Summary Blockchain leaders span multiple sectors, from mining and fintech to energy and semiconductors. Major companies like Coinbase, Nvidia, and Block are driving real-world blockchain adoption. Tokenization, stablecoins, and onchain settlement are transforming capital markets heading into 2026. What is Blockchain and Why Is It Important for Crypto? Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers, ensuring transparency, security, and immutability without the need for a central authority. Each “block” in the chain contains a set of verified transactions, and once added, it cannot be altered—creating a trustworthy, tamper-resistant record. This technology is the foundation of all cryptocurrencies, enabling peer-to-peer transfer of value, smart contracts, and decentralized applications. By removing intermediaries and reducing the risk of fraud, blockchain has become essential to the growth and credibility of the crypto economy. The onchain economy is rapidly evolving as blockchain technology continues to mature and integrate into mainstream finance. Against this backdrop, a growing ecosystem of companies and investment instruments is driving this transformation, building the infrastructure that supports digital assets, expanding access to tokenized markets, and creating new avenues for exposure to blockchain-based innovation. These leaders are not only shaping the future of decentralized finance but also redefining how value is created, exchanged, and secured across the global economy. The Top Blockchain Companies to Watch The onchain economy spans multiple sectors, each playing a distinct role in supporting, expanding, and innovating within the blockchain ecosystem. From digital asset exchanges that facilitate trading, to miners powering the network, to fintech firms bridging traditional and decentralized finance, these companies represent the most significant players shaping the future of digital value creation. Below is a breakdown of key leaders across core categories driving blockchain adoption and infrastructure as we head into 2026. Exchanges Coinbase Global Inc. ( COIN ) (2.58% of NODE assets) The largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase serves as the gateway for millions of investors to access, trade, and custody digital assets. Its institutional offerings and regulatory leadership 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 crypto, offering easy access to digital assets for retail investors. Its integration of traditional equities and crypto under one platform helps blur the lines between legacy finance and the blockchain world. Mining Core Scientific Inc. ( CORZ ) (3.93% of NODE Assets) One of the largest Bitcoin miners in North America, Core Scientific is evolving beyond crypto mining by transforming its infrastructure to support AI and high-performance computing workloads—bridging two of the fastest-growing digital frontiers. Cipher Mining INC. ( CIFR ) (6.42% of NODE Assets) & Bitfarms Ltd/Canada ( BITF ) (1.10% of NODE Assets) Both companies have delivered standout performance recently. They exemplify the resurgence of the mining sector as Bitcoin’s price and network activity strengthen. TradFi Enablers & FinTech MercadoLibre Inc. ( MELI ) (1.07% of NODE Assets) Often called the “Amazon of Latin America,” MercadoLibre has become a fintech powerhouse, integrating digital payments and crypto services into its e-commerce ecosystem, accelerating financial inclusion across the region. Asset Managers & “HODLers” Strategy Inc. ( MSTR ) (0.24% of NODE Assets) The largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, MicroStrategy has transformed from a software firm into a de facto Bitcoin investment vehicle, with a treasury strategy that underscores its conviction in Bitcoin as a long-term store of value. Galaxy Digital Inc ( GLXY ) (4.35% of NODE Holdings) A diversified digital asset financial services firm, Galaxy operates across trading, asset management, and investment banking for the crypto economy, positioning itself as a key institutional gateway into blockchain markets. Energy Infrastructure Kinder Morgan Inc. ( KMI ) (0.54% of NODE Assets) A major natural gas provider in the U.S., Kinder Morgan plays an indirect but essential role in the crypto economy by powering the data centers and mining operations that sustain blockchain networks. What Are Some Real-World Use Cases of Blockchain in 2025? Blockchain is often framed as a backend technology - but in 2025, it’s driving real, visible change in how money moves, how capital markets work, and how institutions manage liquidity. The story now revolves around tokenization, programmable settlement, and embedding yield-bearing assets onchain. For example, picture a global merchant paying suppliers in dozens of countries, but no longer relying on SWIFT and banks. Stripe’s rollout of USDC payments in 50+ countries lets businesses settle instantaneously in stablecoins, eliminating delays and heavy foreign exchange costs. Beyond payments, stablecoins now collateralize and fund onchain lending at scale; Visa’s analysis shows monthly borrowing hit fresh highs in 2025, underscoring stablecoins’ role as working capital in DeFi money markets. Meanwhile, big banks are also rethinking the plumbing of finance. JPMorgan’s Kinexys platform lets institutions post tokenized securities as collateral and move them across venues without traditional settlement friction. These examples hint at broader shifts: capital markets are becoming more modular, liquidity is more dynamic, and assets are gaining a programmable layer. In this new world, blockchain isn’t experimental—it’s becoming foundational. Check out VanEck’s Onchain Economy ETF ( NODE ) for more insights. IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES * NODE holdings above are stated as of 10/29/2025. Fund holdings may vary. Visit vaneck.com/node for complete holdings information. This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities, financial instruments or digital assets mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, tax advice, or any call to action. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are for illustrative purposes only, are valid as of the date of this communication, and are subject to change without notice. Actual future performance of any assets or industries mentioned are unknown. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck or its other employees. The VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (“NODE”, or the “Fund”) may invest nearly all of its net assets in either Digital Transformation Companies and/or Digital Asset Instruments. The Fund does not invest in digital assets or commodities directly. An investment in the Fund involves a substantial degree of risk and is not suitable for all investors . Investors in the Fund should be willing to accept a high degree of volatility in the price of the Fund’s Shares and the possibility of significant losses. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Therefore, you should consider carefully various risks before investing in the Fund, each of which could significantly and adversely affect the value of an investment in the Fund. An investment in the Fund may be subject to risks which include, among others, risks related to investing in digital transformation companies, digital asset instruments, commodities and commodity-linked instruments, subsidiary investment, commodity regulatory (with respect to investments in the subsidiary), tax (with respect to investments in the subsidiary), gap, liquidity, derivatives, new fund, regulatory, non-diversified, small- and medium-capitalization companies, foreign securities, emerging market issuers, market, operational, active management, authorized participant concentration, no guarantee of active trading market, trading issues, fund shares trading, premium/discount risk and liquidity of fund shares, industry concentration, cash transactions, underlying investment vehicle, and affiliated investment vehicle risks, all of which may adversely affect the fund. Emerging market issuers and foreign securities may be subject to securities markets, political and economic, investment and repatriation restrictions, different rules and regulations, less publicly available financial information, foreign currency and exchange rates, operational and settlement, and corporate and securities laws risks. Small- and medium-capitalization companies may be subject to elevated risks. Digital asset instruments may be subject to risks associated with investing in digital asset exchange-traded products (“ETPs”), which include the historical extreme volatility of the digital asset and cryptocurrency market, as well as less regulation and thus fewer investor protections, as these ETPs are not investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) or commodity pools for the purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). The technology relating to digital assets, including blockchain, is new and developing and the risks associated with digital assets may not fully emerge until the technology is widely used. Digital asset technologies are used by companies to optimize their business practices, whether by using the technology within their business or operating business lines involved in the operation of the technology. The cryptographic keys necessary to transact a digital asset may be subject to theft, loss, or destruction, which could adversely affect a company’s business or operations if it were dependent on the digital asset. There may be risks posed by the lack of regulation for digital assets and any future regulatory developments could affect the viability and expansion of the use of digital assets. Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of a Fund carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus , which contain this and other information, call 800.826.2333 or visit vaneck.com . Please read the prospectus and summary prospectus carefully before investing. © 2025 VanEck. VanEck ® , VanEck Access the opportunities ® , and the stylized VanEck design ® are trademarks of Van Eck Associates Corporation. Original Post
