U.S. cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global Inc has appointed former British finance minister George Osborne to chair its internal Global Advisory Council, the company announced on Thursday. The move signals Coinbase’s growing ambition to expand its influence on cryptocurrency policy and regulation beyond the United States, particularly in the United Kingdom and the European Union.

George Osborne’s Role at Coinbase

Osborne, who initially joined Coinbase as an adviser in January 2024, will now take on a more active role in shaping the company’s government and regulatory engagement strategy worldwide. Based in London, Osborne will help Coinbase navigate regulatory frameworks, promote blockchain innovation, and support the adoption of stablecoins and tokenised assets in financial markets.

“Chairing the Global Advisory Council will give me more opportunity to learn about the revolution that blockchain, stablecoins, and tokenisation are bringing to our financial system,” Osborne said in a statement.

Expanding Influence Beyond the U.S.

The crypto industry has emerged as a major lobbying force in the United States in recent years. Coinbase now aims to increase its policy influence internationally, particularly in Europe and the UK. According to Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase’s chief policy officer, the company is focused on promoting clarity around tax regulations, supporting stablecoin payments, and facilitating the broader adoption of tokenised assets in capital markets.

In the U.S., Coinbase and other crypto companies have actively engaged in political advocacy. Data from the Federal Election Commission shows that the industry donated over $245 million to pro-crypto candidates, including President Donald Trump, in the 2024 election cycle. Following the election, U.S. regulators took steps to support the crypto sector, including passing legislation to facilitate stablecoin use and dropping key lawsuits against Coinbase.

Osborne’s Diverse Portfolio

George Osborne, who served as the UK finance minister from 2010 until stepping down after the 2016 Brexit referendum, has held a variety of influential roles in the private sector. He is currently:

• Chair of the British Museum
• Partner at investment bank Robey Warshaw LLP
• Chair of asset manager Lingotto Investment Management
• Adviser to OpenAI on overseas data center expansion

This breadth of experience positions Osborne to guide Coinbase as it seeks to navigate complex regulatory environments and expand its global operations.

Coinbase’s UK and EU Strategy

In the UK, Coinbase’s objectives include:

• Promoting stablecoin payments in everyday transactions
• Facilitating the integration of tokenised assets in capital markets
• Ensuring regulatory clarity on taxation for crypto activities

Shirzad emphasized that Osborne’s leadership of the advisory council will be critical in advancing these initiatives and positioning Coinbase as a trusted partner with governments and regulators.

The appointment reflects Coinbase’s long-term strategy to strengthen its international footprint and influence the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulation globally.