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.

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
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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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
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