Towards 2026: Top Blockchain Companies Worth Following in VanEck's Eyes

Original Title: Moving Towards 2026: Top Blockchain Companies Worth Following in VanEck's View

Original Author: Drew Anderson

Source:

Reprint: Mars Finance

Key Points:

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

• Large companies like Coinbase, Nvidia, and Block are actively promoting 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 for the cryptocurrency sector?

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, 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. Against this backdrop, an expanding 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 how value is created, exchanged, and protected in the global economy.

Top blockchain companies worth following

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, to fintech companies that connect traditional finance with decentralized finance, here are the various core leaders worth following as we move towards 2026:

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

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

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

Known for “democratizing stock trading,” Robinhood 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.

Core Scientific Inc. )CORZ( ) accounts for 3.93% of NODE assets (

As one of the largest Bitcoin miners in North America, Core Scientific is moving 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 frontiers.

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.

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

Often referred to as the “Latin American Amazon”, 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.

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 firm belief in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value.

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

A diversified digital asset financial services company, covering trading, asset management, and investment banking services in the crypto economy, is a key gateway for institutional investors to enter the Blockchain market.

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 power for data centers and mining operations that maintain the operation of Blockchain networks.

Exploring Investment Ideas: What are the Real Applications of Blockchain in 2025?

Blockchain is often seen as a backend technology, but by 2025, it is bringing real and visible changes to the flow of funds, the operation of capital markets, and institutional liquidity management. The current narrative revolves around tokenization, programmable settlement, and bringing yield-bearing assets on-chain.

Several typical application scenarios:

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 with stablecoins, eliminating the delays and high foreign exchange costs of traditional methods.

On-chain financing: In addition to payments, stablecoins are now also being used for large-scale collateral and funding for 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 experimental product - it is becoming infrastructure.