Coinbase has shifted to using AI for more than 95% of its software code. We break down the details.<\/p>\n
Coinbase Head of Platform Engineering Rob Witoff told Cointelegraph<\/a> how the crypto exchange is integrating AI.<\/p>\n Hot topic: BTC Price Hits Three-Week High Above $65,000 \u2014 What Drove Bitcoin on July 15<\/a><\/p>\n The share of AI-generated code has more than doubled since February 2026, when the company estimated<\/a> it at 40%. Today, 100% of the exchange\u2019s employees use AI daily.<\/p>\n In May, Coinbase cut 700 employees<\/a> as part of a plan to \u201crestore startup speed and focus\u201d with AI.<\/p>\n Contents<\/p>\n How Coinbase Uses AI: From Prototypes to Cryptography<\/p>\n The level of automation depends on task complexity. Prototyping is fully automated, core systems are built in a hybrid model, and cryptography<\/a> requires manual work. Developers review every line of code, while AI helps find vulnerabilities and verify mathematical calculations.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we\u2019re writing core cryptography, our top cryptographers carefully research and review every single line. We use AI heavily to test and check code for vulnerabilities, but it\u2019s much more manual than internal prototyping, which is now 100 percent automated,\u201d Witoff said.<\/p>\n The adoption has reshaped team structures. Groups of two to three senior engineers now handle tasks that once required 10 or more people. Most cuts hit junior developers, along with marketing, support, and compliance staff. Each Coinbase engineer now works with five to ten active AI agents<\/a>, together doing the equivalent of 1,200 employees\u2019 work.\u00a0<\/p>\n Read more: Best Robinhood Chain Launchpads in 2026 \u2014 Top Platforms to Launch Your Token Before Everyone Else<\/a><\/p>\n Context: A Wave of Crypto Layoffs Driven by AI<\/p>\n Coinbase is part of a broader wave of crypto layoffs driven by AI adoption<\/a>. In March 2026, Crypto.com cut<\/a> 12% of its staff, targeting roles \u201cthat don\u2019t adapt in the new world.\u201d In February, Block CEO Jack Dorsey announced a 40% headcount reduction.<\/p>\n we’re making @blocks<\/a> smaller today. here’s my note to the company.<\/p>\n ####<\/p>\n today we’re making one of the hardest decisions in the history of our company: we’re reducing our organization by nearly half, from over 10,000 people to just under 6,000. that means over 4,000 of you are\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 jack (@jack) February 26, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Other companies citing AI efficiency include Kraken<\/a>, Gemini<\/a>, Messari, and Dune<\/a>. Witoff emphasized that for small teams to succeed, \u201ctaste, judgment, and experience to guide agents in the right direction\u201d are key.<\/p>\n Long-term, Coinbase aims for a model where AI agents do the work of 100,000 employees\u2013a shift that could fundamentally reshape the entire industry. The exchange is aiming to do such by year 2030.<\/p>\n