Best Blockchain Stocks for 2026: Coinbase as Your 10-Year Investment Thesis

The rapid expansion of blockchain technology into mainstream finance is reshaping investment opportunities. Banks worldwide are now actively exploring digital asset custody solutions, while stablecoins and real-world asset tokenization are becoming institutional priorities. This transformation points toward a select group of blockchain stocks that could deliver substantial returns over the next decade.

The Blockchain Revolution Demanding Better Infrastructure

According to a 2025 Ripple report, financial institutions are accelerating their entry into digital asset management. The growing demand for stablecoins and the infrastructure needed for tokenizing real-world assets are pushing traditional banks to build or partner for custody capabilities. This shift represents a fundamental market expansion for companies positioned at the intersection of blockchain technology and financial services.

Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN) stands out as the leading cryptocurrency exchange benefiting from this transformation. The company has transitioned from a purely trading platform to an essential financial infrastructure player—precisely the type of best blockchain stocks to hold as digital assets become institutionalized.

Explosive Growth in Assets and Revenue

The numbers tell a compelling story. Coinbase’s customer crypto assets have surged from $75 billion in Q4 2022 to over $500 billion as of Q3 2025—a seven-fold increase in just three years. This asset expansion directly correlates with revenue generation: the company’s trailing-12-month revenue has grown at a 37% compound annual rate since 2022.

What’s particularly noteworthy is the composition of this growth. Institutional transaction revenue jumped 144% year-over-year in the third quarter, compared with 73% growth from retail customers. This indicates that sophisticated investors and companies are increasingly choosing Coinbase as their primary cryptocurrency exchange. While trading volume fluctuates with market cycles, the underlying trend of more assets flowing onto the platform remains the most critical metric for long-term performance.

Expanding Beyond Exchange Services

Management’s strategy extends far beyond cryptocurrency trading. The company now offers stock trading and has articulated an ambitious long-term vision: becoming a comprehensive financial services company. This evolution matters because it transforms Coinbase from a cyclical trading platform into a diversified financial services provider.

For investors seeking the best blockchain stocks, this diversification reduces reliance on crypto market volatility. Each new service offering—from traditional equities to potential future offerings—provides additional revenue streams and stickiness with its user base. An investment in Coinbase is fundamentally a bet on the mainstreaming of blockchain technology and digital assets within global financial infrastructure.

Valuation in the Context of Financial Services Peers

At a $65 billion market capitalization, Coinbase remains relatively modest compared to established financial services giants with substantially higher valuations. The stock’s current pricing doesn’t fully reflect the company’s position as the gateway between traditional finance and the blockchain economy.

The historical precedent is instructive. When the Motley Fool identified Netflix on December 17, 2004, a $1,000 investment would have grown to $474,578 by January 2026. Similarly, their April 15, 2005 recommendation of Nvidia turned a $1,000 position into $1,141,628. These weren’t obvious picks at the time—they were early-stage companies positioned in emerging technology trends. Coinbase occupies a similarly pivotal position in the blockchain revolution.

Making Your Investment Decision

Determining whether to add Coinbase to your portfolio requires weighing both the opportunity and the risks. The company operates in a maturing but still-evolving market. Banking adoption of digital asset custody, the expansion of stablecoins as payment mechanisms, and the broader tokenization of real-world assets create legitimate tailwinds for blockchain stocks like Coinbase.

However, the best blockchain stocks to buy are those you research thoroughly against your own investment timeline and risk tolerance. The Motley Fool Stock Advisor team identifies 10 best stocks annually—companies they believe have significant upside potential over multi-year periods. Coinbase’s inclusion in broader financial discussions, combined with its concrete data-driven growth, suggests serious institutional attention.

Over a 10-year horizon, the question isn’t whether blockchain will matter in global finance—it will. The real question is which companies will capture the most value from that transition. Coinbase’s early establishment, institutional trust, and ambitious expansion strategy position it as a credible answer to that question.