Coinbase Is Pushing Bitcoin to Start Its Quantum Defense Now

About one in every twenty bitcoin in circulation sits in a Coinbase wallet, held on behalf of banks, asset managers, and hedge funds.

• Last updated: Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Quick overview

• Coinbase holds about 5% of all bitcoin in circulation, prompting a call for Bitcoin to enhance its quantum defenses ahead of potential threats.
• Researchers predict that a quantum computer capable of compromising Bitcoin's security could emerge by 2029, necessitating proactive measures.
• Coinbase advocates for redesigning Bitcoin's transaction format to allow for gradual integration of quantum-resistant signatures without disrupting existing systems.
• The exchange emphasizes the importance of addressing dormant wallets separately to ensure that any solutions are also quantum-resistant.

About one in every twenty bitcoin in circulation sits in a Coinbase wallet, held on behalf of banks, asset managers, and hedge funds. That concentration of exposure is part of why the exchange published a detailed post this week urging Bitcoin to begin building its quantum defenses well before the threat actually materializes rather than scrambling once it does.