Coinbase is launching a hiring push in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking a significant expansion into the longtime banking city. 

The crypto exchange plans to hire more than 130 employees in the region, primarily for compliance and customer support roles, according to a report by Axios.

The move is part of a broader initiative announced by CEO Brian Armstrong to bring on 1,000 new U.S. employees this year. 

Crypto-friendly climate

The expansion comes amid a more crypto-friendly political climate, with Donald Trump recently calling himself the country’s “first crypto president.”

Though Coinbase has been remote-first since 2020, it maintains offices in San Francisco and New York for occasional in-person collaboration. Chief People Officer LJ Brock said Charlotte stood out for its strong financial and tech talent and lower operating costs.

“We’re going to be committed to this market,” Brock told Axios. “There’s a lot of opportunity to create more economic freedom through a better financial system.”

The new hires in Charlotte will join a leaner, more agile work environment than traditional financial institutions, Brock added. Salaried roles will pay between $96,000 and $117,000, while hourly roles range from $32 to $41.

Leaders in North Carolina’s blockchain community welcomed the news. “This kind of investment helps Charlotte grow not just as a fintech hub, but as a place where people can build meaningful careers,” Eric Porper, co-chair of the North Carolina Blockchain Initiative, told Axios.

Hiring will unfold over the next six months. If successful, Coinbase could expand further in Charlotte.