Towards 2026: Top Encryption Listed Companies to Follow

Original author: Drew Anderson, VanEck

Original Title: Top Blockchain Companies to Watch Leading into 2026

Original compilation: Rhythm Worker, BlockBeats

Key Points:

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

• Large companies like Coinbase, Nvidia, and Block are vigorously promoting the application of blockchain technology in the real world.

• As we move towards 2026, asset tokenization, stablecoins, and on-chain settlement are fundamentally reshaping capital markets.

What is blockchain? Why is it important to the cryptocurrency field?

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 changed—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 fraud risk, blockchain has become a key element in the growth of the crypto economy and the establishment of trust.

With the maturity of blockchain technology and its integration into the mainstream financial system, the “on-chain economy” is developing rapidly. Against this backdrop, a growing ecosystem of companies and investment tools is driving this transformation: they are building infrastructure to support digital assets, expanding access to the tokenized market, and opening up new investment channels for blockchain innovation. These leaders are not only shaping the future of decentralized finance (DeFi), but also redefining the ways in which 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 the support, expansion, and innovation of the blockchain ecosystem. From digital asset trading platforms that facilitate transactions to mining enterprises that maintain the network, and fintech companies that connect traditional finance with decentralized finance, here are the various core leaders to watch as we move towards 2026:

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

Trading Platform

Coinbase Global Inc. (COIN) ( accounts for 2.58% of NODE assets )

As the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, Coinbase is the 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) ( accounts for 2.24% of NODE assets )

Robinhood, known for “democratizing stock trading,” has expanded into the crypto space, providing retail investors with convenient 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) ( accounts for 3.93% of NODE assets )

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

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

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

Traditional Financial Enabler

Mercadolibre Inc. (MELI) ( accounts for 1.07% of NODE assets )

Commonly referred to as the “Amazon of Latin America,” MercadoLibre has grown into a fintech giant. It integrates digital payments and cryptocurrency services into its e-commerce ecosystem, accelerating financial inclusion across the Latin American region.

Asset Management Companies and 'Whales'

MicroStrategy Inc. (MSTR) ( accounts for 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 means of long-term value storage.

Galaxy Digital Inc (GLXY) ( accounts for 4.35% of NODE holdings )

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

Energy Infrastructure

Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI) ( accounts for 0.54% of NODE assets )

As a major natural gas supplier in the United States, Kinder Morgan plays an indirect yet crucial role in the crypto economy—it provides the energy needed to power data centers and mining operations that maintain blockchain networks.

Exploring Investment Concepts: 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, visible 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.

Typical application scenarios include:

• Cross-border payments: Imagine a global merchant needing to pay suppliers in dozens of countries, but no longer relying on the SWIFT system and banks. Stripe has launched USDC payments in over 50 countries, allowing businesses to settle instantly using stablecoins, eliminating the delays and high foreign exchange costs associated with traditional methods.
• On-chain financing: In addition to payments, stablecoins are now also being used for large-scale collateralization and funding of on-chain lending. Visa's analysis shows that the monthly lending volume will reach new highs by 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's Kinexys platform allows institutions to issue tokenized securities as collateral and circulate them across different venues, eliminating the friction costs of traditional settlement.

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.