AltcoinsExchange
|4 min ReadCoinbase adds BNB to roadmap after criticism and listing drama
Maya Chen
Senior Analyst
Published
Jan 16, 2026
A rare nod to a rival
Coinbase just put Binance’s BNB on its listing roadmap — the first time it has signaled support for a direct rival’s flagship token. Coinbase Markets announced the move on X, noting trading will begin once market makers and technical plumbing are ready: https://x.com/CoinbaseMarkets/status/1978502506025025557. Intent is clear. Timeline is conditional.
The timing matters. Days earlier, Arca CIO Jeff Dorman blasted Coinbase for “inconsistent” standards, saying it was stuck between being an open marketplace and a curated platform. His critique landed hard and loud. Arca analysis
Pressure, clapbacks, and ‘Blue Carpet’
Tension spiked after Limitless Labs CEO CJ Hetherington alleged that Binance sought roughly 8% of his project’s tokens plus cash and refundable security deposits for a possible listing — claims he posted on X here: https://x.com/cjhtech/status/1978039748565532700. Binance denied the allegations, calling them “false and defamatory” and saying it doesn’t profit from listings; any deposits are refundable and meant to deter scams: https://x.com/BinanceHelpDesk/status/1978156286006219155.
Amid the back-and-forth, Coinbase exec Jesse Pollak argued that “exchange listings should cost 0%.” Critics immediately fired back on X, telling Coinbase to “lead by example” and list BNB — a public dare that set the stage for this week’s roadmap addition: https://x.com/YazanXBT/status/1978241626532102595.
On the same day, Coinbase rolled out “The Blue Carpet,” a new listings experience promising more transparency and access for issuers — direct lines to the listings team, customizable asset pages across its CEX and retail DEX, and discounts for compliance support. The company reiterated that applications and listings are free. X announcement: https://x.com/CoinbaseMarkets/status/1978494115739283954. Full details: Rolling out The Blue Carpet
BNB pops as chain activity surges
BNB launched via a 2017 ICO on Ethereum, migrated to Binance Chain in 2019, and now powers the broader BNB Chain. After Coinbase’s roadmap news, BNB briefly rose about 2% to 1,370 despite wider volatility.
On-chain activity is roaring. BNB Chain processed more than 500 million transactions in the past 30 days, a 151% month-over-month jump, per Coinomist on X: https://x.com/CoinomistMag/status/1978082317059940520.
Roadmap status is not a guarantee. Assets can be delayed or removed if they miss the bar. But the signal is unmistakable: Coinbase is opening the door wider. If BNB clears compliance and tech checks, the listing lands. Very big step. Tremendous if they follow through.
Disclaimer: This document is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed in this document are not, and should not be taken as, investment advice or recommendations. Recipients should do their own due diligence, taking into account their specific financial circumstances, investment objectives and risk tolerance, which are not considered here, before investing. This document is not an offer, or the solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell any of the assets mentioned.