7 Top Overseas Cryptocurrency-Related Stocks You Can Buy Through Domestic Brokerages

What Are Cryptocurrency-Related Stocks?

Cryptocurrency-related stocks are shares of companies that operate businesses closely tied to the crypto asset markets, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. These companies work across a broad spectrum of sectors—including trading, mining, custody, and payment services—and their stock prices tend to experience significant volatility alongside the crypto market's growth.

In recent years, as the crypto asset market has expanded, investment opportunities in related companies have also increased. Many of these firms are listed on US exchanges, so investors can access them relatively easily through domestic securities firms.

Key Company Types and Business Models

There are several types of cryptocurrency-related stocks, each with distinct business models. Understanding these models can inform your investment strategy.

• Crypto Asset Exchange Companies – Operate trading platforms and primarily generate revenue from transaction fees. Revenue typically rises as market trading volume grows.
• Mining Companies – Validate transactions on blockchain networks to earn crypto asset rewards. Their earnings are highly sensitive to both electricity and capital costs, as well as crypto asset price fluctuations.
• Large Crypto Asset Holders – Maintain significant crypto asset reserves as company assets, aiming for profits from appreciation. They function similarly to indirect crypto ETFs, allowing investors to gain market exposure through equity investments.
• Payment and Fintech Companies – Provide crypto trading and payment services, leveraging large user bases for revenue. By integrating traditional finance with crypto assets, they’re expanding into new markets.
• Semiconductor and Hardware Companies – Manufacture and sell high-performance GPUs and ASIC chips needed for mining. Hardware sales tend to rise with increased demand from the crypto asset market.
• Stablecoin Companies – Issue and manage stablecoins pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar. With stable prices, these coins are widely used for payments and as stores of value in the crypto market.

Benefits and Risks of Investing in Overseas Cryptocurrency-Related Companies

Investing in overseas cryptocurrency-related companies offers significant advantages, but also presents risks that require careful consideration and alignment with your risk tolerance.

Investment Advantages

• Indirect Exposure to Crypto Assets – Instead of managing wallets or facing hacking risks, investors can access market growth indirectly through equities—lowering the technical barrier to entry.
• Trading in Regulated Markets – The US stock market operates under strict SEC disclosure requirements, ensuring investor protection and transparent corporate reporting for more informed investment decisions.
• Relatively Low Entry Threshold – Many stocks trade at tens to hundreds of dollars per share, offering flexibility for different budgets. This also makes diversification and risk management more accessible.
• High Liquidity – As the world’s largest market, the US offers high liquidity, enabling investors to quickly buy, sell, and access funds.

Investment Risks and Considerations

• High Volatility – Crypto asset markets are highly volatile, and related stocks often mirror these swings. While the potential for short-term gains is large, so is the risk of loss—requiring prudent assessment.
• Regulatory Risk – The legal framework for crypto assets is still evolving, and regulatory tightening can impact company earnings models. Exchanges and stablecoin issuers are particularly sensitive to regulatory changes, so following policy trends is crucial.
• Currency Risk – Overseas stocks are denominated in dollars, so exchange rate movements can affect returns. Gains in US dollars may be offset by yen appreciation when converted back.
• Company-Specific Risks – For miners, risks include energy costs and equipment procurement; for payment firms, intensified competition. Thorough due diligence on each company’s operations and financials is essential.
• Market Maturity – The crypto asset market is still developing, and future technological or environmental changes could significantly alter company competitiveness.

Seven Noteworthy Cryptocurrency-Related Stocks

Below are seven high-profile international cryptocurrency-related stocks available through domestic securities firms. Each review details the company’s business, performance trends, and key investment considerations.

1. Circle – USDC Stablecoin Issuer

Circle is the issuer of the US dollar-pegged stablecoin USD Coin (USDC). The company is now listed on the NYSE and stands as the world’s second-largest stablecoin issuer by market size.

Business Model and Revenue Sources

Circle’s core revenue comes from interest earned on user-deposited reserves for USDC issuance. As interest rates have risen, this has become the primary revenue driver—reaching several billion dollars annually. With a 1:1 peg to fiat currency, price volatility is low and the business model is stable.

Key Developments and Regulatory Environment

Circle’s share price jumped on its listing day, underscoring strong market expectations. US congressional stablecoin regulation is expected to clarify the legal environment, accelerate partnerships with financial institutions, and support market growth. While compliance may raise short-term costs, it should bolster trust and drive long-term expansion.

Investment Points and Outlook

USDC’s supply has reached tens of billions of dollars, and collaborations with major exchanges are expected to increase share. Interest income could fall if rates drop, and competition with Tether (USDT) is intensifying. Circle is also expanding into Europe and euro-denominated stablecoins, offering substantial global growth potential.

2. Major Exchange – Leading US Crypto Asset Exchange

This company is a global crypto asset exchange serving both retail and institutional clients, offering trading and custody services. Having listed directly on NASDAQ, it has drawn increased attention amid crypto market growth.

Stock Performance and Financials

The stock price surged at listing due to high expectations but later corrected amid market downturns and regulatory fears. Recently, prices are trending upward again as markets recover and optimism builds around potential Bitcoin ETF approvals. The company has returned to profit in recent quarters, and financials are improving.

Regulatory Environment and Business Risks

Concerns remain over intensified SEC regulation, but stablecoin legislation is a long-term positive. Reliance on transaction fees, however, makes the company highly sensitive to market conditions.

Investment Points and Outlook

With fee competition expected to intensify, revenue diversification is key to growth. The company is expanding into institutional custody, staking, NFT marketplaces, and more. Global expansion—especially in Europe and the Middle East—should further support growth.

3. MicroStrategy – Major Public Bitcoin Holder

MicroStrategy develops enterprise analytics software but is now best known for holding a massive Bitcoin reserve. The company’s strategy is to treat Bitcoin as a long-term store of value, actively accumulating and holding it.

Bitcoin Holdings Strategy and Performance Trends

MicroStrategy is among the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin holders, with hundreds of thousands of BTC. Acquisition cost averages below current market price, so performance closely tracks Bitcoin price movements. Past downturns led to large impairment losses, but subsequent recoveries returned the company to profit. Stock price tends to surge during Bitcoin rallies.

Key Developments and Outlook

MicroStrategy continues raising capital through equity and bond issuance to add more Bitcoin. Its software business is relatively small—almost all corporate value depends on Bitcoin holdings, and sentiment can drive price swings above or below asset value.

Investment Points and Risks

Bitcoin price outlook is the main investment factor given high correlation. The company uses leverage, so a sharp Bitcoin decline could trigger financial risks. For investors seeking long-term Bitcoin exposure without direct custody, MicroStrategy offers an effective vehicle.

4. Marathon Digital Holdings – Leading US Bitcoin Mining Company

Marathon Digital is a top US Bitcoin mining company with large-scale, efficient operations across North America.

Performance and Bitcoin Holdings

The company discloses monthly mining results, recently achieving record production. Marathon accumulates mined Bitcoin as reserves and is the world’s second-largest corporate holder. It posted losses during past downturns but improved significantly as prices recovered.

Key Developments and Competitive Strategy

Marathon is expanding by opening new facilities in multiple states and focusing on cost reduction through renewables and in-house mining pools, strengthening its competitive edge.

Investment Points and Risks

Revenue can surge with rising Bitcoin prices, but fixed costs make losses more likely when prices drop. Investors should watch for higher mining difficulty and halved rewards. As a leveraged, high-risk/high-reward stock, Marathon fits aggressive investors.

5. Block – Leading Fintech Advancing Bitcoin Adoption

Block (formerly Square) is a fintech company offering Bitcoin trading via its flagship Cash App. The company actively promotes Bitcoin adoption and supports crypto market growth.

Bitcoin-Related Businesses

Cash App’s Bitcoin sales have reached record levels, generating billions annually. Block also holds thousands of BTC, benefiting from Bitcoin appreciation.

Product Development and Ecosystem Expansion

Block’s Bitkey hardware wallet is available in over 95 countries, offering secure storage. The company is also rolling out the Lightning Network and building Web5 to further promote crypto adoption.

Performance and Outlook

Revenue has grown steadily, and Block’s fintech base is solid. Bitcoin-related businesses offer ample room for expansion, and cross-selling via Cash App is expected to drive further growth.

Investment Points

Block offers balanced fintech and crypto market exposure. As Bitcoin trading services have low margins, monetizing hardware wallets and decentralized networks is a key challenge moving forward.

6. PayPal – Global Online Payment Leader Entering Crypto

PayPal is known for global online payments and recently entered the crypto space, offering Bitcoin and crypto trading. Its large user base is accelerating crypto adoption.

Proprietary Stablecoin PYUSD

PayPal launched its US dollar-pegged stablecoin PayPal USD (PYUSD), offering several percent annual rewards in the US and partnering with major exchanges. PYUSD’s integration with PayPal’s network provides high convenience and growth potential.

Performance and Stock Trends

Recent quarterly results outperformed expectations, with sales and EPS exceeding forecasts. The stock has corrected from past peaks, but its P/E ratio is relatively low, suggesting value.

Investment Points and Outlook

PayPal’s stable core business and growing crypto operations create synergies. Success with PYUSD could boost its stablecoin market standing, though scaling and regulation remain challenges. The stock is well suited to investors wanting steady growth while capturing crypto upside.

7. Nvidia – GPU Maker Capturing Crypto Demand

Nvidia is the world’s largest GPU maker, growing with gaming and AI demand. The company is closely linked to the crypto market and benefited from past mining booms.

Relationship with Crypto Assets

Previous crypto booms drove GPU demand and Nvidia’s performance. While demand dropped after Ethereum moved to PoS, new projects could reignite growth.

Performance and Evaluation

The AI boom has pushed Nvidia’s stock above a $1 trillion market cap. Crypto-related revenue is currently limited, but renewed demand could drive future growth.

Investment Points and Risks

Nvidia is primarily an AI growth stock with indirect exposure to crypto—making it a valuable portfolio diversifier. Volatility in the crypto market can indirectly impact GPU demand.

Summary: Which Investor Fits Each Stock?

Each stock offers unique characteristics. Investors should select according to their goals and risk tolerance. Here’s a summary of which investor profile best suits each stock:

• Circle (CRCL) – For long-term investors seeking growth in new financial infrastructure such as stablecoins and strategic exposure to a maturing market.
• Major Exchange – For those confident in crypto market growth and seeking returns from increased trading volumes.
• MicroStrategy (MSTR) – For high-risk investors looking to maximize gains from Bitcoin appreciation. Suits those with strong conviction in Bitcoin.
• Marathon Digital (MARA) – For aggressive investors seeking leveraged returns from mining sector and Bitcoin price increases. High-risk, high-reward profile.
• Block (SQ) – For investors wanting balanced exposure to fintech and crypto markets, combining a stable base with growth potential.
• PayPal (PYPL) – For conservative investors aiming for future crypto adoption on top of a stable business, balancing risk and growth.
• Nvidia (NVDA) – Primarily for stable investors seeking AI growth, with the added benefit of indirect crypto exposure. Valuable for diversification.

Conclusion

As the crypto asset market regains momentum, there’s growing interest in cryptocurrency-related stocks as a way to capture market growth through equity. US stocks available via domestic brokers offer a secure, regulated environment and relatively low entry thresholds.

For those who prefer not to invest directly in crypto or want to avoid wallet management, these stocks provide an appealing alternative. However, each company carries unique risk and return profiles, so careful selection based on your objectives and risk appetite is critical.

Ongoing technological innovation and regulatory development are expected to drive further market growth. Investors should track market trends and company performance, and develop a long-term investment strategy.

FAQ

Can domestic securities firms directly buy overseas crypto-related stocks? What are the requirements?

No. You need to open an account with a foreign subsidiary on an overseas exchange, or buy relevant stocks through Stock Connect for Hong Kong shares. Companies must complete ODI (Overseas Direct Investment) registration to ensure legal use of funds.

Which notable overseas crypto-related companies are worth watching, and what are their main businesses?

Coinbase is a crypto asset exchange; Riot Platforms and Marathon Digital Holdings are focused on Bitcoin mining. These are leading industry players.

What are the pros and cons of investing in overseas crypto-related stocks versus directly holding crypto assets?

Advantages include a regulated environment and diversification. Disadvantages: You may miss out on the highest returns if crypto rallies sharply due to market constraints.

How do I open a domestic or Hong Kong/US brokerage account to buy these stocks?

Open a US brokerage account via a domestic securities firm or commission a Hong Kong firm. Online applications are also available—simply prepare identification and apply on the official website.

What are the main risks of crypto-related stocks, and how can they be mitigated?

The main risks are market volatility and regulatory changes. Diversification and detailed transaction records help mitigate these. A long-term investment strategy is important.

How are these stocks evaluated, how do they perform, and what’s the long-term outlook?

They typically receive stable evaluations and strong performance, making them promising for long-term investors. The market favors balanced growth and value, especially in AI and new consumer sectors. The long-term outlook is positive, emphasizing consistent earnings and market fundamentals.