$8 Billion Coinbase Faces Backlash for Latest Acquisition

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Bitcoin exchange giant Coinbase has acquired Chainalysis competitor Neutrino in an effort to enhance its compliance efforts and regulatory relationships. Neutrino uses blockchain analytics to identify potential money laundering or other illegal transactions on the blockchain. Until its acquisition, it was one of a few companies growing in the space of analyzing blockchains. Its work mainly benefits crypto exchanges, regulators, and other centralized powers.

According to Coinbase, companies like Chainalysis, Whitestream, and Elementus are “necessary” in an “open financial system.”

“Blockchain intelligence is increasingly important in the crypto ecosystem, and is necessary to achieve our mission of bringing the open financial system to the world. By analyzing data on public blockchains, Neutrino will help us prevent theft of funds from peoples’ accounts, investigate ransomware attacks, and identify bad actors. It will also help us bring more cryptocurrencies and features to more people while helping ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.”

Coinbase has chosen to buy the company outright for an undisclosed price. Neutrino’s team will move from its base in Italy to Coinbase’s offices in London.

 

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