Crypto exchange Coinbase has reported a strong rebound in the first quarter of 2024, supported by an uptick in market performance and the launch of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The exchange posted $1.6 billion in total revenue and $1.2 billion in net income for the first quarter, achieving $1 billion in Adjusted EBITDA — which measures a company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Coinbase’s adjusted EBITDA in 2023 stood at $977.5 million. According to its earnings release, Coinbase’s net income benefited from $737 million in pre-tax unrealized gains on crypto assets. The firm ended the quarter with $7.1 billion in capital, including $1.1 billion in net cash raised through the sale of 2030 convertible notes.Total liabilities increased from $200.7 million in the first quarter of 2023 to $339.9 million in 2024.Revenue from consumer transactions topped $935 million, surging by 99% quarter over quarter. Trading volume totaled $56 billion, up 93% in the quarter, outperforming the United States spot market, which increased 91% over the same period.Institutional transactions were also up during the quarter, generating revenue of $85 million, representing a 133% increase quarter over quarter. According to the exchange, trading volume on its platform for institutional clients, Coinbase Prime, grew 105% to $256 billion, also outperforming the U.S. spot market.The exchange also posted a 64% jump in revenue from custodial services, reaching $32 million in the first quarter, primarily driven by crypto assets prices and revenue from Bitcoin ETFs. The exchange serves as a custodian for eight of the 11 newly launched BTC funds. Assets under Coinbase’s custody closed the quarter at $171 billion. Magazine: Deposit risk: What do crypto exchanges really do with your money?
