• bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
  • ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
  • tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
  • bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
  • solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
  • xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
  • usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
  • staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
  • cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
  • avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
  • bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
    ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
    tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
    bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
    solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
    xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
    usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
    staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
    cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
    avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
image-alt-1BTC Dominance: 58.93%
image-alt-2 ETH Dominance: 12.89%
image-alt-3 BTC/ETH Ratio: 26.62%
image-alt-4 Total Market Cap 24h: $2.51T
image-alt-5Volume 24h: $144.96B
image-alt-6 ETH Gas Price: 5.1 Gwei
 

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Coinbase joins S&P 500

Coinbase joins S&P 500 in major win for crypto legitimacy and Wall Street presence

Tariq Al-Mansouri

Coinbase joins S&P 500 in a groundbreaking move that cements crypto’s place in traditional financial markets.

The inclusion, effective May 19, replaces Discover Financial Services following its acquisition by Capital One Financial.

This marks the first time a crypto-focused company becomes part of the S&P 500. Coinbase shares surged over 7% in after-hours trading after the announcement. Investors see this as a vote of confidence in both the company and the broader crypto industry.

Coinbase’s rise into the elite index follows years of volatility and regulatory scrutiny. Yet its resilience has made it a central player in crypto adoption. This inclusion also comes after the company agreed to acquire Deribit, a major crypto derivatives exchange. The $2.9 billion deal involves a $700 million cash payment and Class A shares. The transaction adds to Coinbase’s capabilities in the growing derivatives market.

A Breakthrough for Crypto on Wall Street

While the S&P 500 news boosted morale, Coinbase’s Q1 2025 earnings were mixed. Revenue fell short by $200 million compared to analyst expectations. Despite that, platform engagement remained strong. USDC balances on the platform rose by 49% quarter-over-quarter. This shows user confidence hasn’t waned even amid profit challenges.

Being part of the S&P 500 means institutional investors and index funds will now hold Coinbase stock. This could drive more long-term investment into the company. With Tesla and Block Inc. already in the index, Coinbase becomes the third major firm in the S&P 500 with significant Bitcoin holdings.

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Coinbase joins S&P 500 and strengthens crypto’s Wall Street ties

Crypto is no longer just a fringe innovation. Coinbase’s inclusion is a milestone for the industry. It proves blockchain companies can meet the strict financial and governance standards of the world’s most-watched index. This change may influence other crypto-native companies to aim for similar validation.

Coinbase’s inclusion could also affect regulatory perception. Being in the S&P 500 provides visibility and legitimacy. It could help Coinbase in its ongoing battle with regulators over how digital assets are treated under U.S. law.

More than a symbolic moment, this shift is strategic. As crypto continues to integrate into mainstream finance, Coinbase stands at the center. Its new S&P 500 status positions it for greater influence, stability, and access to capital.

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Why is Coinbase joining the S&P 500 a big deal?

Coinbase’s addition to the S&P 500 signals a breakthrough moment for the crypto industry. The S&P 500 includes the 500 most valuable public companies in the U.S., often seen as a benchmark for market performance. For a crypto-native firm to meet the criteria and join this elite group shows mainstream financial validation. It means that institutional funds and index trackers will now hold Coinbase shares, exposing more investors to the crypto sector. This can lead to increased capital inflows and stronger legitimacy in the eyes of regulators, analysts, and traditional financial institutions.

How did the stock market react to Coinbase’s inclusion?

The market reacted positively. Coinbase shares surged over 7% in after-hours trading once the news broke. Investors interpreted the inclusion as a major milestone for both the company and the broader crypto industry. Market sentiment suggests confidence that the S&P 500 membership will drive institutional buying and increase long-term stability. It also builds optimism despite Coinbase’s recent earnings miss, as broader engagement metrics on the platform remain strong.

What does this mean for the future of crypto and Wall Street?

This move creates a bridge between the crypto sector and traditional finance. It demonstrates that blockchain-based companies can meet the highest standards of profitability, governance, and scale. As more institutional investors gain exposure to companies like Coinbase, the line between crypto and Wall Street will continue to blur. Expect more digital asset firms to aim for inclusion in traditional financial indices, which may also push regulators to create clearer frameworks to support this evolution.

Does Coinbase’s Deribit acquisition affect its S&P 500 inclusion?

The Deribit deal is a separate but complementary event. While the S&P 500 inclusion was based on Coinbase’s existing market cap and performance, the $2.9 billion Deribit acquisition further strengthens its portfolio. This move expands Coinbase’s footprint into crypto derivatives, one of the fastest-growing sectors in digital finance. It shows that Coinbase is not just maintaining its position but actively growing. The combination of joining the S&P 500 and acquiring Deribit positions Coinbase as a more diversified and influential player in the evolving financial landscape.

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