Coinbase: US Falling Behind in Crypto Development amid Talent Shortage

As an experienced analyst, I find the trend of declining US-based crypto developers and the resulting talent shortage a cause for concern. The Coinbase “State of Crypto” report highlights the significant role that corporate adoption of on-chain platforms and Web3 technologies is playing in driving innovation and growth in the digital asset space. However, this surge in demand for skilled talent is being met with a major hurdle – the lack of available and trusted developers to support these initiatives.


As a cryptocurrency analysis expert, I’ve noticed that major corporations are intending to move towards on-chain platforms, according to recent reports from Coinbase. However, there seems to be a significant gap in terms of the necessary skilled workforce in our country to facilitate this transition effectively.

Based on their “State of Crypto” report, the number of cryptocurrency developers with an American background has dropped by 14% over the past five years. It’s worth mentioning that this demographic makes up just 26% of the global crypto developer pool, which may raise concerns for crypto supporters.

As the Chief Legal Officer at Coinbase, I, Paul Grewal, brought up some concerns about the recent decline in the crypto market and its potential impact on the US’s global technological leadership in a post on social media platform X. Despite the increasing corporate adoption of cryptocurrencies and on-chain activities, I believe that if we don’t address this trend, the US may lose its edge as a pioneer in technological innovation. Therefore, I strongly urge the Biden administration to take swift actions to reverse this situation.

As a researcher, I’ve come across the observation that our country holds a significant lead in technological innovation globally, yet we risk losing this advantage if the US government doesn’t make a conscious effort to improve.

Coinbase State of Crypto Report

As a researcher investigating trends in technology adoption among Fortune 100 companies during Q1 2024, I discovered an unprecedented wave of announcements concerning crypto, blockchain, and Web3 projects. However, my findings also revealed a significant challenge: the scarcity of skilled and trustworthy talent capable of effectively implementing these initiatives.

As an analyst, I’ve examined data from Fortune 100 companies, and I can tell you that around half of these executive teams identified a lack of skilled personnel as the major hindrance to implementing blockchain technology in their businesses. The talent crunch is even more pronounced in the crypto development sector, where US-based developers now account for just one quarter of the workforce. This represents a considerable decline compared to five years ago.

As an analyst, I’ve observed a persistent fascination with blockchain technology despite its challenges. A recent study revealed that an impressive 70% of Fortune 500 executives express a strong desire to delve into the applications of stablecoins. Their motivation stems from the allure of swift transaction processing and reduced fees. Furthermore, small businesses are progressively drawn to digital assets due to their potential for faster and more affordable payment solutions.

According to Coinbase, having well-defined and thorough cryptocurrency regulations in a country is crucial for encouraging local developers. They express this viewpoint as follows:

“Defining clear regulations for cryptocurrency is essential for attracting and retaining developers in the US, and for the US to remain a global leader in advanced technological developments.”

Some lawmakers find the report’s recommendations appealing as they call for a new direction in the US cryptocurrency policy. Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, known for her crypto-friendly stance, endorsed the report’s findings. She expressed concerns over the current administration and Gary Gensler’s persistence in targeting Bitcoin and digital assets, arguing that this approach is driving the industry abroad and leaving the US behind.

“As the world’s top innovator in finance, let’s live up to that title and offer the industry a welcoming hub.”

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2024-06-13 11:48