Woofun AI reports that Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong identifies self-custody wallets as the sole mechanism to expand open finance to over 1 billion users. He argues that while centralized platforms like the Coinbase App function effectively in regulated developed markets, these regions represent only 4% of the global population. Armstrong highlights that self-custody reduces account opening friction, offers global accessibility, and scales via software without requiring local regulated entities. He further notes that AI agents utilize self-custody more efficiently for fund access and task completion, emphasizing its role in economic freedom.

Former Base lead Jesse Pollak has departed, handing leadership to Jordan Fish. Pollak stated that Base will operate as a global financial blockchain. Under new leadership, the network will focus on three core areas: trading, payments, and agents.