Original author: Drew Anderson, VanEck

Original title: Top Blockchain Companies to Watch Leading into 2026

Original translation by: Rhythm Worker, BlockBeats

Key points:

- Leaders in the blockchain industry are no longer limited to a single sector, but are found across mining, fintech, energy, and even the semiconductor industry.

Large companies like Coinbase, Nvidia, and Block are pushing hard to apply blockchain technology in the real world.

- As we move toward 2026, asset tokenization, stablecoins, and on-chain settlement 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 computer network, ensuring transparency, security, and immutability without the need for a centralized authority. Each "block" on the chain contains a set of verified transactions that cannot be altered once added—thus creating a trustworthy and 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 the risk of fraud, blockchain has become a core element of the crypto economy's growth and the establishment of trust.

As blockchain technology matures and integrates into the mainstream financial system, the "on-chain economy" is developing rapidly. Against this backdrop, a growing ecosystem of companies and investment vehicles is driving this transformation: they are building infrastructure to support digital assets, expanding access to tokenized markets, and opening new investment channels for blockchain innovation. These leaders are not only shaping the future of decentralized finance (DeFi), but also redefining how value is created, exchanged, and protected in the global economy.

Top blockchain companies worth paying attention to

The on-chain economy spans multiple industries, each playing a unique role in supporting, expanding, and innovating the blockchain ecosystem. From digital asset trading platforms that facilitate transactions to mining companies that maintain the network, and fintech companies that connect traditional finance with decentralized finance, here are some key leaders to watch as we head towards 2026:

(Note: NODE mentioned in the text refers to the on-chain ETF code under VanEck.)

Trading platform

Coinbase Global Inc. (COIN) (representing 2.58% of NODE's assets)

As the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, Coinbase serves as a gateway for millions of investors to access, trade, and custody digital assets. Its institutional-grade services and leadership in compliance ensure its continued status as a cornerstone of the crypto economy.

Robinhood Markets Inc (HOOD) (representing 2.24% of NODE's assets)

Robinhood, known for "democratizing stock trading," has expanded into the crypto space, providing retail investors with easy access to digital assets. By integrating traditional stocks and cryptocurrencies on the same platform, it is blurring the lines between traditional finance and the blockchain world.

Mining

Core Scientific Inc. (CORZ) (accounting for 3.93% of NODE's assets)

As one of the largest Bitcoin miners in North America, Core Scientific is moving beyond simple cryptocurrency mining and transforming its infrastructure to support artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing workloads—successfully bridging two of the fastest-growing digital frontiers.

Cipher Mining INC. (CIFR) (6.42% of NODE's assets) & Bitfarms Ltd (BITF) (1.10% of NODE's assets)

These two companies have recently shown strong performance. With the strengthening of Bitcoin prices and network activity, they represent a robust recovery in the mining industry.

Traditional financial enablers

Mercadolibre Inc. (MELI) (representing 1.07% of NODE's assets)

Often referred to as the "Amazon of Latin America," MercadoLibre has grown into a fintech giant. By integrating digital payments and crypto services into its e-commerce ecosystem, it is accelerating financial inclusion across Latin America.

Asset management companies and "large cash holders"

MicroStrategy Inc. (MSTR) (representing 0.24% of NODE's 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 underscores its unwavering belief in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value.

Galaxy Digital Inc (GLXY) (representing 4.35% of NODE's holdings)

A diversified digital asset financial services company with businesses encompassing trading, asset management, and investment banking services in the crypto economy, serving as a key gateway for institutional investors to enter the blockchain market.

Energy infrastructure

Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI) (representing 0.54% of NODE's assets)

As a major natural gas supplier in the United States, Kinder Morgan plays an indirect but crucial role in the crypto economy—powering the data centers and mining operations that keep blockchain networks running.

Exploring Investment Philosophy: What are the Real-World Applications of Blockchain in 2025?

Blockchain is often viewed as a backend technology, but by 2025, it is bringing real and visible changes to the flow of funds, capital market operations, and institutional liquidity management. The story now revolves around tokenization, programmable settlement, and bringing interest-bearing assets onto the blockchain.

Several typical application scenarios:

• Cross-border payments: Imagine a global merchant who needs to pay suppliers in dozens of countries, but no longer relies on the SWIFT system and banks. Stripe has launched USDC payments in more than 50 countries, allowing businesses to settle instantly using stablecoins, eliminating the delays and high foreign exchange costs of traditional methods.
• On-chain funding: In addition to payments, stablecoins are now being used for large-scale collateralization and to finance on-chain lending. Visa's analysis shows that monthly lending volumes hit new highs in 2025, highlighting the important role of stablecoins as working capital in the DeFi money market.
• Institutional Settlement: Large banks are also rethinking the underlying architecture of finance. JPMorgan Chase's Kinexys platform allows institutions to issue tokenized securities as collateral and circulate them between different venues, eliminating the friction costs of traditional settlement.

These examples hint at a broader shift: capital markets are becoming more modular, liquidity more dynamic, and assets are acquiring a "programmable layer." In this new world, blockchain is no longer an experiment—it is becoming infrastructure.