Coinbase has created an independent advisory board to assess how advances in quantum computing might affect blockchain cryptography for networks such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, the company stated here. The board will publish public papers, issue guidance for developers and users, and respond to major quantum advances (Ed. note: its first position paper is due in early 2027).
The group includes experts in quantum computing, cryptography, distributed systems and blockchain security drawn from universities, the Ethereum ecosystem and industry.
The board will operate independently of company management and focus on industry-facing research rather than internal reviews. It plans to produce a baseline assessment of quantum-related risks in early 2027.
Coinbase said this initiative will run alongside internal work to update Bitcoin address handling and key-management systems and longer-term research into post-quantum cryptographic standards.
The announcement comes amid debate in crypto over quantum timelines. Jefferies strategist Christopher Wood recently removed Bitcoin from a model portfolio, citing rising quantum risks. Others take a longer view; Adam Back wrote on X that it is sensible for Bitcoin to be “quantum ready,” and that “quantum computing does not pose a near-term threat.” (see his posts here).
Mark Thompson of PsiQuantum also said large-scale quantum machines remain distant and warned that the timeline will reveal when urgent action is needed, stating “When you start to see people using quantum computers to solve really genuinely important problems, then you can think right, well maybe Q-day is actually five years away, maybe 10 years away. And that’s when you should start to worry.” (interview link here).
