The Czech National Bank (CNB) has expanded its cryptocurrency exposure by purchasing $18.1 million worth of Coinbase shares during the second quarter of 2025.

According to a recent Form 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the central bank acquired 51,732 shares of Coinbase Global, marking its first disclosed stake in the major crypto exchange.

As of the end of June, those shares were valued at $18.1 million and have since climbed to nearly $20 million based on recent closing prices.

The move reflects the CNB’s growing openness toward digital assets and its ambition to diversify reserve holdings.

Earlier this year, Governor Aleš Michl expressed intentions to consider expanding the central bank’s portfolio to include bitcoin and other crypto-related assets.

Michl told the Financial Times that the CNB may allocate up to 5% of its €140 billion ($163.5 billion) reserves into Bitcoin, pending board approval.

The recent Coinbase purchase aligns with this broader push toward integrating crypto assets into traditional finance.

Coinbase, which made history by becoming the first crypto company added to the S&P 500 index in May 2025, has seen its stock rise sharply this year.

Despite a challenging first quarter marked by a 10% drop in revenue and a 95% plunge in net income, largely driven by a $596 million paper loss on crypto holdings, the company’s shares have rebounded.

Year-to-date, Coinbase stock is up nearly 56%, fueled by a strong rally in crypto markets and the company’s aggressive expansion efforts.

In recent months, Coinbase has been actively increasing its market presence.

The exchange announced its $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, a leading crypto derivatives platform, in May.

More recently, Coinbase acquired Liquifi, a token management platform that bolsters its capabilities in token cap table management, vesting, and regulatory compliance.

TIME has recognized Coinbase as one of 2025’s 100 Most Influential Companies, labeling the crypto exchange a “disruptor” for its significant role in shaping US digital asset policies and markets.

The accolade highlights Coinbase’s aggressive advocacy in Washington and its expanding influence in the crypto sector.

Coinbase’s stock has surged 42% year-to-date, climbing from around $303 to a high near $382.

The rise followed the Senate’s passage of the GENIUS stablecoin bill and Coinbase’s historic inclusion in the S&P 500 in May.

TIME noted the exchange as a key driver behind the industry’s policy efforts and predicted Coinbase could become the central hub for crypto trading in the US.

Beyond the US, Coinbase is broadening its reach in Europe, securing a license under the EU’s MiCA regulatory framework through Luxembourg’s financial regulator.

The company plans to establish its European headquarters in Luxembourg.

Additionally, Coinbase is seeking SEC approval to offer tokenized equities, which would position it as a competitor to popular retail trading platforms like Robinhood and WeBull.

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