3 Crypto-Exposed Stocks Riding the Institutional Crypto Wave

Wall Street’s cryptocurrency environment has improved meaningfully over the past few months, although the market remains highly sensitive to interest rates, Treasury yields and regulatory developments. The biggest shift has been the growing importance of institutional capital, with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) increasingly traded through regulated exchange-traded products rather than solely through traditional crypto exchanges. Figure Technology Solutions, Inc. FIGR, Chime Financial, Inc. CHYM and Paymentus Holdings, Inc. PAY are three crypto-related stocks that must be watched in this environment.

ETF Demand Returns

Crypto ETF flows have emerged as one of the clearest indicators of institutional sentiment. After periods of heavy outflows earlier in the year, demand strengthened significantly during August. Between Aug. 17 and Aug. 20, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted about $1.6 billion, their strongest weekly inflow pace of 2026 at that point.

The momentum continued into early September. Bitcoin ETFs recorded $986.9 million of inflows during the week ended Sept. 4, while demand for Ethereum and several newer altcoin ETFs cooled. More recently, Bitcoin ETFs attracted $730.8 million in a single session, while Ethereum ETFs added $141.4 million.

This suggests that institutional investors continue to view Bitcoin as the primary digital-asset exposure, while interest in Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies remains more dependent on market momentum.

Regulation Improves the Backdrop

Regulatory developments have also become increasingly important. The proposed CLARITY Act, which seeks to establish clearer oversight of digital assets and divide responsibilities between regulators, has become a major focus for Wall Street. Although Senate action was delayed until September, the prospect of clearer rules has helped support institutional participation.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has separately moved toward a more accommodating framework. In August, SEC Chair Paul Atkins outlined proposed rules that would create exemptions specifically designed for innovation and fundraising in crypto markets.

Stablecoins are another important part of the institutional story. The GENIUS Act has established a federal framework for payment stablecoins, potentially encouraging their use in payments and financial-market infrastructure.

Rates Remain the Biggest Risk

Despite the improving structural backdrop, crypto remains closely tied to Wall Street's macro environment. Bitcoin recently moved around the $80,000 level, but a stronger-than-expected August jobs report pushed Treasury yields higher and reduced expectations for near-term Federal Reserve easing.Top of FormBottom of Form

Our Choices

The stocks below have a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or Rank #2 (Buy), and positive returns and margins. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Figure Technology is a fintech and blockchain-native capital marketplace, using blockchain for lending and tokenized assets, with direct crypto exposure through crypto-backed loans. FIGR’s expected earnings growth rate for the next year is 168.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has improved 25.5% over the past 60 days. The company currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.

Chime Financial is a digital banking company offering payments, working to bring stablecoins (cryptocurrencies tied to the U.S. dollar) into everyday user payments. CHYM’s expected earnings growth rate for the next year is 109.6%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has improved 36.7% over the past 60 days. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.

Paymentus is a provider of cloud-based electronic bill-payment and revenue-management technology with native integration with PayPal Holdings, Inc.’s PYPL "Checkout with Crypto" feature. PAY’s expected earnings growth rate for the next year is 40.9%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has improved 14.8% over the past 60 days. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2.

Bottom Line

Wall Street’s crypto environment appears increasingly institutional, with ETF flows, regulatory progress and stablecoin adoption providing important support. However, cryptocurrencies remain high-beta assets, leaving Bitcoin and other digital assets vulnerable to higher yields, changing Fed expectations and broader risk-off sentiment.

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