Why It Matters

Coinbase’s decision to hire Mayer Brown LLP and lobbyist Timothy J. Keeler signals a strategic pivot toward shaping international trade policy on digital assets. Rather than simply reacting to domestic regulation, the company is proactively positioning itself to influence how U.S. cryptocurrency rules interact with global trade frameworks and international payment systems.

Keeler’s background negotiating trade agreements brings specialized expertise for an area where Congress has held no formal hearings. This move likely targets emerging issues like regulatory harmonization with the EU, stablecoin inclusion in trade deals, and cross-border payment infrastructure standards. The timing is significant: with domestic frameworks now established through the GENIUS Act, the competitive advantage will go to companies that help write the international rulebook.

By the Numbers

Coinbase Global Inc. has spent substantially on federal lobbying through two firms. Batie & Associates LLC handles domestic crypto regulation work, investing $510,000 over seven disclosures from January 2024 through July 2025. Mayer Brown LLP spent $80,000 across eight disclosures on broader tax and trade issues from October 2021 to October 2025.

Timothy J. Keeler leads the international trade work. His fifteen-year lobbying career includes representing Visa Inc. on trade negotiations and handling complex trade disputes for U.S. Steel Corp.

The Agenda

The company has no specific legislation currently targeted, but is positioning itself ahead of potential future trade deals involving cross-border crypto transactions and payment infrastructure.

By engaging Timothy J. Keeler—a trade specialist with experience on complex international commerce issues—Coinbase is preparing for negotiations that haven’t yet begun in Congress.

Broader Context

The Trump administration signed the GENIUS Act into law in July 2025, creating the first federal stablecoin framework. This domestic clarity now opens opportunities for international expansion—but only if U.S. standards shape global rules.

The Financial Stability Board warned in October 2025 of "significant gaps and inconsistencies" in global crypto regulation, revealing a regulatory vacuum ripe for influence. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) has emerged as a competing model, creating transatlantic tensions over standards.

Between The Lines

Congress has yet to hold specific hearings on cryptocurrency and international trade. However, S.1223, the Prohibiting Foreign Adversary Interference in Cryptocurrency Markets Act, links digital assets directly to trade and national security policy.

A bipartisan group including Sens. Tim Scott, Bill Hagerty, Cynthia Lummis, and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the GENIUS Act, explicitly linking stablecoins to "faster cross-border transactions" and strengthening the U.S. dollar globally.

Competitive Landscape

Coinbase is not alone in recognizing the strategic importance of international trade policy for digital assets. PayPal Inc. explicitly lobbies on "cross-border trade and data flow issues" in the context of stablecoin legislation. Stellar Development Foundation actively lobbies on stablecoin frameworks necessary for global payment infrastructure.

These organizations collectively advocate for clear cross-border rules that enable global innovation—a powerful constituency shaping how international digital commerce will operate.

The Bottom Line

Coinbase Global Inc. is expanding its Washington influence.

While Coinbase continues spending roughly six times more on domestic crypto regulation through another firm, this new trade policy hire signals the industry recognizes global rules are next. -filings/detail?id=2003883#summary) are rushing to fill.

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