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Coinbase ceo brian armstrong offloads $550 m in coin shares

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Sells $550M in Shares | Amid 50% Drop in COIN

By

Sofia Kim

Feb 13, 2026, 07:44 PM

Edited By

Sofia Petrov

2 minutes of reading

Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, selling a large amount of COIN shares with a stock market background showing declining prices.
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In a bold move, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong recently sold $550 million worth of COIN stock while the asset faced a significant 50% decline. This raises eyebrows among traders and crypto enthusiasts, with many questioning the motives behind such a massive sale.

The Context and Its Ripples

Armstrong's sale echoes a similar action taken during the company's IPO, where he reportedly unloaded around two-thirds of his holdings. Some observers at the time accused him of cashing out amid plummeting prices, terming him a "scammer exiting." However, he remains at the helm, stirring perspectives on leadership accountability in fluctuating markets.

Community Reactions

Reactions from the community showcase a mix of skepticism and criticism:

  • "Shitcoin creator dumps on retail. So same as every shitcoin?" questioned a comment reflecting deep disdain for the decision.

  • Another voice noted, "I have been short Coinbase since high 300. They lack a moat.", emphasizing concerns about the company's ongoing viability in the competitive landscape.

  • Sentiments vary, with some shrugging off the news as a routine corporate action with one observer suggesting, "This is a non-story."

"The timing seems suspect to many, especially given the current market state," said one poster on the forums.

Key Insights

  • πŸ”₯ Armstrong's sale raises questions about investor trust and long-term strategies.

  • πŸ€” Many commenters hint at a decline in investor confidence without an altseason revival.

  • πŸ“‰ This action sparks further concerns about Coinbase’s ability to retain relevance amid shifting market dynamics.

While some dismiss Armstrong's actions as standard practice in high-stakes trading, others argue it signals deeper issues within Coinbase's market positioning. As the dust settles, Armstrong's timing and strategy will likely be dissected further in upcoming discussions across various forums.

Sources: CoinMarketCap, User boards discussions.

For ongoing updates about the trends in cryptocurrency, visit CoinTelegraph.

What Lies Ahead for Coinbase

Experts estimate there's a strong chance that Armstrong's decision will further shake investor confidence in Coinbase and its future. As the market continues to fluctuate, analysts predict a 60% probability that Coinbase may struggle to maintain its current market share if it doesn't strengthen its competitive position. Additionally, many anticipate that the recent drop in COIN's value may lead to increased scrutiny from regulators, potentially influencing future trading practices at Coinbase. The ongoing debate among traders and investors about the platform's viability highlights a significant and growing concern about the company’s overall strategy going forward.

A Historical Echo

In the early 2000s, the dot-com bust saw many tech leaders selling off their shares while the market slumped. Consider the parallels with then-CEO of Pets.com, who cashed out substantial holdings as the company spiraled toward bankruptcy. The sentiment was that insiders often saw the writing on the wall before the average investor. Similarly, Armstrong’s actions could reflect a similar foresight, suggesting that leadership in turbulent times may act on instincts that the wider community has yet to grasp. The fate of Coinbase might hinge on whether it can learn from history’s lessons or fall victim to the same trends that have haunted tech companies before.