Ark Invest Doubles Down on Crypto Confidence: Major Coinbase and Bullish Purchases Signal Strong Sector Outlook

In a bold move underscoring unwavering conviction in the digital asset ecosystem, Cathie Wood's Ark Invest has significantly bolstered its cryptocurrency-related equity holdings. The investment firm recently executed substantial purchases of shares in both Coinbase, the leading U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, and Bullish, a crypto-focused trading platform. Through its flagship ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), Ark acquired 28,315 shares of Coinbase, valued at approximately $7.5 million. This transaction was complemented by the purchase of 42,434 shares in Bullish. This strategic accumulation is not an isolated event but part of a consistent pattern of investment. It follows a similarly sizable investment made just the prior week, where Ark deployed $16.5 million to acquire 62,166 Coinbase shares across its various funds. These consecutive investments, occurring in early December 2025, send a powerful signal to the market. They represent a calculated reinforcement of Ark Invest's bullish thesis on the infrastructure and service providers within the cryptocurrency sector. By targeting established giants like Coinbase alongside specialized platforms like Bullish, Ark is positioning its portfolios to capitalize on both the mainstream adoption of digital assets and the evolution of sophisticated trading environments. This activity suggests that Ark's analysts see current valuations as attractive entry points, anticipating future growth driven by regulatory clarity, institutional adoption, and technological innovation in blockchain finance. The moves highlight a focused strategy of gaining exposure not just to cryptocurrencies directly, but to the high-growth public companies building the foundational rails of the digital economy.

Ark Invest Expands Crypto Holdings with Coinbase and Bullish Shares

Cathie Wood's Ark Invest has significantly increased its exposure to the cryptocurrency sector, purchasing additional shares of Coinbase and Bullish. The firm acquired 28,315 Coinbase shares worth $7.5 million through its ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) and 42,434 Bullish shares, signaling continued confidence in crypto-related equities.

This move follows last week's $16.5 million investment in 62,166 Coinbase shares across three Ark ETFs. Coinbase now represents 5.58% of ARKK's holdings, nearing the fund's 10% limit for individual stocks. The buying spree coincides with a modest recovery in crypto markets, suggesting institutional investors are capitalizing on the sector's growth potential.

Coinbase Rides Crypto Rally as Institutional Interest Surges

Coinbase (COIN) shares climbed 4.5% Wednesday, mirroring a broader cryptocurrency rebound fueled by institutional endorsements. Vanguard’s decision to permit Bitcoin ETF access and Bank of America’s recommendation to allocate 4% of portfolios to crypto underscored growing mainstream acceptance. The rally lifted crypto-correlated stocks like Coinbase and MicroStrategy (MSTR), reversing a 16% monthly decline for COIN.

BlackRock analysts project a 2025 resurgence for Bitcoin, citing macroeconomic tailwinds from rising U.S. debt. While altcoins remain volatile, the market’s structural shift—evidenced by spot ETF inflows and wealth management adoption—suggests sustained momentum. ‘This isn’t just a trader’s market anymore,’ remarked one Wall Street strategist, noting pension funds’ creeping exposure.

Wall Street Banks Partner with Coinbase on Crypto Pilots Amid Regulatory Shifts

Coinbase is conducting cryptocurrency pilots with JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Bank of America, focusing on stablecoins, custody solutions, and trading infrastructure. The initiative gains momentum as major financial institutions transition crypto from experimental projects to Core business lines. Brian Armstrong, speaking alongside BlackRock CEO Larry Fink at the DealBook Summit, emphasized the operational reality of these programs within regulated U.S. entities.

The political landscape under President Trump's second term has created favorable conditions, with Congress advancing the first federal stablecoin framework. This regulatory progress contrasts with recent market volatility, where Leveraged position unwinds exacerbated price declines following autumn tariff announcements.

Fink's remarkable evolution from bitcoin skeptic to leader of the world's largest Bitcoin ETF underscores institutional transformation. Morgan Stanley's integration of crypto trading on E*Trade and renewed interest from banking CEOs signals accelerating mainstream adoption despite short-term price fluctuations.

Coinbase CEO Reveals Collaborations With Leading Banks On Stablecoin And Crypto Trading Initiatives

Leading banking institutions in traditional finance are reportedly partnering with US-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase to explore pilots related to stablecoins, custody solutions, and trading options. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced this during his appearance at the New York Times Dealbook Summit.

Armstrong emphasized that top financial institutions see this as a growth opportunity. "The best banks are leaning into this," he said, without naming specific partners. He warned that institutions resisting crypto adoption risk being left behind—a stance consistent with his earlier prediction that all major banks WOULD eventually integrate digital assets.

The initiative reflects a broader trend of TradFi embracing blockchain technology. Some banks seek custodial solutions, while others explore stablecoin development. Armstrong positions Coinbase as an infrastructure provider: "We can power a variety of things for them."

PEPE Price Defies Bearish Pattern with 17% Bounce from Yearly Low

Pepe (PEPE) has staged a 17% rebound from its yearly low of $0.000004, challenging a nine-month head-and-shoulders pattern that previously signaled a 77% downside risk. The meme coin's resilience at this level suggests a potential double-bottom reversal, with technical indicators now favoring bullish momentum.

Despite the price recovery, on-chain data reveals sustained profit-taking pressure. A long-term holder recently liquidated their entire $3.5 million Pepe position on Coinbase, coinciding with the exchange's Chaikin Money Flow plunging to -0.3 - a strong indicator of distribution.

The divergence between price action and capital flows creates an unusually tense setup. Traders are watching for confirmation of either a descending channel breakout or a false rally, with the RSI's bullish turn adding credence to the upside scenario.

Vanguard’s Crypto Policy Reversal Sparks Bitcoin Rally as Institutional Demand Grows

Bitcoin surged 6% on December 2–3, 2025, following Vanguard’s unexpected decision to open its $11 trillion platform to spot ETFs for BTC, ETH, XRP, and SOL. The move, driven by new CEO Salim Ramji—a former BlackRock executive instrumental in launching the IBIT ETF—marks a pivotal shift for the traditionally conservative asset manager. Over 50 million investors now have access to crypto products, accelerating mainstream adoption.

The market reacted instantly. IBIT saw $1 billion in trading volume within 30 minutes of the US market open, with Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas noting a "large wave of Vanguard clients" likely moving in unison. Despite the rally, the Coinbase Premium Index remains negative, suggesting US prices still lag global averages—though institutional demand shows clear signs of recovery.