Coinbase Launches New Pre-Reserve Platform to Revive US Retail Token Sales

In a bold move to reignite US retail participation in public token sales, Coinbase has introduced a new pre-reserve platform, marking its first major initiative since the 2018 ICO crackdown by regulators. The platform adopts a model similar to traditional curated sales, featuring fixed windows, algorithmic allocation, and USDC settlements. However, it also introduces unique constraints, including a six-month secondary market lockup for issuers and penalties for users who flip their allocations. This development comes amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny but signals Coinbase's commitment to innovating within the evolving cryptocurrency landscape. The platform's launch could pave the way for renewed retail interest in token sales, offering a structured and compliant approach to participation.

Coinbase Revives US Retail Token Sales with New Platform Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

Coinbase is reigniting US retail participation in public token sales through its new pre-reserve platform, marking the first major initiative since regulators clamped down on ICOs in 2018. The model mirrors traditional curated sales—fixed windows, algorithmic allocation, and USDC settlements—but imposes novel constraints: a six-month secondary market lockup for issuers and penalties for users flipping allocations within 30 days.

The platform’s success hinges on behavioral economics. By disincentivizing quick exits, Coinbase aims to break the destructive "dump-on-listing" cycle that plagued past IEOs. Monad, a layer-1 blockchain project, serves as the inaugural test case with a week-long sale starting November 17. The algorithmic allocation favors smaller orders, a design choice targeting long-term investors over speculative traders.

Regulatory shadows loom. While compliant on paper, the offering’s structure risks reinterpretation as unregistered securities—a recurring flashpoint in US crypto policy. Coinbase’s gamble: that patience-enforcing mechanics can foster sustainable primary markets without inviting enforcement action.

Coinbase Business Launches in Singapore, Expanding Beyond US for First Time

Coinbase has introduced its business services in Singapore, marking its first expansion outside the United States. The new offering, Coinbase Business, targets startups and small-to-medium enterprises with a crypto operating account designed to simplify global finance through crypto trading, instant payments, and stablecoin transactions.

Partnering with Standard Chartered, Coinbase Business Singapore ensures seamless real-time Singapore dollar transfers for both retail and business clients. "The future of B2B payments is built on faster, cheaper, and more programmable rails—and that foundation is crypto," said Sid Coelho-Prabhu, head of business at Coinbase.

The platform enables businesses to conduct international payments using stablecoins like USDC and XSGD, offering lower costs and near-instant settlement. Additional features include integrated portfolio management and no-fee onboarding, with support for accounting platforms like QuickBooks.