Coinbase AI Code Set To Dominate Platform By October

Key Takeaways

• Over 40% of Coinbase’s code is AI-generated, with a target of 50% by October.

• CEO Brian Armstrong is pushing for responsible AI adoption, not job cuts.

• Engineers are expected to use tools like Copilot, Claude, and Cursor.

• Coinbase is hiring aggressively in AI-related engineering roles.

• The Coinbase AI code initiative is reshaping how development happens at the company.

AI-Generated Code Has More Than Doubled Since April

The Stats Behind the Surge

Armstrong shared a chart showing that AI-generated lines of code have more than doubled since April 2025. This shift reflects Coinbase’s broader move toward integrating AI tools into its development workflows.

Percentage Change Of Coinbase’s Code Which Is AI-Generated

Source: Brian Armstrong

The company is actively fostering a new culture of “AI-Natives”, employees who can effectively collaborate with AI technologies rather than being replaced by them.

AI as a Productivity Tool

Despite fears that artificial intelligence could lead to mass layoffs, Coinbase’s AI strategy appears to enhance productivity rather than eliminate jobs. Armstrong emphasized that while AI will be used extensively, there are no current plans to replace large portions of the company’s 4,200-person workforce.

This perspective is echoed by experts like David Sacks, the White House’s AI and crypto adviser, and analysts from PwC. They argue that while AI adoption will shift job roles, it can also significantly boost efficiency and innovation.

Inside The Coinbase AI Code Workflow

Tools Of The Trade

Coinbase engineers are now using AI-powered tools like:

• GitHub Copilot

• Claude Code

• Cursor

These platforms help engineers build, refactor, and optimize codebases in days, rather than the weeks or months it would normally take.

AI Mandate In Action

Armstrong is taking AI integration seriously. He recently revealed on the “Cheeky Pint” podcast (hosted by John Collison) that some engineers were let go for not adopting AI tools after a company-wide directive was posted.

Armstrong said bluntly:

“If you can’t justify why you’re not using AI, you shouldn’t be writing code at Coinbase.”

Source: X (@brian_armstrong)

Coinbase Is Hiring, Especially In AI-Related Roles

Over 150 Tech Openings

Despite the AI push, Coinbase continues to expand its engineering teams. Nearly half of its 350 current job openings are for technical roles, with over 90 backend engineering positions referencing AI.

Even non-technical roles like customer experience (with 56 open positions) show that the company’s workforce expansion is broad, not just limited to AI-focused positions.

Fewer Layoffs, Fewer Hires

While large-scale layoffs in the crypto sector have subsided, industry-wide hiring remains slow. Many recruiters believe AI is diverting both capital and talent away from traditional crypto jobs.

Raman Shalupau and Stefi Kiemeney said:

“Developers and entrepreneurs follow the money and excitement, and right now AI is soaking up both.”

FAQ

What is “Coinbase AI code”?

“Coinbase AI code” refers to the portion of the company’s software codebase that is generated or assisted by artificial intelligence tools, such as GitHub Copilot or Claude.

Is Coinbase replacing developers with AI?

No. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has stated that the goal is to make employees “AI-Natives”, using AI to enhance productivity rather than replace workers.

How much of Coinbase’s code is AI-generated?

As of September 2025, over 40% of Coinbase’s code is written by AI, with a goal of reaching 50% by October.

Is Coinbase still hiring engineers?

Yes. Coinbase has nearly 150 technical job openings, many of which are directly tied to AI-related work.