Coinbase Global will become the first-ever crypto company to be included in the benchmark index next week.
The San Francisco-based crypto exchange will replace Discover Financial Services in the S&P 500 on May 19, according to the release.

Coinbase Stock Jumps
The S&P 500 is a coveted index for large companies opening up their stock to a broader investor base. It also provides exposure to passive funds that track the benchmark and actively managed funds that may have limitations on where they can invest.

Coinbase, the first major cryptocurrency company to go public in 2021, managed to report a profit for the last quarter, which is a requirement for inclusion in the S&P 500.

“This milestone represents what the true believers, from retail investors to institutional investors to our employees and partners, knew all along. Crypto is here to stay,” said Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong.

He added two further thoughts: “Crypto is about to be in everyone’s 401 (k)” pension fund, and his goal is that in 5 to 10 years, “getting into the COIN50 index will feel as good as this.”

Coinbase shares jumped 11% in after-hours trading on May 12, to come just below $230, according to Google Finance.
However, the firm’s shares have had a tough year, falling 41% since the beginning of 2025 as the Trump administration’s trade tariffs have torn through stock markets.

The S&P 500 climbed 3.2% on Monday as the recovery from its early April slump continues, but the index remains down 37% since the beginning of this year.

Disappointing Q1
Last week, Coinbase reported a disappointing first quarter, citing a fall in crypto prices alongside the broader market, due to tariffs and economic uncertainty.

The crypto exchange reported a net income of $65.6 million, down from $1.18 billion a year earlier. However, revenue was up 24% to $2.03 billion from $1.64 billion in the same period a year ago.

Coinbase also announced plans earlier this month to buy Dubai-based crypto derivatives exchange Deribit for $2.9 billion in the largest crypto industry deal to date.

Read more

JPMorgan has significantly invested in Bitcoin ETFs.
Investment exceeds $1.7 billion USD.
This reflects high institutional demand for crypto.

JPMorgan's investment in Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has surpassed $1.7 billion, as reported by ChainCatcher via Crypto Rover. This achievement highlights the institution's growing interest in digital assets.

The investment reflects institutional confidence in Bitcoin's potential and could drive increased attention to cryptocurrency markets globally.

JPMorgan's $1.7 Billion Crypto Leap Signals Market Shift
JPMorgan has channeled significant funds into Bitcoin ETFs, exceeding $1.7 billion. This move signals a notable shift, indicating strong confidence in Bitcoin from established financial institutions like JPMorgan. Crypto Rover disseminated this information through ChainCatcher, reinforcing the reported sum and its implications.

The growing investment indicates potential market stabilization as traditional finance entities strengthen their positions in digital assets. This development could lead to expanded engagement from similar institutions, possibly influencing Bitcoin’s liquidity and price stability in the medium term.

Market reactions are generally positive, underscoring expectations of institutional expansion in cryptocurrency spaces. Industry figures suggest that JPMorgan's actions may signal broader acceptance, highlighting the allure of digital currencies amid evolving financial landscapes.

Institutional Investment Trends Could Reshape Crypto Markets
Did you know? As JPMorgan's investment in Bitcoin ETFs crosses the $1.7 billion mark, it mirrors the trend of increasing institutional stakes initiated during Bitcoin's 2017 bull run, showcasing sustained corporate interest in cryptocurrency.

Ethereum (ETH) currently holds a market price of $2,510.47 and a market cap of $303.09 billion, according to CoinMarketCap. Its recent 7-day price surge of 39.15% points to robust market recovery, emphasizing Ethereum's dynamic nature with a 30-day rise of 60.03%.

According to Coincu's research team, institutional investments in Bitcoin ETFs could herald transformative shifts in cryptocurrency adoption. Historical data indicates a pattern where institutional participation leads to regulatory and technological advancements, potentially reshaping markets as these assets integrate into mainstream portfolios.

Read more

Bitcoin ETF inflows reach $40.62B due to institutional demand.
BlackRock leads with $531M daily inflows.
Ethereum ETFs lag, spotlighting Bitcoin dominance.

The latest surge in Bitcoin ETF inflows highlights growing institutional interest and potential market momentum for BTC, as BlackRock and other firms heavily invest in the sector.

BlackRock has emerged as a key leader in the Bitcoin ETF space, with its iShares Bitcoin Trust dominating inflows. Cumulative inflows into Bitcoin ETFs have hit a record high due largely to BlackRock's investment strategy. Other prominent firms involved include Fidelity and Bitwise, although both have reported modest outflows. Larry Fink's leadership at BlackRock has been pivotal in driving traditional finance into digital assets. As Larry Fink remarked, "BlackRock alone has seen a staggering $531 million in net inflows on a single day, with $44.21 billion as its cumulative net figure."

This surge in Bitcoin ETF inflows has had a significant impact on financial markets. There is increased upward pressure on Bitcoin's market price and liquidity, though Ethereum ETFs report stagnation. Experts note these trends could herald broader shifts in institutional crypto investments.

The recent record-breaking inflows into Bitcoin ETFs indicate a rising institutional focus on BTC, potentially altering asset allocation strategies. Regulatory acceptance remains stable, supporting continued growth. Market analysts anticipate further institutional gains, yet altcoins like Ethereum continue to underperform in ETF flows. Historical data suggests similar periods of ETF growth prompted significant price boosts for Bitcoin, pointing to ongoing investor confidence amid emerging trends.

Read more

Two of the world's most influential payments companies, Visa and Stripe, have taken significant steps to advance stablecoin adoption across global markets. On May 7, Stripe introduced stablecoin-based account services for users in over 100 countries, while Visa revealed a strategic investment in London-based startup BVNK, which specializes in stablecoin payment infrastructure.

Stripe Launches Stablecoin Accounts in Over 100 Countries to Serve Unbanked and Inflation-Hit Economies
Stripe, one of the world’s leading financial infrastructure companies, has unveiled a new feature that allows clients in more than 100 countries to send, receive, and hold balances in US-dollar stablecoins. The rollout, announced on May 7, marks a significant expansion of the firm’s stablecoin offering and further reinforces the growing role of crypto-based financial tools in underserved and high-inflation economies.
The newly launched stablecoin-based accounts will support Circle’s USDC and Bridge’s USDB—a stablecoin platform Stripe acquired in October 2024. According to the company’s technical documentation, these accounts will function similarly to traditional fiat bank accounts, providing Stripe clients with the ability to manage dollar-denominated balances using blockchain infrastructure instead of relying solely on local financial institutions.

The accounts will be accessible in regions including Argentina, Chile, Turkey, Colombia, and Peru, all of which face persistent inflationary pressures and banking limitations. Stripe noted that this offering is designed for users who want to store value in stable US dollars and use those funds for cross-border payments or business transactions without the friction and cost of legacy banking systems.

Solving Financial Inclusion Through Stablecoins
Stripe’s move comes amid rapid growth in the stablecoin market, which recently surpassed a $231 billion market cap, according to data from RWA XYZ. Stablecoins, pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar, have emerged as a vital tool for populations suffering from financial instability and limited banking access.

The stablecoin market cap has crossed $231 billion and continues to grow due to international demand for US dollar tokens (Source: RWA XYZ)
In many parts of Latin America, Africa, and Asia, residents are increasingly turning to stablecoins to shield their savings from currency devaluation and to make purchases online where local currencies are not accepted. Stripe’s expansion aims to bridge the gap for these users, offering a familiar financial interface powered by decentralized blockchain rails.

Stablecoins are doing more than providing digital cash equivalents—they are transforming how people access the financial system. With just a smartphone, a crypto wallet, and internet access, users can now store and transact in a globally recognized currency.

This is particularly relevant in countries like Argentina and Turkey, where double-digit inflation and capital controls have led many to seek out US dollar alternatives. By holding balances in stablecoins rather than volatile local currencies, residents can preserve purchasing power and transact across borders with greater confidence.

A Growing Role for Stablecoins in Payments
Stripe had already made waves in October 2024 when it began supporting stablecoin payments at checkout, allowing customers in over 70 countries to pay online merchants using fiat-pegged tokens. That feature was met with strong demand in emerging markets, where consumers are more likely to seek price stability in a volatile macroeconomic environment.

The latest stablecoin account launch builds on this momentum, offering users not just the ability to spend in stablecoins but also to save, receive income, and manage funds entirely outside the constraints of local banking systems.
Stripe’s expansion into stablecoin accounts is part of a broader trend where traditional fintech and Web3 solutions are converging. As blockchain rails become more embedded into everyday financial infrastructure, stablecoins are poised to become the backbone of a new, more inclusive digital economy.

The implications are far-reaching—not just for Stripe’s clients, but also for the global payments ecosystem. With competitors likely to follow suit, and with regulatory clarity slowly improving in key markets, stablecoin-based accounts could soon become a norm rather than a novelty.

For now, Stripe’s latest move marks a bold step toward that vision—empowering millions to participate in the global economy without needing a traditional bank.

Visa Invests in BVNK to Accelerate Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure in Global Commerce
In related news, payments giant Visa has deepened its foray into digital assets with a strategic investment in BVNK, a London-based startup building infrastructure for stablecoin payments. The announcement, made by BVNK on May 7, marks a major milestone for both companies.
BVNK characterized the investment from Visa Ventures, the corporate investment arm of Visa, as “more than capital.” Though financial details were not disclosed, the firm emphasized that the arrangement is a strategic partnership rather than a simple funding round.

BVNK-VISA partnership image (Source: BVNK)
BVNK CEO Jesse Hemson-Struthers expressed enthusiasm over the collaboration, stating:

“I’m particularly excited about what it means to partner with Visa—the original payments innovator. Their deep expertise in building global payment networks, combined with our stablecoin infrastructure, creates powerful possibilities for redefining how businesses operate in today’s digital economy.”

The partnership signals Visa’s commitment to developing next-generation financial technologies and positions BVNK as a key player in enabling businesses to integrate stablecoin payments into their financial systems.

Visa’s head of products and partnerships, Rubail Birwadker, noted that stablecoins are becoming integral to global payment flows, signaling the company’s long-term belief in their potential.

Visa’s move reflects a broader industry trend where stablecoins are emerging as faster, cheaper, and more accessible alternatives to traditional cross-border payment systems, particularly in regions with limited financial infrastructure.

BVNK’s Rapid Ascent and US Expansion
Visa’s investment follows BVNK’s $50 million Series B funding round, closed in late 2024 and led by Haun Ventures. The round included major industry players such as Coinbase Ventures, Scribble Ventures, DRW VC, and existing backers Avenir and Tiger Global.

At the time, BVNK was valued at approximately $750 million and revealed plans to expand into the United States, establishing local banking infrastructure and pursuing the necessary licenses to serve US-based businesses.

Founded to simplify business access to blockchain-based payments, BVNK provides APIs and infrastructure that enable companies to send, receive, and settle payments in stablecoins like USDC while offering compliance tools and integrations for accounting and treasury management.

The company’s expansion plans are aligned with growing demand in both developed and emerging markets for dollar-backed stablecoins, which can serve as both a store of value and a means of conducting faster, cheaper global commerce.

Visa has spent the last few years gradually integrating crypto functionality into its payment ecosystem. In October 2024, it enabled instant fiat-to-crypto transfers via Coinbase-linked Visa debit cards, allowing eligible users to deposit or withdraw funds in real time.

The same month, Visa also introduced its Visa Tokenized Asset Platform, a solution designed to streamline the issuance and management of digital assets such as tokenized deposits, stablecoins, and even central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

Visa’s partnership with BVNK builds on this vision by expanding its reach into the infrastructure layer of stablecoin usage, offering businesses the backend support needed to operate in a tokenized economy.

A Bet on the Future of Digital Commerce
This investment and partnership between Visa and BVNK signals a growing confidence among traditional financial institutions that stablecoins and tokenized payments will be a cornerstone of future commerce. As the global economy becomes increasingly digitized, partnerships like this are laying the groundwork for a more interoperable, programmable, and borderless financial system.
With major players like Visa actively backing startups at the intersection of crypto and payments, the stablecoin revolution continues to pick up steam—this time with the backing of the world’s largest card network.

Read more

MetaPlanet Inc., a Japanese investment firm, saw its stock rise by 13% after purchasing an additional 555 bitcoins at an average price of $96,134 per bitcoin. This brings the total number of bitcoins it holds to 5,555, with a total investment of $481.5 million, having bought the assets at an average price of $86,672 per bitcoin

The news was announced by the company’s CEO, Simon Gerovich, who decided to mark this achievement with some humor. “In Japanese, the number 5 is pronounced ‘Go,’ so today we’re shouting: The Japanese word for the number 5 is ‘Go,’ so today we’re saying, ‘Go go go go to the moon and beyond!’

Metaplanet has been accumulating its Bitcoin since the company began its crypto strategy in April of 2024. By the end of 2025, the firm is targeting to have 10,000 BTC, and it is halfway there.

In order to finance its Bitcoin purchases, Metaplanet launched yet another bond – the 13th one – worth $25 million. This comes only a week after the 12th series, which also collected the same amount.

In addition to its cryptocurrency plans, Metaplanet is entering the United States, where it intends to open a branch in Miami. This is in line with the company’s plan to expand its operations in the Bitcoin market in the United States.

Metaplanet is now the largest public corporate holder of bitcoin in Asia and the eleventh largest globally, behind Strategy, which holds more than 500,000 BTC.

Read more