DeFi Stocks in Focus: Top Blockchain and Crypto Stocks Today

Here’s a clear answer: the top blockchain and crypto-related stocks gaining traction today include Bitcoin miners like TeraWulf (WULF) and Cipher Mining (CIFR), fintech players with crypto exposure such as Coinbase (COIN) and Circle (CRCL), infrastructure names like Core Scientific (CORZ) and Fireblocks, and innovators such as MicroStrategy (MSTR) and BTCS (BTCS). Each of these is riding different waves—AI conversion, regulatory tailwinds, staking, and enterprise-grade tokenization.

Rising Stars: Bitcoin Miners Pivoting to AI

TeraWulf and Cipher Mining have surged recently. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage, labeling both “overweight,” citing their potential in converting mining farms into AI-powered data centers. Projected upside tops 160%. TeraWulf jumped 16.5%, Cipher about 14%, while Bitcoin hovered near $70,000 .

Core Scientific (CORZ) also comes up repeatedly as a noteworthy player. It remains one of North America’s largest miners, offering both mining and hosting services. With Bitcoin’s price and hash rate rising, it’s attracting attention from momentum traders .

Crypto-Focused Fintech: Exchanges & Payment Bridges

Coinbase (COIN) remains a go-to exposure. It handles massive monthly volumes and continues to expand via its Layer 2 network, Base, and tokenized real-world assets. Revenue from subscriptions and services grew by double digits recently .

Circle (CRCL), issuer of USDC stablecoin, is another big one. With over $76 billion in issuance, it’s scaling its payment network globally into eight countries. This positions Circle as a foundational infrastructure layer for digital commerce .

Fireblocks is less public-market but still crucial. This fintech firm anchors secure custody and settlement for digital assets, including stablecoins. Their 2026 acquisitions and launch of their own stablecoin payments network underline growing appetite for regulated infrastructure .

Blockchain Infrastructure: BTC as Treasury, Tokenized Exposure

MicroStrategy (MSTR) is operating as a proxy for Bitcoin, holding over 672,000 BTC. Analysts place it at ~197% upside from current depressed levels, driven by Bitcoin forecasts and its ongoing accumulation strategy .

BTCS (BTCS) is a niche yet fascinating infrastructure play—stakers and validator operator for Ethereum. In 2025, it rolled out a unique loyalty bonus structure by issuing “bividends” in ETH to shareholders, rewarding long-term holding and making it a pioneer in blockchain-based equity incentives .

Broader Blockchain Plays & Tokenization

Securitize is not a public stock but worth understanding—it’s a key player in tokenization. With leading market share in tokenized U.S. Treasuries and equities, and regulatory licenses as a transfer agent and broker-dealer, it fuels institutional-grade blockchain asset issuance .

Animoca Brands, a leader in gaming and NFTs, made headlines in early 2026 for acquiring digital collectibles firm SOMO—signaling renewed momentum in the NFT space .

Quick Snapshot: Key DeFi & Crypto-Linked Stocks Today

| Company | Sector/Edge |
|——————–|——————————————————–|
| TeraWulf (WULF) | Bitcoin miner shifting to AI data center use |
| Cipher Mining (CIFR)| Same strategy as above |
| Core Scientific (CORZ)| Large-scale miner with hosting services |
| Coinbase (COIN) | Crypto exchange expanding into Layer 2 and tokenized assets |
| Circle (CRCL) | Stablecoin issuer scaling payments globally |
| MicroStrategy (MSTR)| BTC treasury proxy, high upside potential |
| BTCS (BTCS) | Ethereum validator, blockchain dividend innovator |
| Fireblocks | Secure infrastructure provider for enterprise crypto |
| Securitize | Tokenization market leader (U.S. Treasuries & equities) |
| Animoca Brands | Gaming & NFT ecosystem consolidation |

Expert Perspective

“The convergence of crypto-mining and AI infrastructure not only offers diversification for miners but also makes them critical players in the next-era data revolution.”

That sums up why miners like TeraWulf and Cipher are suddenly more attractive than just their coin-production capability.

Conclusion

Several stocks stand out today in the blockchain-and-crypto stock universe. Miners pivoting to AI (TeraWulf, Cipher, Core Scientific), fintech and exchange plays (Coinbase, Circle), tokenized and treasury proxies (MicroStrategy, BTCS), secure infrastructure (Fireblocks), and tokenization leaders (Securitize, Animoca Brands)—they all offer distinct risk-reward dynamics. Depending on your view—whether you favor crypto price rebound, regulatory clarity, or institutional infrastructure—there’s a spot in this ecosystem for different strategies.

FAQs

Q: Are TeraWulf and Cipher Mining overvalued if AI demand fades?
A: Their current momentum hinges on converting to AI data centers. If AI demand doesn’t materialize, their crypto mining business alone may not sustain the recent valuations.

Q: Why pay attention to MicroStrategy instead of just Bitcoin?
A: It offers indirect Bitcoin exposure through a regulated equity, possibly with lower friction for traditional investors, especially during crypto market volatility.

Q: What makes BTCS unique?
A: It stakes Ethereum and even pays dividends in ETH—creating a rare case of blockchain-native shareholder rewards that diverge from conventional models.

Q: Should long-term investors consider Securitize?
A: While not publicly traded, it’s foundational for institutional tokenization of real-world assets—its impact could grow as digital securities gain ground.

Q: Is blockchain still relevant amid AI hype?
A: Yes. Even as AI shines, blockchain infrastructure is underpinning tokenization, DeFi, and digital finance tools—making both trends potentially complementary.

Q: What’s the most accessible exposure for retail investors?
A: Coinbase and MicroStrategy offer familiar ticker access. Circle is also emerging, but tokenization and mining plays may require more niche understanding.