Coinbase Re-Enters the Hawaiian Market after a Seven-Year Absence

Coinbase, the largest public crypto exchange in the US, has re-entered the Hawaiian market after a seven-year absence.

Coinbase, the largest public crypto exchange in the United States, has announced its return to the Hawaiian market after a seven-year absence. This move is driven by recent regulatory reforms in Hawaii that now permit crypto firms to operate without obtaining a Money Transmitter License (MTL).Coinbase is now offering its services to Hawaii residents, who can participate in the digital economy by trading, staking, and utilizing advanced tools for professional traders on Coinbase. The exchange's return to the state is also met with enthusiasm from traders, as Coinbase's stock (COIN) experienced an increase following the announcement.After the announcement, COIN experienced an increase from $194.60 to as high as $201.10, closing at $197.94. This marks a 3.23% increase for yesterday's trading period.Coinbase's last presence in Hawaii was in 2015, when it encountered difficulties due to the state's strict financial regulations. However, these regulations have since been adjusted, allowing Coinbase to re-enter the market.In late June, the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) announced substantial regulatory changes. These adjustments enable crypto firms to operate without obtaining an MTL. The decision follows the conclusion of the Digital Currency Innovation Lab (DCIL) project, which was launched in 2020. The DCIL aimed to explore and assess the digital currency ecosystem in Hawaii, and its conclusion has led to a more open and innovation-friendly environment.This regulatory clarity has also prompted other crypto companies to enter the state, in addition to Coinbase. In early July, the multi-asset investment platform Robinhood announced that its crypto trading service had expanded to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.