An updated edition of the Aug. 31, 2026 article.

Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are reshaping financial infrastructure. Their applications extend beyond trading to digital-dollar payments, tokenized securities, credit distribution and automated settlement, potentially reducing friction in transactions traditionally handled by intermediaries.

Among others, Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD Quick QuoteHOOD - Free Report) , Circle Internet Group, Inc. (CRCL Quick QuoteCRCL - Free Report) and Figure Technology Solutions, Inc. (FIGR Quick QuoteFIGR - Free Report) offer distinct exposure to this transition through digital-asset investment platforms, stablecoin networks and blockchain-powered lending markets, respectively.

Institutional interest continues to support the industry's long-term potential. The 2026 Coinbase and EY-Parthenon survey of 351 institutional investors found that 86% of respondents were either using or interested in stablecoins. Meanwhile, 73% of respondents planned to increase digital-asset allocations, while 67% prioritized tokenization capabilities over the next two years. These findings suggest that institutions are increasingly looking beyond cryptocurrency investment toward the practical applications of blockchain technology.

Regulatory developments are also helping establish a clearer operating environment. On Oct. 21, 2026, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency finalized rules implementing the GENIUS Act, covering reserve requirements, redemption, risk management and supervision of payment stablecoin issuers under its jurisdiction. The regulations will become effective on Jan. 18, 2027. Greater regulatory clarity could encourage financial institutions to expand their use of stablecoins.

For investors, lasting value will depend less on speculative trading cycles than on businesses that develop distribution advantages, attract institutional liquidity and earn fees from everyday financial workflows, though competition, cyber risks and regulatory costs remain meaningful hurdles.

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Robinhood Markets is developing a broader digital-asset business by combining cryptocurrency trading, blockchain infrastructure and tokenized investments with its established brokerage platform. Its acquisition of Bitstamp expanded access to global cryptocurrency markets, while its growing customer base offers a distribution channel for new financial products.

A major step in its blockchain strategy came on July 1, 2026, with the public mainnet launch of Robinhood Chain, an Ethereum Layer 2 network built using Arbitrum technology. The company also introduced stock tokens through Robinhood Wallet for eligible users in more than 120 countries, subject to local availability. The offerings extend Robinhood's services into decentralized finance and tokenized securities, creating potential new sources of customer engagement.

International expansion provides further opportunities. Recently, Robinhood announced authorization from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to introduce its retail investment platform from the Dubai International Financial Centre. The company plans a 2027 launch, with its permitted offerings including cryptocurrencies and investment tokens. Its earlier acquisition of WonderFi deepens Robinhood's Canadian crypto presence. These broaden its digital-asset reach.

Robinhood currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Circle Internet Group offers exposure to the growing use of stablecoins in financial transactions. Its USDC stablecoin supports digital-asset trading, payments and settlement activities, while its infrastructure enables businesses to incorporate blockchain-based money transfers into existing operations. The company's ability to expand USDC distribution and develop additional payment applications supports long-term growth.

Arc advances Circle from stablecoin issuer toward infrastructure provider. Launched in September, the blockchain combines dollar-denominated fees, rapid finality and Circle Payments Network integration. Institutional validators and developer tools could attract payment and tokenization workflows, supporting additional platform economics.

Distribution agreements expand reach without requiring Circle to win customers individually. Binance's five-year partnership broadens USDC access, while Tereina's SAP integration brings stablecoins into corporate workflows. The proposed Tazapay acquisition could add payment corridors, subject to an anticipated 2027 closing.

Regulation strengthens the long-term thesis. Circle received approval for a national trust bank in July, potentially reinforcing institutional custody credentials as stablecoin rules mature. Wider payment applications could diversify revenues of this Zacks Rank #1 company and strengthen shareholder returns.

Figure Technology Solutions is building its presence in capital markets by applying blockchain technology to consumer lending and asset financing. Through Figure Connect, the company facilitates transactions between loan originators and institutional investors, while its on-chain lending platform, Democratized Prime, provides an additional funding mechanism.
 
Growth in marketplace participation could increase transaction volumes and create opportunities across different lending categories. Figure’s blockchain-based lending ecosystem has facilitated approximately $30 billion in cumulative home-equity loan originations, with more than 489 partners leveraging its technology to access lending and capital markets. Preliminary third-quarter marketplace volume exceeded $5.1 billion, up 107% annually, validating repeatable loan distribution.

Democratized Prime deepens this model by offering lenders blockchain-based financing between origination and sale. Matched offers reached $588 million at September-end, up 50% sequentially. Connecting funding with secondary-market liquidity could significantly improve capital velocity and reinforce marketplace participation.

YLDS adds a tokenized, yield-bearing security to Figure's asset platform. Circulation stood at $504 million in September. Greater adoption could improve collateral and on-chain settlement flexibility.

This Zacks Rank #1 company is also expanding into adjacent lending categories. The company completed its acquisition of Kiavi in September, strengthening its presence in residential real estate financing. Its small-business financing ecosystem funded $135 million during the third quarter, including more than $50 million in September, with annualized funding volume exceeding $500 million. These developments could broaden the range of assets traded and financed through Figure's blockchain marketplace.