Coinbase's first chief business officer discusses SEC advisor rules and Bitcoin custody
Coinbase business chief on new SEC rules for advisors
Bitcoin Magazine published an interview on October 5, 2026 with Shan Aggarwal, described in the write-up as Coinbase's first-ever Chief Business Officer. In the video, he discusses new rules from the SEC, the US securities regulator, that could allow financial advisors to hold Bitcoin on behalf of their clients.
Bitcoin Magazine's summary says Aggarwal believes the advisor rule would widen the group of people who can get access to Bitcoin, and that Coinbase is positioned to provide the custody infrastructure behind that access. Custody means holding and safeguarding assets for someone else rather than owning them directly. The article was written by assistant producer Patrick Green and posted on the outlet's video channel.
Main points raised in the conversation
- Aggarwal said new SEC rules could let financial advisors hold Bitcoin for their clients. The write-up describes this as a possibility, not a completed change.
- He said Coinbase custodies most of the Bitcoin ETFs. An ETF is a fund that lets investors get exposure to an asset, such as Bitcoin, through a brokerage account.
- The video's headline frames his view that large banks are increasing their Bitcoin exposure.
- He described the advisor rule as expanding the pool of people who can reach Bitcoin, with Coinbase supplying the infrastructure.
- Bitcoin Magazine's chapter list includes what BlackRock and JPMorgan want from Bitcoin infrastructure, which shows the topics raised but not the details of any answers.
Topics covered in the full interview
Bitcoin Magazine published the following chapter list for the interview:
- How the SEC's new advisor rules could bring Bitcoin to wealth managers.
- What BlackRock and JPMorgan want from Bitcoin infrastructure.
- What will drive the next wave of Bitcoin adoption.
- Whether the Coinbase One Card can turn everyday spenders into Bitcoin owners.
- Coinbase's stablecoin opportunity, described in the chapter title as a trillion-dollar one. A stablecoin is a token designed to hold a fixed value, such as a US dollar. That figure is a framing used in the video, not a verified forecast.
- Coinbase and Citi bringing stablecoin payments to merchants.
- How Coinbase customers are using the Bitcoin Lightning network, a second layer built on top of Bitcoin for faster, cheaper payments. The segment was sponsored by SALT Lending.
- Whether AI agents will pay in Bitcoin or stablecoins.
- Coinbase expanding into collectibles and everyday Bitcoin rewards.
What the published material confirms
The interview exists, was published by Bitcoin Magazine on October 5, 2026, and features Aggarwal, who is identified as Coinbase's first-ever Chief Business Officer. The published summary and chapter list confirm the topics discussed.
The rest is Aggarwal's own account. Statements attributed to him — that Coinbase custodies most Bitcoin ETFs, that large banks are increasing Bitcoin exposure, and that the SEC rule will expand Bitcoin access — are claims reported by the outlet. The supplied material does not include an SEC document, custody figures or bank data that would independently confirm them. Bitcoin Magazine also notes that the views expressed belong to the participants and do not represent the position of BTC Inc. or Bitcoin Magazine.
What is still unclear
The supplied material does not give the text of the SEC rule, the date it was issued or when it would take effect. It also does not state how many advisors could use it, which firms are covered, or the size of any Bitcoin holdings involved. The chapter titles show which subjects came up, but not the answers Aggarwal gave on most of them, so the substance of the discussion is limited to the short summary provided.
Why this matters for Bitcoin access
If financial advisors can hold Bitcoin for clients, more people could gain Bitcoin exposure through a professional relationship rather than setting up accounts on their own. Bitcoin Magazine's write-up presents Coinbase's role as infrastructure: storing and moving the Bitcoin that funds and advisors hold. Both the advisor rule and its effects on access remain forward-looking statements from one Coinbase executive, and the supplied material gives no timeline for when they would take effect.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.
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