Coinbase’s top lawyer argued that its legal challenges against US regulators have helped expose government overreach, saying the issue goes beyond cryptocurrency and concerns every American’s right to fair treatment and transparency.

In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal referenced Rep. Maxine Waters’ criticism of “Operation Choke Point 2.0,” saying both sides agreed that citizens should not lose access to banking services without clear justification or an opportunity to challenge the decision. Grewal said Coinbase therefore pursued Freedom of Information Act lawsuits to uncover how federal agencies handled the crypto industry.

According to Grewal, the company’s settlement with the FDIC revealed documents showing the agency privately instructed banks to suspend crypto-related activities in 2022 before publicly denying such actions, a case that ultimately led to congressional hearings and a court ruling against the regulator.

A separate settlement with the SEC uncovered that the agency had lost nearly a year’s worth of senior officials’ communications during the height of its crypto enforcement campaign. The agreement includes a $150,000 payment from the SEC and a commitment to improving record retention.

Grewal, who will move into an advisory position at the end of the month, said the cases demonstrate why government transparency and accountability remain essential, adding that Coinbase will continue pursuing legal action whenever it believes those principles are threatened.