** Shares of cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global COIN.O jump 4.6% premarket to $268.50
** Co says U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to drop lawsuit against it, ending legal battle that began in 2023
** Lawsuit had alleged COIN facilitated trading in cryptocurrencies that should have been classified as securities, and targeted Coinbase's staking program
** SEC has shifted to a more crypto-friendly approach after Donald Trump's election as U.S. President
** COIN rallied following Trump's election in November, along with other crypto stocks and bitcoin on hopes for easier regulation
** However, stock has fallen over 26% from 2024's high touched in December
** Up to Thursday's close, COIN up 3.3% in 2025
(Reporting by Lisa Mattackal in Bengaluru; Editing by)