Original Author: Drew Anderson, VanEck
Original Title: Top Blockchain Companies to Watch Leading into 2026
Original Translation:律动小工, BlockBeats
Key Points:
- Leaders in the blockchain industry are no longer confined to a single domain, but are spread across mining, fintech, energy, and even the semiconductor industry.
- Large companies like Coinbase, NVIDIA, and Block are actively driving the application of blockchain technology in the real world.
- As we move towards 2026, asset tokenization, stablecoins, and on-chain settlements are fundamentally reshaping capital markets.
What is Blockchain? Why is it Important to the Crypto Space?
Blockchain is essentially a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions through a network of computers, ensuring transparency, security, and immutability without the need for a centralized authority. Each "block" on the chain contains a set of verified transactions that, once added, cannot be altered—creating a trustworthy, tamper-proof record.
This technology is the cornerstone of all cryptocurrencies, enabling peer-to-peer value transfer, smart contracts, and decentralized applications (DApps). By eliminating intermediaries and reducing fraud risk, blockchain has become a core element of the growth of the crypto economy and the establishment of trust.
As blockchain technology matures and integrates into mainstream financial systems, the "on-chain economy" is rapidly developing. In this context, a growing ecosystem of companies and investment tools is driving this transformation: they are building infrastructure to support digital assets, expanding access to the tokenization market, and opening new investment channels for blockchain innovation. These leaders are not only shaping the future of decentralized finance (DeFi) but are also redefining how value is created, exchanged, and protected in the global economy.
Top Blockchain Companies to Watch
The on-chain economy spans multiple industries, each playing a unique role in supporting, expanding, and innovating within the blockchain ecosystem. From digital asset trading platforms that facilitate transactions to mining companies that maintain networks, and fintech firms that connect traditional finance with decentralized finance, here are the core leaders to watch as we approach 2026:
(Note: The NODE mentioned in the text refers to the on-chain ETF code under VanEck)
Trading Platforms
Coinbase Global Inc. (COIN) (2.58% of NODE assets)
As the largest cryptocurrency trading platform in the U.S., Coinbase serves as a gateway for millions of investors to acquire, trade, and custody digital assets. Its institutional-grade services and leadership in compliance continue to make it a cornerstone of the crypto economy.
Robinhood Markets Inc (HOOD) (2.24% of NODE assets)
Known for "democratizing stock trading," Robinhood has expanded into the crypto space, providing retail investors with easy access to digital assets. It integrates traditional stocks and cryptocurrencies on the same platform, blurring the lines between traditional finance and the blockchain world.
Mining
Core Scientific Inc. (CORZ) (3.93% of NODE assets)
As one of North America's largest Bitcoin miners, Core Scientific is moving beyond mere cryptocurrency mining, transforming its infrastructure to support artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing workloads—successfully crossing into two of the fastest-growing digital frontier fields.
Cipher Mining INC. (CIFR) (6.42% of NODE assets) & Bitfarms Ltd (BITF) (1.10% of NODE assets)
These two companies have recently performed well. With the strengthening of Bitcoin prices and network activity, they represent a robust recovery in the mining industry.
Traditional Financial Enablers
Mercadolibre Inc. (MELI) (1.07% of NODE assets)
Often referred to as the "Amazon of Latin America," MercadoLibre has grown into a fintech giant. It integrates digital payments and crypto services into its e-commerce ecosystem, accelerating financial inclusion across Latin America.
Asset Management Companies and "Hodlers"
MicroStrategy Inc. (MSTR) (0.24% of NODE assets)
As the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, MicroStrategy has transformed from a software company into a de facto Bitcoin investment vehicle. Its funding strategy highlights a strong belief in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value.
Galaxy Digital Inc (GLXY) (4.35% of NODE holdings)
A diversified digital asset financial services company, its business encompasses trading, asset management, and investment banking services in the crypto economy, serving as a key gateway for institutional investors entering the blockchain market.
Energy Infrastructure
Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI) (0.54% of NODE assets)
As a major natural gas supplier in the U.S., Kinder Morgan plays an indirect but crucial role in the crypto economy—providing the energy needed to power data centers and mining operations that keep blockchain networks running.
Exploring Investment Ideas: What Real-World Applications of Blockchain Will Exist in 2025?
Blockchain is often viewed as a backend technology, but by 2025, it is set to bring tangible changes to the flow of funds, the operation of capital markets, and institutional liquidity management. The current narrative revolves around tokenization, programmable settlements, and bringing interest-bearing assets on-chain.
Several typical application scenarios:
Cross-Border Payments: Imagine a global merchant needing to pay suppliers in dozens of countries without relying on the SWIFT system and banks. Stripe has launched USDC payments in over 50 countries, allowing businesses to settle instantly using stablecoins, eliminating delays and high foreign exchange costs associated with traditional methods.
On-Chain Financing: Beyond payments, stablecoins are now being used for large-scale collateralization and funding on-chain lending. Visa's analysis shows that monthly lending volumes are reaching new highs in 2025, highlighting the important role of stablecoins as working capital in DeFi money markets.
Institutional Settlements: Large banks are also rethinking the underlying architecture of finance. JPMorgan's Kinexys platform allows institutions to issue tokenized securities as collateral and circulate them across different venues, eliminating friction costs associated with traditional settlements.
These examples suggest a broader transformation: capital markets are becoming more modular, liquidity is becoming more dynamic, and assets are gaining a "programmable layer." In this new world, blockchain is no longer an experiment—it is becoming infrastructure.
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