The leading cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase, has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Companies of 2025 by Time magazine, marking a significant milestone for the platform and the whole crypto industry.
This accolade comes right after a month after Coinbase’s historic inclusion in the S&P 500 in May 2025, making it the first crypto stock to join the index. One of the key reasons behind Coinbase’s this leap is the company’s aggressive lobbying during the recent U.S. election cycle has solidified cryptocurrency as a key political issue, boosting its mainstream acceptance.
“Coinbase led a massive lobbying campaign during that election, helping cement crypto as a voting issue,” the magazine noted, adding, “Now the company is a key driver of the industry’s policy efforts in Washington D.C. If industry-friendly bills are passed, Coinbase stands to become an even bigger hub for U.S. crypto activity.”
Founded in 2012, Coinbase serves over 100 million users globally while driving innovation in digital finance. However, its rise is not without challenges as various blockchain investigators have accused the platform of failing to address security vulnerabilities, with users reportedly losing hundreds of millions annually to scams. Additionally, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also probed the exchange in a civil enforcement action, in which Coinbase was given a clean chit.
Despite setbacks, such as a major customer database breach in May–the same month its inclusion in the S&P 500, Coinbase remains a heavyweight in the crypto space. This recognition highlights both its influence and the ongoing regulatory hurdles facing the industry.
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