Credit ratings agency Moody’s has downgraded its rating of Coinbase from “stable” to “negative” following the SEC’s legal action against the crypto exchange for allegedly operating as an unregistered securities broker. This downgrade has raised concerns about the impact of the SEC action on Coinbase’s day-to-day operations and its future business model. However, Moody’s did note that Coinbase maintains a strong liquidity position, with $5 billion in cash and equivalents compared to its $3.4 billion in long-term debt.
Financial services firm Berenberg Capital has also voiced concern about Coinbase shares and considers them as “uninvestable” in the near term. Berenberg research analyst Mark Palmer explained that the reduction in the price target reflects their view that Coinbase could see its already-weak Q2 trading volumes persist and intensify as a result of the SEC’s charges.
In contrast, ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood doesn’t seem too worried about the situation. In an interview with Bloomberg, Wood expressed the opinion that the increasing regulatory scrutiny of competitor crypto exchange Binance was ultimately a good thing for Coinbase in the long run.
As the SEC’s legal action causes uncertainty and fear among some investors, others continue to support the companies in their investments. ARK Invest, for instance, is the world’s fourth-largest holder of Coinbase shares and even purchased an additional $21.6 million worth of COIN shares recently.
As we see opposing viewpoints on the future of Coinbase amidst the SEC’s charges, the ultimate result remains uncertain. The outcome of the legal battle and its effects on the company’s business model will shape the opinions and decisions of investors in the days to come.
Source: Cointelegraph
