Coinbase Joins Nasdaq and S&P Global as Top Fintech Pick for 2026

TLDR

• Clear Street’s Owen Lau predicts Coinbase to be a leading fintech by 2026.
• Coinbase’s stablecoin revenue and regulatory clarity are key growth drivers.
• USDC and new product lines will likely boost Coinbase’s performance in 2026.
• Regulatory catalysts and AI tools position Coinbase for future growth.

Clear Street analyst Owen Lau has named Coinbase (COIN) one of his top three fintech picks for 2026, alongside Nasdaq and S&P Global. With its growing focus on blockchain adoption, stablecoin revenue, and innovative financial products like tokenization and AI tools, Coinbase is set to thrive in a “transition year” for crypto equities. Lau’s optimistic outlook positions Coinbase as a leading player in the future of blockchain-based finance.

Coinbase Named a Top 2026 Fintech Pick by Clear Street Analyst

Clear Street analyst Owen Lau has listed Coinbase (COIN) as one of his top three fintech picks for 2026, alongside Nasdaq (NDAQ) and S&P Global (SPGI). Lau’s optimistic outlook on Coinbase reflects his belief that the crypto exchange is well-positioned to capitalize on blockchain adoption and evolving regulatory frameworks.

He points to the company’s diversified revenue streams and its expansion into areas like tokenization, payments, and derivatives as key factors contributing to its potential success in the coming years.

Lau has maintained a “Buy” rating on Coinbase, with a 12-month price target of $415, which represents about 70% upside. The analyst sees Coinbase benefiting from significant developments in the cryptocurrency market, including regulatory clarity, increased stablecoin usage, and the growing demand for blockchain-based financial services. While many crypto companies struggle during market downturns, Lau believes Coinbase’s diversification efforts will help it navigate the crypto cycles more effectively.

Diversification into Stablecoin and Subscription Revenue

A major contributor to Coinbase’s potential growth, according to Lau, is its focus on stablecoin-related activities, particularly through USDC, the stablecoin co-managed with Circle. Coinbase shares a significant portion of revenue from USDC, which gives it a reliable income stream outside of the volatile spot trading market. This focus on stablecoins and subscription-based services could provide Coinbase with a more stable foundation compared to other crypto firms that are heavily reliant on trading volume.

The analyst also points to Coinbase’s growing role in other blockchain-based finance areas. Its involvement in tokenization, payments, and derivatives broadens its business model, making it less dependent on fluctuating trading volumes. Lau anticipates that Coinbase’s shift towards these sectors will help it perform better in a “transition year” for crypto equities, where the focus will shift from trading volumes to genuine adoption of blockchain technology in financial services.

Regulatory Clarity and Legislative Developments

Lau identifies regulatory clarity as another important factor that could fuel Coinbase’s growth. As the crypto industry continues to evolve, U.S. legislation regarding crypto market structure and stablecoin regulations could act as significant catalysts for the company. Lau expects that as the regulatory landscape becomes more defined, Coinbase, with its established compliance infrastructure, will be well-positioned to take advantage of new market opportunities.

Additionally, Coinbase’s international reach and its strong balance sheet are factors that further enhance its attractiveness as an investment. The company’s ability to operate across multiple jurisdictions and its robust financial foundation will help it weather regulatory challenges and position itself for long-term success. Lau believes these factors will allow Coinbase to thrive as the crypto space matures in the coming years.

AI Tools and New Product Lines as Growth Catalysts

Coinbase’s exploration into prediction markets and the potential development of a “superapp” for blockchain-based finance also stands to drive growth. Moreover, the company’s focus on AI-based financial tools is another area where it could gain a competitive edge. Lau views these initiatives as potential growth levers, which could enhance Coinbase’s product offerings and improve its market position by 2026.

As the market shifts towards real-world adoption of blockchain technology, Coinbase’s diversified product pipeline and innovative approach to financial services should help it capitalize on emerging trends. Lau’s projections reflect confidence in Coinbase’s ability to lead in the next phase of blockchain adoption, positioning the company as a top fintech player.

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