Coinbase to acquire Bvnk in $2b deal to strengthen position in stablecoin infrastructure

Coinbase is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to acquire BVNK, a fast-growing fintech startup specializing in stablecoin infrastructure, in a deal estimated to be worth around $2 billion. This potential acquisition would significantly bolster Coinbase’s position in the rapidly evolving stablecoin market, which has seen increased attention following recent regulatory developments in the United States.

According to insiders familiar with the matter, the deal is still subject to due diligence and could be finalized either later this year or in early 2025. The acquisition would further integrate BVNK’s capabilities into Coinbase’s expanding ecosystem, particularly in the realm of stablecoin-based financial products and services.

BVNK, founded in 2021, has quickly risen as a prominent player in the stablecoin payments sector, attracting over $90 million in venture capital from major firms such as Citi Ventures, Haun Ventures, and Visa. The startup’s core platform allows merchants to process payments using stablecoins, offering a faster and more cost-efficient alternative to traditional banking methods. This aligns closely with Coinbase’s broader strategy to offer a full-spectrum financial infrastructure based on blockchain technology.

Coinbase Ventures, the investment arm of Coinbase, is already a stakeholder in BVNK. This pre-existing relationship could help smooth the path to acquisition, reducing friction during negotiations. A company spokesperson confirmed that Coinbase remains committed to expanding global economic freedom and is actively pursuing strategic opportunities through acquisitions, partnerships, and investments.

The timing of this move is notable, coming just months after the U.S. government introduced its first comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins through the GENIUS Act. This legislative development has prompted a wave of innovation and experimentation across the financial sector, including firms like Visa, Mastercard, and several traditional banks, all of which are exploring blockchain as a way to streamline transactions and reduce costs.

In a recent report by Fortune, it was revealed that Coinbase secured exclusive rights to negotiate with BVNK following a competitive bidding process involving multiple interested parties. This exclusivity underscores the strategic importance of the acquisition for Coinbase as it seeks to diversify its revenue beyond trading commissions.

Currently, stablecoins account for nearly 20% of Coinbase’s revenue, as disclosed in the company’s latest quarterly report. The exchange shares revenue generated from the issuance and use of the USDC stablecoin with Circle Internet Financial, the coin’s issuer. Coinbase has been actively promoting USDC usage through various partnerships, including one with e-commerce platform Shopify, to broaden adoption among merchants and consumers alike.

Coinbase’s business-focused initiatives have also expanded. Earlier this year, the company launched Coinbase Business, a platform designed to simplify payment processing and invoicing for enterprises. This complements BVNK’s merchant payment solutions and suggests strong synergy between the two companies.

Additionally, Coinbase recently completed the acquisition of Deribit, a leading crypto options exchange that commands more than 75% of the non-U.S. options market. This move further demonstrates Coinbase’s aggressive expansion into various verticals within the digital assets space.

Financially, Coinbase posted impressive third-quarter results, with transaction revenue reaching $1.05 billion—an increase of over 83% compared to the same period last year. Despite this performance, COIN stock experienced a moderate pullback, closing the week at $343, an 8.2% decline over four days in line with broader market volatility.

If the BVNK acquisition is finalized, it could mark a transformative moment not only for Coinbase but for the broader stablecoin ecosystem. With traditional financial institutions increasingly adopting blockchain solutions, Coinbase’s move to consolidate its influence in the stablecoin sector could place it at the forefront of the next wave of fintech innovation.

This deal also reflects a long-term vision to create a more accessible and decentralized financial infrastructure. By integrating BVNK’s merchant payment technology, Coinbase can offer businesses a seamless on-ramp to blockchain-based commerce, potentially reducing dependence on legacy banking systems and opening up new markets.

Moreover, the acquisition could enhance Coinbase’s appeal to institutional clients. As stablecoins become more regulated and widely accepted, financial institutions are likely to seek reliable partners that offer both compliance and technological sophistication. BVNK’s compliance-first architecture and global reach could make Coinbase a more attractive platform for enterprise-grade financial services.

The broader implications of this acquisition suggest a future where stablecoins play a central role in cross-border transactions, payroll, remittances, and financial contracts. With the U.S. now providing regulatory clarity, companies like Coinbase are in a strong position to capitalize on the stablecoin sector’s maturation.

Looking ahead, the integration of BVNK could enable Coinbase to offer advanced API services for developers, tapping into the growing demand for programmable money and financial automation. This could lead to new tools for decentralized applications (dApps) and further bridge the gap between traditional finance and crypto-native services.

As regulators around the world continue to shape the legal framework surrounding stablecoins, Coinbase’s proactive approach to compliance and innovation may set a benchmark for others in the industry. The potential acquisition of BVNK is not just a strategic business move—it signals a deeper commitment to reshaping how money moves in a digital-first economy.