Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange, is aggressively integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its operations. CEO Brian Armstrong recently revealed that engineers who resisted adopting AI tools were terminated. In a podcast interview, Armstrong stated that Coinbase is fully implementing AI within its technology team. Employees were given a strict ultimatum: learn AI tools or face the consequences. The company mandated that engineers learn AI tools like GitHub Copilot and Cursor within a week. Those who failed to comply and could not provide a valid reason for non-compliance were let go. The company has seen substantial changes since implementing AI. Currently, AI writes 33% of the code, with the goal of reaching 50% by the end of the quarter. Coinbase also organizes monthly AI Speed Runs to showcase the best uses of AI by its engineers. However, Coinbase has clarified that AI usage will be overseen by humans, especially given the platform’s financial nature. This move by Coinbase highlights the growing importance of AI proficiency in the tech industry. Engineers who embraced AI are now coding more efficiently, while those who refused faced job losses.
