legal Officer will administer and interpret this Policy and enforce compliance as needed. The Chief Legal Officer may consult with Coinbase’s outside legal counsel as needed. The Chief Legal Officer may designate other individuals to perform the Chief Legal Officer’s duties under this Policy.
Neither Coinbase nor the Chief Legal Officer will be liable for any act made under this Policy. Neither Coinbase nor the Chief Legal Officer is responsible for any failure to approve a trade or for imposing any Special Trading Restrictions.
Coinbase may require that Insiders utilize a single broker, or a limited group of brokers that may be modified from time to time, for Insider trades in order to enforce and monitor compliance with this Policy. Such limitations shall be broadly communicated to Insiders.
c.Reporting
Any Insider who violates this Policy or any federal or state laws governing insider trading or tipping, or who knows of any such violation by any other Insider, must report the violation immediately to the Legal department. If you want to submit a concern or complaint regarding a possible violation of this Policy anonymously, you should follow the procedures outlined in our Whistleblower Protection Policy.
d.Change Management
The Audit & Compliance Committee reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify or grant waivers to this Policy. Any amendments or waiver may be publicly disclosed if required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Audit & Compliance Committee shall have the authority to approve material amendments to this Policy. All other changes to this Policy may be approved by the Chief Legal Officer.
***
EX-21.1
8
exhibit21110kq42024.htm
EX-21.1
Document
SUBSIDIARIES OF COINBASE GLOBAL, INC.*
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Subsidiary name |
Jurisdiction of incorporation |
CB Payments, Ltd |
United Kingdom |
Coinbase Asset Management, LLC |
Delaware, United States |
Coinbase, Inc. |
Delaware, United States |
Coinbase Credit, Inc. |
Delaware, United States |
Coinbase Custody International Limited |
Ireland |
Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC |
New York, United States |
Coinbase Derivatives, LLC |
Delaware, United States |
Coinbase Europe Limited |
Ireland |
Coinbase Financial Markets, Inc. |
Delaware, United States |
Coinbase Ireland Limited |
Ireland |
* |
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(21)(ii) of Regulation S-K, the names of other subsidiaries of Coinbase Global, Inc. are omitted because, considered in the aggregate, they would not constitute a significant subsidiary as of the end of the year covered by this report. |
EX-23.1
9
exhibit23110kq42024.htm
EX-23.1
Document
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements No. 333-254967, No. 333-263003, No. 333-269892, and No. 333-277111 on Form S-8 and No. 333-264843 on Form S-3ASR of our reports dated February 13, 2025 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Coinbase Global, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2024.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
San Francisco, California
February 13, 2025
EX-31.1
10
exhibit31110kq42024.htm
EX-31.1
Document
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OR 15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Brian Armstrong, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Coinbase Global, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
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Date: |
February 13, 2025 |
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/s/ Brian Armstrong |
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Brian Armstrong |
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Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
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EX-31.2
11
exhibit31210kq42024.htm
EX-31.2
Document
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OR 15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Alesia J. Haas, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Coinbase Global, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
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Date: |
February 13, 2025 |
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/s/ Alesia J. Haas |
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Alesia J. Haas |
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Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
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EX-32.1
12
exhibit32110kq42024.htm
EX-32.1
Document
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Coinbase Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Brian Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:
(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
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Date: |
February 13, 2025 |
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/s/ Brian Armstrong |
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Brian Armstrong |
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Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
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EX-32.2
13
exhibit32210kq42024.htm
EX-32.2
Document
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Coinbase Global, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Alesia J. Haas, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of her knowledge:
(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
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Date: |
February 13, 2025 |
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/s/ Alesia J. Haas |
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Alesia J. Haas |
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Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
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