3 Crypto-Driven Stocks Poised for Gains as Bitcoin Eyes $120K: Visa, PayPal, and BlackRock Lead the Charge

The crypto revolution is no longer a sideshow—it's the main event. With Bitcoin (BTC) trading near $110,000 and on pace to hit $120K by year-end, institutional adoption and regulatory clarity are fueling a paradigm shift. Nowhere is this truer than in the financial services sector, where giants like Visa (V), PayPal (PYPL), and BlackRock (BLK) are positioning themselves to profit from Bitcoin's ascent. Let's break down why these three stocks are primed for gains—and why now is the time to act.

Visa (V): The Crypto Bridge to the Mainstream

Visa isn't just a payment processor—it's a crypto gateway. In 2025, Visa has doubled down on blockchain partnerships, enabling crypto-linked cards, stablecoin settlements, and cross-border transactions. Its Visa Tokenized Asset Platform allows banks to issue stablecoins for programmable finance, slashing remittance costs and boosting cross-border volume by 13% year-over-year.

Meanwhile, Visa's stablecoin settlement volume surpassed $200 million in Q2 2025, and its BNPL collaborations with Klarna and Afterpay have driven 9% growth in processed transactions. With Bitcoin's dominance hitting 64% and institutional ETF inflows soaring, Visa is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the shift to digital assets.

Visa's shares have surged 13.5% year-to-date, outpacing PayPal and the broader market. With a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and earnings estimates rising 12.9% for 2025, this is a stock to own as Bitcoin climbs.

PayPal (PYPL): Playing Catch-Up, But Still in the Game

PayPal's crypto ambitions are real, but it's lagging Visa's pace. Its PYUSD stablecoin enables fast, low-cost payments, and partnerships with Taco Bell and J.P. Morgan are expanding its reach. Yet, Visa's global scale—65% of transactions outside the U.S.—gives it an edge.

Still, PayPal's 436 million active accounts and Venmo's 20% cash-back promotions offer growth hooks. While payment transactions dipped 3% YoY in late 2024, its Q2 2025 deals with the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences to manage student-athlete payments signal niche wins.

PayPal's stock has risen 7% YTD, but its trailing P/E of 12.35 lags Visa's premium valuation. Buy the dips here—it's not a leader, but it's still a player.

BlackRock (BLK): The King of Institutional Crypto Flow

BlackRock isn't just managing assets—it's minting them. The firm's iShares Bitcoin Trust has swelled to over $70 billion in assets, surpassing gold ETFs. With $49 billion in Bitcoin ETF inflows YTD and whale investors piling into BTC, BlackRock is the gateway for institutional money.

Its 2025 strategy is a masterstroke: avoid long-term Treasuries, favor dividend stocks and floating-rate bonds, and ride Bitcoin's S2F model, which predicts prices could hit $288K by 2025. Even skeptics can't ignore the firm's 28.88 forward P/E or its 69.3% operating margin.

As the Fed cuts rates (projected 250 basis points by year-end), money will flood into high-growth assets like Bitcoin—and BlackRock's ETFs will be the pipeline.

Why Now Is the Time to Bet

Three factors are supercharging this crypto-driven rally:
1. Regulatory Clarity: The CLARITY Act classifies Bitcoin as a commodity, while the GENIUS Act stabilizes stablecoins. This removes red tape for Visa and PayPal's crypto integrations.
2. Geopolitical Stability: While tensions simmer, Bitcoin's safe-haven appeal thrives in uncertainty—driving demand for BlackRock's Bitcoin ETFs.
3. Macro Momentum: Fed rate cuts and inflation easing (2.3% in June) are priming the pump for risk assets.

Investment Advice: Buy the Dip, Hold the Line

• Visa (V): Core holding for its global reach and stablecoin dominance.
• PayPal (PYPL): Accumulate on dips below $100; its niche partnerships could surprise.
• BlackRock (BLK): A must-own for exposure to Bitcoin's institutional gold rush.

Bitcoin at $120K isn't just a price target—it's a signal that crypto is here to stay. These three stocks are the bridges to that future. Don't miss the train.

Disclaimer: Always conduct your own research and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.