More firms are entering the crypto market, driving the development of new products and services designed to help institutions engage more effectively with digital assets. A key contributor to this shift is Coinbase, particularly through its Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) model, which is built to support both institutional and retail participants navigating the complexities of cryptocurrency. In a conversation with FintechTV’s Remy Blaire, Brian Foster, head of Crypto-as-a-Service, ETFs, and Government at Coinbase, shared his perspective on the infrastructure that is enabling institutions to integrate blockchain technology and digital assets into their portfolios.
At the core of Coinbase’s approach is a dual-focused service strategy that addresses the needs of both retail and institutional clients. Foster explained that the CaaS initiative allows financial institutions to build and offer their own crypto products, giving them a direct path into the expanding digital asset market. The demand for this type of support emerged as major financial institutions, including PNC, JPMorgan, and Citi, turned to Coinbase for guidance, leveraging the firm’s depth of experience in crypto infrastructure and operations.
CaaS encompasses a broad set of offerings intended to help institutional clients incorporate cryptocurrency into their businesses. Rather than simply providing access to digital assets, the program focuses on delivering the knowledge, tools, and infrastructure needed to operate effectively in a rapidly evolving market. Foster noted that the objective is to combine advisory capabilities with scalable product solutions, enabling institutions to develop offerings that meet the needs of their own customers.
According to Foster, financial institutions are currently focused on three core themes: access to native cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, the growing role of stablecoins, and tokenization. While earlier discussions centered largely on crypto as a standalone asset class, the conversation has expanded significantly. Stablecoins are increasingly viewed as a new payment rail, and tokenization is opening the door for traditional securities to be represented and managed on blockchain networks. This shift reflects a broader embrace of blockchain technology across financial services and highlights the growing momentum behind digital asset adoption.
Looking ahead, Foster indicated that these three themes are likely to become even more influential over the next decade. He pointed to the increasing mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, supported by developments such as cryptocurrency ETFs and deeper involvement from large asset managers and traditional financial institutions.
At the same time, Foster emphasized that stablecoins and tokenization are still in relatively early stages of development but hold significant potential to transform financial markets. As adoption increases, payment providers, fintech firms, and other financial institutions are expected to integrate stablecoins into their operations and pursue tokenization strategies to modernize existing systems. This evolution underscores the importance of robust infrastructure as institutions seek to remain competitive.
Institutional adoption remains a central focus, particularly as the industry looks toward 2026. Foster highlighted the need for financial institutions to move beyond observing the crypto market and begin scaling their participation. The current environment represents a build-out phase, offering large institutions the opportunity to activate and expand their digital asset strategies in meaningful ways. This period, he noted, creates fertile ground for innovation and deeper collaboration between traditional finance and crypto-native firms such as Coinbase.
For retail investors, these developments signal a period of expanding opportunity. As cryptocurrency continues to mature as an asset class and new financial products emerge, retail participation is expected to grow alongside institutional engagement. Foster noted that Coinbase’s ambition to become an “everything exchange” reflects its goal of serving both retail and institutional clients with comprehensive, integrated solutions across their portfolios.
Overall, Foster’s insights illustrate how Crypto-as-a-Service is reshaping the financial landscape by enabling institutions to adopt blockchain technology while also enhancing access for retail investors. The convergence of cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and tokenization points to a significant transformation in financial markets, laying the groundwork for digital assets to play an increasingly central role in future financial strategies and innovation.