Coinbase CEO Champions Bitcoin as Sovereign Currency Amid Davos Crypto Policy Debates
January 21, 2026
Bitcoin is described as a modern store of value and a global protocol resistant to political manipulation, likened to digital gold, while policymakers emphasize the need for democratic mandate and public accountability in money management.
Armstrong frames Bitcoin as a decentralized, global currency that competes with state money and could enhance financial sovereignty, whereas regulators and central banks debate its implications.
There is consensus among participants that tokenization technology must be paired with appropriate regulation to drive adoption by major firms.
France’s MiCA framework under AMF shapes the crypto regulation context, reflecting skepticism toward private money.
Bitcoin is moving from the periphery of policy debates into elite circles, signaling a shift in mainstream perceptions of monetary sovereignty.
Bitcoin, as argued by Coinbase's Brian Armstrong, is a decentralized protocol with no single issuer, making it more independent than traditional central-bank money and serving as a sovereign, neutral alternative and potential check on government spending.
Trump’s anticipated Davos speech looms large, with attendees watching for potential implications on trade and foreign policy.
Panels explored how blockchain tokenization could transform access and settlement times for stocks, bonds, and real estate.
Armstrong and journalists pressed leaders on crypto policy at Davos, signaling tougher, more interrogative questions about regulation.
The article, authored by Sohrab Khawas, was published January 21, 2026 on CoinPedia, including standard disclaimer and sponsorship notes.
The discourse describes a healthy rivalry between fiat systems and cryptocurrencies, suggesting competition could spur innovation, transparency, and inclusion, while noting CBDCs as digitized fiat under centralized control.
Ongoing digital currency developments (digital yuan and digital euro) and growing institutional Bitcoin adoption, including treasury allocations and dialogue at Davos.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources

Bitcoin Magazine • Jan 21, 2026
Coinbase CEO Clashes With French Banker Over Bitcoin
Coinpedia Fintech News • Jan 21, 2026
Coinbase CEO Questions France’s Central Bank on Bitcoin
Cryptopolitan • Jan 21, 2026
Bitcoin independence debated as Coinbase CEO challenges central banker at Davos
Coindoo • Jan 21, 2026
Coinbase CEO Brings Bitcoin Straight Into Davos Policy Talks