Bitcoin News Today: Robinhood's Shareholder Gains vs. Crypto Community Alignment

Robinhood Markets Inc. (HOOD) is not rushing to join the growing trend of crypto treasury firms, according to Shiv Verma, the company's vice president of finance and strategy. During a third-quarter earnings call, Verma noted that while holding crypto on the balance sheet could align the company more closely with the crypto community, the firm is prioritizing shareholder value and capital allocation. "We're still thinking about it," he said, emphasizing the need to weigh the trade-offs between community alignment and strategic use of capital, according to Cointelegraph.

Robinhood's decision comes as it reported a 300% year-over-year surge in crypto-related revenue to $268 million in Q3 2025, driving total net revenue to $1.27 billion—exceeding market expectations, according to Yahoo Finance. The platform's crypto trading volume reached $80 billion during the quarter, contributing to a 339% increase in crypto revenue compared to the same period in 2024. Earnings per share (EPS) hit $0.61, surpassing forecasts of $0.53, while net income nearly quadrupled to $556 million, FinanceFeeds reported. The company also expanded its crypto offerings, including the listing of SEI (SEI), the native token of the Sei Network, which Robinhood's 26.7 million active users can now trade; analysts suggested this move enhances SEI's retail visibility, leveraging Robinhood's fiat on‑ramp to attract incremental demand, according to Blockchain News.

The broader crypto treasury landscape, however, remains contentious. Over 200 companies now hold Bitcoin and Ethereum as strategic reserves, with total crypto treasuries exceeding $121 billion. While proponents argue that this trend signals institutional maturation, critics warn of systemic risks. Leverage-heavy models, such as those involving share sales and debt, have amplified market volatility, particularly during downturns. Omid Malekan, a blockchain expert, noted that forced liquidations by overextended firms have exacerbated Bitcoin's 2025 decline, Coinotag reported in its analysis of treasury holdings. Robinhood, despite its crypto growth, has opted to focus on product innovation and international expansion rather than adopting a treasury model. Verma highlighted that shareholders can already buy Bitcoin directly on the platform, questioning whether the company should "make that decision for them," a point raised in the Cointelegraph coverage.

Robinhood's strategy reflects a broader industry divergence. While firms like MicroStrategy and Tesla have aggressively accumulated crypto, others, including Robinhood, are prioritizing operational diversification. The company added Bitstamp and prediction markets to its offerings, aiming to expand into 50+ countries. CFO Jason Warnick emphasized the importance of sustaining user engagement without relying on speculative frenzies, a view noted by FinanceFeeds. Meanwhile, the firm's 26.8 million funded accounts and 27.9 million investment accounts underscore its appeal to younger, growth-oriented investors, as reported by Yahoo Finance.

As crypto treasuries face regulatory scrutiny and market consolidation, Robinhood's cautious approach highlights the tension between community alignment and financial prudence. With its crypto revenue rebounding and earnings outpacing forecasts, the company appears to be navigating the volatile landscape by balancing innovation with shareholder accountability.