Coinbase launches its U.S.-based Bitcoin exchange, backed by $75 million in funding from the New York Stock Exchange, USAA, and several major banks. It was the first Bitcoin exchange to receive regulatory approval in all 50 U.S. states.
The launch was a milestone for Bitcoin's institutional legitimacy. Unlike earlier exchanges, Coinbase operated with full regulatory compliance from day one, making it easier for mainstream investors to buy Bitcoin through a trusted, insured platform.
Wikipedia: Coinbase