Coinbase (COIN) Stock Flatlines as UK-Themed Ad Sparks Backlash—Is Crypto’s PR Problem Back?

Coinbase shares barely budged today despite—or perhaps because of—its latest marketing stunt. The exchange's UK-themed ad campaign drew mixed reactions, leaving COIN stuck in neutral while Bitcoin flirts with $70K.

When memes meet mainstream finance

The spot features a montage of British stereotypes (tea, royals, fish and chips) set to a punk rock soundtrack. Critics called it tone-deaf; crypto loyalists saw it as bold brand-building. Either way, it failed to move the needle for COIN's stock price—still trading 60% below its 2021 ATH.

Wall Street's waiting game

Analysts remain divided on whether Coinbase can transition from 'crypto casino' to regulated financial powerhouse. The UK's FSA recently tightened crypto ad rules, making such campaigns riskier. Meanwhile, institutional money keeps playing the sidelines—proving once again that traditional finance moves at glacial speed compared to blockchain.

Coinbase’s COIN stock traded in a tight range around $370–$380 on Thursday, premarket. The exchange’s share price climbed roughly 50% year-to-date, lifting its market capitalization to nearly $95 Billion.

Much of that advance came after news in February that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission planned to drop a high-profile enforcement lawsuit against Coinbase.

Coinbase UK-themed Ad Campaign Sparks Discussion

On July 31, Coinbase launched a Britain-focused brand push titled “Everything Is Fine.” Produced with agency Mother London, the ad is presented as a tongue-in-cheek musical.

It depicts ordinary British people lamenting problems like flat real wages and unaffordable housing – yet all happily singing “everything is just fine” against a bright blue backdrop.

The campaign marks Coinbase’s first major UK marketing drive since the company secured Financial Conduct Authority registration earlier this year.

That marketing push comes amid heightened scrutiny of crypto ads in Britain. In 2021, the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned a Coinbase ad for misleading consumers – per the ASA, the ad overstated past Bitcoin gains and failed to highlight investment risks.

In that case, ASA stated that the exchange “took advantage of consumers’ inexperience” by implying easy profits without providing clear warnings.

The new “Everything Is Fine” campaign does not explicitly advertise Coinbase’s products or mention cryptocurrency, focusing instead on socio-economic issues.

For now, the UK ad has drawn notice and discussion, though it has not prompted any official action.

COIN Stock Earnings in Focus: Q2 Report Due July 31

Investors are also watching Coinbase’s fundamentals as the second-quarter earnings date approaches. The company will report Q2 2025 results on July 31 after the market closes.

Street estimates called for modest top-line growth but margin pressure. Visible Alpha consensus is for year-over-year revenue gains alongside a decline in adjusted EBITDA.

Coinbase itself guided that its subscription and services revenue will fall between $600 Million and $680 Million in Q2.

In Q1 (reported in early May), Coinbase’s total revenue was $2.03 Billion with $66 Million net income – below some analysts’ forecasts – as trading revenue slipped 19% quarter-over-quarter.

Management has noted that volatile crypto markets have dampened trading volume, even as stablecoin and staking services grow.

Analyst sentiment on Coinbase is split. Of 11 analysts tracked by Visible Alpha cited by Investopedia, five rate the stock a “buy,” five a “hold” and one a “sell,” with a mean price target around $381.

Option market data suggest roughly a 7% MOVE in COIN stock is possible in either direction around the earnings date.

Coinbase has spent much of 2025 investing in growth and infrastructure: in Q2 it agreed to acquire crypto options platform Deribit (for $2.9 Billion) and token-management startup Liquifi.

It also rolled out a bitcoin rewards credit card in partnership with American Express. These moves are intended to diversify revenue streams beyond spot trading fees.

Broader market trends may also affect Coinbase’s results. Bitcoin is trading NEAR all-time highs, around $118,000 as of late July, and regulators have inched toward clearer rules.

The U.S. Congress recently passed the so-called GENIUS Act to regulate stablecoins, a development that crypto analysts say will spur adoption of digital assets.

For example, BCA Research, cited by Reuters, noted that the stablecoin law “sets to accelerate” crypto usage, implying that industry incumbents like Coinbase stand to benefit.

Meanwhile, volatility in the crypto market remains a wildcard: Coinbase’s Q1 profit miss and cautious guidance reflect ongoing uncertainty.