ChartZilla’s Top Crypto-Adjacent Stocks to Buy This Summer

By: Swarnalata

Published on: May 30, 2025

The rapid mainstreaming of cryptocurrencies has created enormous opportunities—and risks—for investors. While buying major tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum can be volatile and technically complex, there is an alternative: selecting high-quality, regulated TradFi (traditional finance) stocks with direct exposure to the crypto market's growth. In a recent private post to his 5,000-member Discord channel, pseudonymous analyst ChartZilla spotlighted three names he believes are poised to outperform as retail demand surges and regulatory clarity improves. His top picks: Coinbase (COIN), Robinhood (HOOD), and MicroStrategy (MSTR)—each offering a unique way to ride the next crypto wave without owning tokens outright.

Why Crypto-Adjacent TradFi Matters

Institutional and retail adoption of cryptocurrencies has accelerated over the past year. Spot and futures Bitcoin ETFs have proliferated, major exchanges have secured regulated licenses, and even 401(k) plans are beginning to offer BTC allocations. Yet, direct crypto ownership still comes with custodial risks, wallet security concerns, and potential tax complications. TradFi stocks like COIN, HOOD, and MSTR provide regulated entry points, professional custody solutions, and powerful platforms that benefit from transaction fees, wallet usage, and Bitcoin treasury holdings. That asymmetry—limited direct token exposure, but amplified corporate leverage—creates the “sweet spot” ChartZilla is targeting.

1. Coinbase (COIN): ETF Tailwinds and Brand Trust

Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: COIN) remains the largest U.S.-based crypto exchange by trading volume and user count. ChartZilla emphasizes three catalysts for further upside:

• ETF Approvals: The imminent green light for spot crypto ETFs in the U.S. could drive massive flow through Coinbase’s custody arm, boosting Assets Under Custody (AUC) and fee revenue.


• Regulatory Clarity: As the SEC defines clearer rules around digital assets, Coinbase’s proactive compliance posture and secured license applications will pay dividends.


• Brand Recognition: With over 100 million verified users globally, Coinbase benefits from superior brand trust versus smaller token exchanges. New retail entrants often default to Coinbase’s intuitive interface.

In the past month, COIN has surged over 40%, reflecting optimism around ETF launches and institutional adoption. ChartZilla’s view: “Even if the ETF rally fades, Coinbase’s recurring subscription and services revenue will sustain valuation growth.” Investors should monitor daily trading volumes and custody balances; higher retention rates on Coinbase Premium signals healthy stickiness.

2. Robinhood (HOOD): Pivoting from Stocks to Crypto

Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD) captured the younger retail trader demographic during the meme-stock craze. Less appreciated, however, is its deeper pivot into crypto wallets and trading. ChartZilla points out:

• Wallet Rollout: Robinhood’s non-custodial wallet, launched last year, now supports decentralized finance (DeFi) interactions and NFT transactions.


• Trading Volume Growth: Crypto trading volume on Robinhood rose by over 30% quarter-over-quarter as new coins were listed and fee structures optimized.


• Cross-Sell Potential: By bundling stock brokerage, cash management, and crypto wallets in one app, Robinhood deepens user engagement and lifetime value.

Though still generating modest crypto revenue relative to Coinbase, HOOD shares have rallied alongside higher platform engagement metrics. ChartZilla warns that user growth may plateau without fresh product innovations, but remains bullish on ROIC improvements as average revenue per user climbs. Key metrics to watch: monthly active users (MAUs), average net revenue per user (ARNPU), and wallet downloads.

3. MicroStrategy (MSTR): The Ultimate Bitcoin Proxy

MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ: MSTR) has become the poster child for corporate Bitcoin accumulation. CEO Michael Saylor’s strategy of converting excess cash into BTC has turned MSTR into one of the largest public holders of Bitcoin outside the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust. ChartZilla’s thesis:

• Conviction Play: Unlike exchange-based names, MicroStrategy’s balance sheet directly participates in Bitcoin price movements. A 1% increase in BTC typically translates to a larger percentage bump in MSTR’s equity value.


• Leverage Potential: With no debt maturities until 2025 and a strong enterprise software business, MSTR has flexibility to acquire more BTC on dips.


• Institutional Standing: The company’s high-profile investments have legitimized Bitcoin among corporate treasurers considering digital asset diversification.

Despite year-to-date volatility—with shares up 21% overall—MSTR can be choppier than trading platforms. ChartZilla advises dollar-cost averaging on pullbacks and using covered calls to enhance yield. Technical investors should watch BTC price channels and MSTR’s discount/premium to NAV to time entries.

Risk Management and Time Horizons

No recommendation is risk-free. ChartZilla cautions: “Sentiment-driven rallies can unwind swiftly. Know your timeframes.” For COIN and HOOD, short-term traders might book partial profits after a 20–30% move and re-enter on dips. MSTR investors should view it as a longer-term conviction play—accumulate during broader market sell-offs and maintain at least a 6- to 12-month horizon. Stop-losses at 15% below cost basis can protect against sudden regulatory or macro headwinds.

Building a Balanced Crypto Equity Portfolio

To harness crypto’s growth asymmetry, consider allocating:

• 40% to Coinbase for regulated exchange exposure and recurring fee revenue.


• 30% to Robinhood to capture retail wallet adoption and platform network effects.


• 30% to MicroStrategy for direct Bitcoin treasury leverage and corporate endorsement.

Periodic rebalancing—every quarter or after a major market event—can lock in gains and ensure exposure remains aligned with risk tolerance. Combining platform and treasury plays also cushions against adverse moves in either the token markets or regulatory landscape.

How to Get Started

1. Open a Brokerage Account: If you’re new to stocks, select a platform with low commissions and crypto capabilities (Ironically, Robinhood itself offers both).


2. Do Your Homework: Review each company’s latest earnings report, AUC growth (for Coinbase), MAUs and wallet metrics (for Robinhood), and BTC holdings & debt schedule (for MicroStrategy).


3. Set Alerts: Use price alerts or trailing stops to automate profit-taking.


4. Stay Informed: Follow regulatory developments—SEC rule-makings, FinCEN guidelines, and major ETF approval news—since these can trigger rapid moves.

Conclusion

As crypto markets mature, exposure via regulated TradFi stocks can offer participation in the upside with fewer operational headaches than holding tokens yourself. ChartZilla’s trio of Coinbase, Robinhood, and MicroStrategy each delivers distinct angles on crypto adoption: exchange fees, wallet engagement, and corporate treasury allocation. By blending these names into a diversified equity basket, while respecting time horizons and risk limits, investors can position themselves for potential outsized gains as regulatory clarity and mainstream acceptance accelerate.