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Coinbase urges early Bitcoin post-quantum migration and flexible signature upgrades

Coinbase has outlined technical priorities for Bitcoin's post-quantum transition, advocating flexible designs and multi-year migration plans before advanced quantum computers emerge.

A close-up view of the internal wiring and stages of a quantum computer dilution refrigerator bathed in pinkish light.
Image: @TheBlockCo

Coinbase has published technical priorities for Bitcoin's post-quantum transition, warning that upgrading cryptographic signatures and migrating funds could take years. The cryptocurrency exchange, which holds approximately 5% of the Bitcoin supply according to The Block, urged the network to begin preparations well before powerful quantum computers materialize.[1][2][3][4]

The exchange called for adaptable architectures such as P2MR (BIP-360) and P2TRv2, which would enable signature schemes to evolve without requiring a complete protocol redesign. In addition, Coinbase highlighted that any proposed transition must accommodate Bitcoin's limited block space, preserve independent validation, and remain safe for everyday wallets through staged protection.[1][2][3]

To prevent implementation delays, Coinbase recommended keeping contentious questions around lost, abandoned, and Satoshi-era coins separate from immediate technical milestones. The company noted that debates concerning those dormant assets can proceed in parallel rather than stalling progress on quantum-resistant signatures.[2][3]

Key facts

  • Coinbase published technical priorities for Bitcoin's post-quantum migration, warning that preparations could take years.
  • Coinbase holds roughly 5% of Bitcoin's supply, according to The Block.
  • Coinbase highlighted flexible designs, including P2MR (BIP-360) and P2TRv2, to allow signature systems to evolve without complete redesigns.
  • The exchange stressed that any post-quantum solution must fit Bitcoin's limited block space and preserve independent validation.
  • Coinbase supports staged protection to ensure the upgrade remains safe for everyday wallets.
  • Coinbase stated that debates regarding abandoned and Satoshi-era coins can proceed in parallel without delaying post-quantum signature work.

Sources · 4 sources

  1. BS

    BSCN@BSCNewsPost on X ·

    Coinbase Warns Bitcoin Must Prepare For Quantum Threats Coinbase (@coinbase) has outlined priorities for Bitcoin’s bitcoin:native post-quantum migration, warning that preparations could take years. The exchange wants flexible designs that can adapt as quantum-resistant signatures evolve. It highlighted designs such as P2MR and P2TRv2, which could allow signature systems to change without a complete redesign. The exchange says work should begin well before a powerful quantum computer emerges. Coinbase also favors staged protection for existing wallets. Any solution must also fit Bitcoin’s limited block space and preserve independent validation.

    Open source
  2. CO

    Cointelegraph@CointelegraphPost on X ·

    🚨 NEW: Coinbase says the network should start preparing for quantum computers now through a staged, multi-year migration to quantum-resistant signatures. It also wants the upgrade to stay safe for everyday wallets, while leaving the question of lost and Satoshi-era coins for a separate debate.

    Open source
  3. TB

    The Block@TheBlockCoPost on X ·

    THE BLOCK: Coinbase, which holds about 5% of BTC supply, published technical priorities for Bitcoin's post-quantum transition, urging early preparation for signature upgrades and fund migration that could take years. The exchange favors flexible designs such as P2MR (BIP-360) and staged protection, and says debates over abandoned coins can proceed in parallel without delaying post-quantum signature work.

    Open source
  4. TB

    The BlockArticle ·

    Coinbase lays out flexible designs as key priority for Bitcoin’s post-quantum migration Coinbase published priorities for Bitcoin's post-quantum transition, urging early preparation for signature upgrades and fund migration.

    Open source