---
id: "entity-coinbase-d7"
type: "entity"
entityType: "organization"
canonicalName: "Coinbase"
aliases: []
source_timestamps: ["00:31:58"]
tags: ["crypto-exchange", "company"]
related: ["concept-digital-wallet-mechanics"]
sources: ["secinsider"]
sourceVaultSlug: "damsker-sec-defi-wealth-creation-2026Jun25"
originDay: 7
---
# Coinbase

## Profile

**Coinbase** is a major US-based cryptocurrency exchange platform, offering retail and institutional access to crypto trading, custody, staking, and other services.

## Role in This Source

Mentioned by [[entity-alexandra-damsker|Damsker]] in the context of [[concept-digital-wallet-mechanics|digital wallet mechanics]], specifically to differentiate:

- **Custodial accounts** (e.g., Coinbase exchange account, where Coinbase holds the keys)
- **Non-custodial wallets** (e.g., Coinbase Wallet or MetaMask, where you alone hold the private keys)

## Why It Matters

Coinbase is the canonical retail on-ramp for US users entering crypto, which is why it is used as the reference point when explaining custody trade-offs.

Related: [[concept-blockchain-toll-road-metaphor]].