Coinbase(US:COIN) Yahoo Finance·2026-01-21 13:46Core Viewpoint - The discussion at the World Economic Forum highlighted the contrasting views on Bitcoin between Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and the Governor of the Bank of France, François Villeroy de Galhau, focusing on the nature of Bitcoin as a decentralized asset versus government-issued currencies [1][5]. Group 1: Bitcoin's Nature and Competition - Armstrong emphasized that Bitcoin is a decentralized protocol with no issuer, making it more independent than central banks [2][3]. - He framed the relationship between Bitcoin and government currencies as healthy competition, allowing individuals to choose which they trust more, thus serving as a check on government overspending [4]. - Armstrong noted Bitcoin's fixed supply and lack of a money printer, comparing its appeal during uncertainty to that of gold [4]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment and Future Plans - Armstrong arrived at Davos to engage with bank leaders and policymakers to promote a U.S. crypto market structure bill, following Coinbase's withdrawal of support from a Senate crypto regulation bill due to concerns over interest payment limitations [6]. - He indicated that the White House has been cooperative, suggesting a revised version of the legislation could be expected within weeks [7]. - Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlighted the panel's agreement that innovation and regulation can coexist, indicating a collaborative approach to the evolving crypto landscape [5].