On Dec. 3, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong took to X to announce that the cryptocurrency exchange will no longer work with law firms that hire individuals involved in anti-crypto actions during their time in government. Armstrong’s statement emphasized the company’s stance on supporting the cryptocurrency industry and called for the community to join in ensuring that such individuals are not employed in the sector.
Armstrong’s Strong Stance on Anti-Crypto Actions
Armstrong’s announcement was clear: Coinbase will not do business with law firms that hire people who have worked to undermine the crypto industry, particularly those who, as Armstrong described, have tried to “unlawfully kill” the sector without clarifying the rules. He urged members of the crypto community to actively voice their concerns to law firms, warning that employing individuals who have been hostile toward the industry could lead to a loss of business from crypto companies.
The CEO pointed out that senior partners at these law firms might not always be aware of the crypto industry’s position on this issue. As a result, Armstrong encouraged community members to raise awareness within their own law firms about the potential consequences of hiring officials who had worked against the crypto sector.
Coinbase Drops Milbank After Law Firm Hires Anti-Crypto Official
Armstrong’s policy shift followed Coinbase’s decision to sever ties with the law firm Milbank after it hired Gurbir Grewal, the former enforcement director of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Grewal, who had a significant role in recommending over 100 enforcement actions against the digital asset industry, was a key figure in the SEC’s efforts to tackle what the agency referred to it as “widespread noncompliance” within the sector.
After Milbank announced Grewal’s hire on Oct. 15, Armstrong responded by stating that Coinbase would no longer work with the firm. In his statement, Armstrong emphasized that senior members at Milbank could not justify their decision by claiming they were merely “following orders” during Grewal’s tenure at the SEC. He added that those who had a problem with the industry had the option to leave the SEC, noting that many of their colleagues had chosen to do so.
Armstrong Calls for Open Dialogue, Not “Permanent Cancellation”
While Armstrong made it clear that Coinbase would not associate with figures who had actively worked against the crypto industry, he also emphasized that he does not support the idea of “permanently canceling” individuals. Armstrong clarified that those who have worked against crypto could still find opportunities in other sectors, as long as they do not continue to hold anti-crypto positions.
A Shift in the U.S. Regulatory Landscape
Armstrong’s comments come at a time when the cryptocurrency community is hopeful for a more favorable regulatory environment in the United States, especially following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Many in the sector have expressed optimism that a shift in leadership could lead to a more accommodating stance toward cryptocurrency, contributing to recent bullish momentum in the market.
As a result, Bitcoin (BTC) surged to an all-time high of $99,645 on Nov. 22, further fueling the belief that the crypto market could see more regulatory clarity and less adversarial actions from government agencies in the near future.
Brian Armstrong’s firm stance on cutting ties with law firms that hire individuals hostile to the crypto industry reflects Coinbase’s broader commitment to protecting the interests of the cryptocurrency market. As the regulatory environment evolves, Armstrong’s call to the community underscores the importance of ensuring that the crypto sector remains free from anti-crypto influences, while still advocating for open discussions rather than permanent exclusions.
I am Toby Rothschild, Co-Founder of Spearmint and author at Coinography, and a strategist focused on advancing Web3 innovation, digital ecosystems, and the future of decentralized technology. I combine product thinking, creative leadership, and deep interest in emerging trends to help shape how individuals and organizations interact with the next generation of digital systems.
My work centers on understanding how blockchain, AI, and digital identity are reshaping global industries. At Spearmint, I help lead the direction of initiatives that bring clarity, structure, and meaningful user experiences to complex technological environments. I focus on bridging vision with execution, ensuring that innovation remains practical, scalable, and aligned with long-term growth.
As an author at Coinography, I create insights that translate fast-moving Web3 developments into clear, useful narratives. I explore topics such as decentralized governance, digital identity, creator economies, token models, protocol design, and the shifting cultural patterns around emerging technology. My aim is to make digital transformation more understandable and approachable for a wider audience.
I believe that Web3 is not only a technological shift but a cultural and creative one. Strong ideas, thoughtful communication, and human-centered design will shape which technologies thrive and how communities evolve around them. My writing and research reflect this belief, focusing on clarity, relevance, and long-term perspective.
Professional Links Website: https://coinography.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobyrothschild/
