Coinbase, one of the world'south largest digital currency exchanges, has been rumored for some time to exist considering a direct list.

In an official blog post, the cryptocurrency exchange disclosed plans to pursue a direct list of its Class A common stock, pursuant to a registration argument with the United states Securities and Exchange Commission. The Class S-1 registration argument will become effective afterwards the securities regulator completes its review.

The direct list format would not offer new shares just instead sell existing shares directly to the public. Some advantages of the format for those holding stock in the visitor can include the ability to sell without lockups, a model recently employed past Palantir and that has the potential to create "instant billionaires."

Unlike with an IPO, direct listings exercise not require the services of an underwriter to facilitate the sale. In improver to avoiding the lock-upwards catamenia, direct listings are said to protect against share dilution.

"This declaration does not found an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities," Coinbase said. "This announcement is existence issued in accordance with Rule 135 nether the Securities Act."

The exchange outset disclosed its intent to go public on Dec. 17 by submitting a draft registration with the SEC. A written report from Business organisation Insider later claimed that Coinbase intends to work with Goldman Sachs on a public offering, but no confirmation was provided at the time.

Coinbase's last valuation, in 2018, had the company pegged at $8 billion. Crypto analytics visitor Messari said the exchange could be worth $28 billion after a public offer. It arrived at that valuation past analyzing the company'south various business segments, including trading, custody and debit cards.

The sphere of influence surrounding Coinbase continues to grow post-obit several loftier-profile acquisitions. Equally Cointelegraph reported, the exchange recently caused Bison Trails, a fully managed blockchain infrastructure provider. Also in January, the visitor caused Routefire platform, helping to significantly boost merchandise execution.

Coinbase has recorded over $320 billion in trade volumes and boasts of more 35 million users.