Coinbase Canada CEO calls on government to quickly develop national crypto strategy

Lucas Matheson, CEO of Coinbase Canada, urged the new government led by Mark Carney to quickly develop a national crypto strategy at the Consensus 2025 conference in Toronto. Matheson recommended establishing a dedicated crypto task force within 100 days of the government taking office to clearly define digital assets, regulate stablecoins, and allow banks to hold cryptocurrencies securely. He emphasized the need for stablecoins denominated in Canadian dollars, noting that the current cost of international money transfers is as high as 6% -12%, and that crypto technology can significantly reduce these fees. Matheson also said that about 15% of Canada's population belongs to the underserved group, and crypto technology can provide them with innovative solutions.
Matheson warns that if Canada does not move quickly, it could fall behind in the global crypto finance race, leading to citizens being forced to use foreign platforms, increasing risks and losing economic opportunities.