Coinbase Halts Support for Merging FET, AGIX, and OCEAN into ASI Token, Fetch.ai Founder Responds

• Coinbase faces backlash after announcing refusal to support the merger of three AI-focused tokens.
• The crypto exchange giant clarified that users holding Fetch.ai (FET), SingularityNET (AGIX), and Ocean Protocol (OCEAN) tokens would not receive the new ASI tokens.
• The community supporting these AI projects expressed significant dissatisfaction with Coinbase’s decision.

Coinbase’s refusal to support AI token merger sparks debate within the crypto community.

Coinbase’s Announcement and Immediate Repercussions

In a recent development, Coinbase made it clear that it would not facilitate the merger of Fetch.ai (FET), SingularityNET (AGIX), and Ocean Protocol (OCEAN) into the new ASI token. This decision means that users holding these tokens on Coinbase will not automatically receive the ASI tokens. The announcement incited strong reactions from the communities backing these projects, who felt neglected by the exchange’s stance.

Fetch.ai Founder Responds to Coinbase’s Stand

Following Coinbase’s announcement, Humayun Sheikh, the founder of Fetch.ai, was the first to break the silence. He emphasized that FET itself is part of the ASI project and downplayed the necessity of exchange listings for continued operation. Sheikh stated:

“There is no need for exchanges to delist or relist the tokens. FET is already integrated within the ecosystem. If you own FET, there is no action required on your part. The timeline for the merger remains unchanged. Despite Coinbase’s announcement, trading will continue through custodial wallets, and we see widespread support for the merger across the community.”

Community Reaction and Broader Implications

The decision not to support the token merger has broader implications for the credibility and user trust in the exchange. While the reasoning behind Coinbase’s decision was not explicitly detailed, it highlights the complexities and regulatory considerations in listing and supporting new tokens. The community’s response underscores a growing tension between centralized exchanges and decentralized project ecosystems, reflecting a broader discussion on the future of cryptocurrency exchanges.

Conclusion

Coinbase’s refusal to support the merger of Fetch.ai, SingularityNET, and Ocean Protocol tokens into ASI has generated substantial debate within the crypto community. Despite the exchange’s stance, the developers and supporters of these AI projects continue to advocate for the merger, emphasizing the decentralized nature of the tokens. This episode sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by the cryptocurrency ecosystem as it navigates the balance between centralization and decentralization.