Coinbase moves BTC and ETH to new internal wallets in a planned security update

Coinbase initiated a movement to transfer its internal Bitcoin and Ethereum wallets, a process the exchange described as part of its ongoing security strategy aimed at reducing the long-term exposure of digital assets.

The company reported that the transfers recorded as high-volume movements on-chain were maintenance operations that had been planned long in advance. Coinbase clarified that the migration is not related to a breach, external threat, or response to existing market conditions.

Large on-chain transfers expected during migration

The wallet rotation involved transferring the assets from the old Coinbase-managed addresses to the new internal wallets, which were connected to the exchange’s personal custody. By then, blockchain intelligence services had already identified most of the source wallets, making it simple to monitor outgoing operations. Coinbase disclosed that it is also in possession of the new wallets and that they are part of an internal quality assurance overhaul.

According to the company, this process implied that customers would witness large BTC and ETH transfers throughout the network. The exchange, however, explained that the movements do not indicate operational instability. The migration encompasses assets stored in Coinbase’s internal systems and does not affect any user deposits or withdrawal addresses.

Coinbase also reported that it would not have to put its services offline, stating that trading and transfers would not be impacted during the process. The exchange further confirmed that the update has nothing to do with the changing market prices or industry developments.

Warnings issued over potential phishing risks

With the visibility of large on-chain transfers generally raising user curiosity and discussion on social media, Coinbase posted an independent notice warning against possible impersonation. The company warned that fraudsters may take advantage of the migration process and impersonate Coinbase employees, seeking access to logins or requesting that customers transfer money.

The company stated that it will not call users to request passwords, two-factor authentication codes, seed phrases, or instructions to transfer assets. The exchange declared that it will not issue new deposit addresses for customers to use during the migration, and they should disregard any unofficial messages that may recommend otherwise. Coinbase emphasized the use of urgency created by manufacturing as one of the foundations of phishing attacks, which scammers can exploit by mentioning the wallet rotation.

Migration framed as part of broader security architecture

According to Coinbase, wallet transitions have become one of the key aspects of its long-term strategy to establish a secure infrastructure supporting managed digital assets. The migration was based on the company’s use of institutional-grade architecture. It has been considered a common practice to change internal wallets to minimize long-term exposure regularly.

The operational update follows the acquisition of Vector.fun, integrating technology that enables Coinbase to add newly launched Solana assets immediately and broaden user access to emerging markets. Coinbase clarified that the wallet update strengthened the existing security system of the exchange and did not introduce any customer-facing features or policy changes.

Claim your free seat in an exclusive crypto trading community - limited to 1,000 members.