January 21, 2026 -- Quantum computers, if built at scale, have the potential to reshape entire industries, from finance and healthcare to materials science and national security. For blockchain, the stakes are especially high: the cryptographic foundations that secure digital assets today could be challenged by the advances of the coming years.

At Coinbase, security is our highest priority, and preparing for future threats, even those many years away, is crucial for our industry. That’s why we are establishing the Coinbase Independent Advisory Board on Quantum Computing and Blockchain, a group of world-renowned experts convened to evaluate the implications of quantum computing for the blockchain ecosystem and provide clear, independent guidance to the broader community.

Why This Matters

Most modern blockchains—including Bitcoin and Ethereum, rely on elliptic-curve cryptography. While these systems remain secure today, the arrival of large-scale quantum computers could eventually weaken or break them. Preparing for that future requires collaboration across disciplines, rigorous cryptographic research, and proactive planning well before quantum computers become practical.

The new Advisory Board will:

• Publish position papers assessing the state of quantum computing and its impact on blockchain systems.
• Issue recommendations for individuals, developers, and organizations to safeguard against long-term quantum risks.
• Respond in real time to major quantum computing breakthroughs with independent analysis and practical guidance.

World-Class Expertise

We are honored to convene some of the most distinguished researchers in quantum computing, cryptography, consensus, and blockchain systems:

• Professor Scott Aaronson – Quantum computing pioneer and Director of the Quantum Information Center at the University of Texas at Austin.
• Professor Dan Boneh – Cryptography leader at Stanford University and Co-Director of the Stanford Center for Blockchain Research.
• Justin Drake – Ethereum Foundation researcher focused on Ethereum’s long-term security and post-quantum resilience.
• Professor Sreeram Kannan – Founder of EigenLayer and expert in blockchain scalability and security.
• Professor Yehuda Lindell – Coinbase Head of Cryptography and global expert in secure multiparty computation.
• Professor Dahlia Malkhi – Expert in resilient and secure distributed systems and head of the UCSB Foundations of Fintech Research Lab.

These leaders represent the forefront of quantum computing, cryptography, and blockchain research. Their independent insights will help ensure that Coinbase, and the crypto ecosystem more broadly—stay ahead of this emerging frontier.

Coinbase’s Post-Quantum Roadmap

The Advisory Board is one part of Coinbase’s broader post-quantum security roadmap, which includes:

Product enhancements today: updating Bitcoin address handling and internal key management systems to align with best-available protections.

Long-term cryptographic research: advancing support for post-quantum signature schemes (such as ML-DSA) within secure multiparty computation systems.

Independent oversight: establishing this Advisory Board to guide Coinbase and the industry through quantum-related challenges.

Looking Ahead

Quantum computing is both a technological opportunity and a security challenge. By bringing together the foremost experts in the world, Coinbase is ensuring that the blockchain ecosystem is prepared, not just reactive. The Advisory Board will release its first position paper in the coming months establishing a baseline assessment of quantum risk and a roadmap for building resilience."