As Bitcoin (BTC-USD) surges past key price thresholds—recently breaking through $40,000—investor interest in crypto-linked equities is heating up once again. While pure-play cryptocurrency companies like Coinbase (COIN), Riot Platforms (RIOT), and Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA) have delivered explosive gains in 2023, with some up over 300%, their extreme volatility makes them a risky long-term bet.
Instead of focusing solely on high-beta crypto natives, many investors are turning to large-cap technology and financial firms with meaningful exposure to blockchain, digital assets, and crypto infrastructure. These companies offer diversified revenue streams, making them more resilient during market swings while still benefiting from the broader adoption of Bitcoin and decentralized technologies.
Let’s explore four top-tier stocks that stand to gain if Bitcoin continues its upward momentum—without exposing investors to the full rollercoaster ride of pure crypto plays.
Why Diversified Crypto Exposure Matters
The crypto market remains highly speculative and sensitive to macroeconomic shifts, regulatory news, and sentiment swings. Pure-play crypto stocks often mirror Bitcoin’s price action almost exactly, rising sharply during bull runs but collapsing just as fast when sentiment turns.
In contrast, larger tech and financial firms integrate crypto services into existing ecosystems. This allows them to capture growth from digital asset adoption while being supported by stable core businesses—like payments processing, semiconductor manufacturing, or derivatives trading.
These hybrid models provide exposure without overexposure, making them ideal for investors seeking balanced participation in the crypto revolution.
👉 Discover how major financial platforms are integrating blockchain into mainstream investing.
1. Nvidia (NVDA): The Engine Behind Crypto Mining
Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), now a trillion-dollar giant fueled by the AI boom, has long been a foundational player in the cryptocurrency space. Its high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs) are widely used in Bitcoin and Ethereum mining operations around the world.
Even though Nvidia doesn’t directly mine cryptocurrency or hold digital assets on its balance sheet, it powers the hardware infrastructure that enables the entire ecosystem. As Bitcoin prices climb and mining becomes more profitable, demand for efficient mining rigs increases—driving sales of Nvidia’s chips.
Analysts remain bullish, projecting a potential 45% upside over the next 12 months, with a consensus price target near $661 per share. Given its dominance in both AI and GPU computing, Nvidia is uniquely positioned to benefit from dual tailwinds: artificial intelligence and blockchain expansion.
2. Block (SQ): Embedding Bitcoin in Everyday Finance
Block (NYSE: SQ), formerly known as Square, has made Bitcoin integration a core part of its mission. Through its popular Cash App, millions of users can buy, sell, send, and store Bitcoin with ease—turning digital currency into an accessible financial tool for everyday consumers.
Beyond retail access, Block has shown deep commitment to the crypto ecosystem. The company launched the Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund and invested heavily in open-source Bitcoin development through its subsidiary, Spiral. Unlike firms using crypto as a side feature, Block treats Bitcoin as a strategic priority.
With analysts forecasting more than 10% upside in the stock, Block offers investors direct exposure to increasing retail adoption of Bitcoin—without relying solely on price speculation.
👉 Learn how fintech innovators are reshaping the future of money and payments.
3. PayPal (PYPL): Bringing Crypto to Mainstream Payments
PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL) has taken a pragmatic approach to digital assets by integrating cryptocurrency trading directly into its platform. Users can trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and even PayPal USD (PYUSD)—a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin launched by the company.
By offering regulated, easy-to-use crypto services within its massive global payments network, PayPal is helping bridge traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi). This positions it as a gateway for mainstream users entering the crypto space for the first time.
While PayPal’s core business remains digital payments, its early-mover advantage in regulated crypto trading gives it a competitive edge. Analysts expect nearly 25% growth in the stock from current levels, driven by both payment volume recovery and continued innovation in digital assets.
4. CBOE Global Markets (CBOE): The Institutional Gateway to Crypto
CBOE Global Markets (BATS: CBOE) may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about crypto investments—but it’s one of the most strategically positioned.
As a leading derivatives exchange, CBOE already offers Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts. More importantly, it has filed with the SEC to list multiple spot Bitcoin ETFs from major asset managers including Fidelity, Invesco, WisdomTree, and VanEck. If approved, this would mark a watershed moment for institutional crypto adoption—and CBOE stands to gain significantly in trading volume and fees.
Additionally, CBOE plans to launch clearing and trading services for margin futures on Bitcoin and Ethereum, further solidifying its role in the crypto capital markets infrastructure.
Its growing influence is already recognized: CBOE is a top-10 holding in the Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE)—a clear signal of confidence from institutional investors.
FAQ: Your Questions About Crypto Stocks Answered
Q: Are crypto-related stocks safer than buying Bitcoin directly?
A: Not necessarily safer—but stocks like Nvidia, Block, PayPal, and CBOE offer diversified exposure with less direct volatility than holding Bitcoin or pure-play miners.
Q: What happens to these stocks if Bitcoin crashes?
A: They may still decline due to sentiment and reduced crypto activity, but their core businesses (like chip sales or payment processing) help cushion the fall compared to dedicated crypto firms.
Q: Is now a good time to invest in crypto-linked stocks?
A: With Bitcoin gaining momentum and institutional adoption growing, these companies are well-positioned to benefit—but always invest based on your risk tolerance and long-term strategy.
Q: Do any of these companies hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets?
A: Block has previously held Bitcoin on its balance sheet, but most—including PayPal and Nvidia—provide infrastructure or services rather than owning digital assets directly.
Q: How does a spot Bitcoin ETF approval affect CBOE?
A: CBOE is poised to be a primary listing venue for spot ETFs. Approval would likely drive increased trading volume, higher revenues, and stronger investor interest in the stock.
Final Thoughts: Building a Balanced Crypto Investment Strategy
While the allure of triple-digit gains from pure-play crypto stocks is tempting, sustainable wealth-building often favors stability and diversification. The four companies highlighted here—Nvidia, Block, PayPal, and CBOE Global Markets—represent a smarter way to gain exposure to the rising tide of cryptocurrency adoption.
They combine innovation with resilience, offering investors a foothold in the future of finance without sacrificing financial discipline.
Whether you're watching GPU demand rise with mining activity, using Cash App to buy BTC, trading crypto on PayPal, or anticipating spot ETF approvals via CBOE—the infrastructure for mainstream crypto integration is already being built.
👉 See how global markets are adapting to the next wave of digital asset innovation.
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