In a recent analysis, Clear Street analyst Owen Lau has identified his top three fintech stock picks for the year 2026, with a surprising inclusion of a cryptocurrency company. Lau”s selections feature major financial players, including Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) and S&P Global (Nasdaq: SPGI), alongside the well-known crypto exchange, Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN), as reported by CoinDesk on December 26.
Founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, Coinbase has established itself as the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States. The company went public in 2021 and has since expanded its operations to more than 100 countries worldwide. Notably, Coinbase joined the S&P 500 index in May of this year, marking a significant milestone in its growth.
Lau has assigned a “Buy” rating to Coinbase, reflecting his confidence in the company”s potential. With over a decade of expertise in equity research focusing on financial technology within global capital markets, Lau views Coinbase as a pivotal player in the ongoing transition toward blockchain-based financial systems. He believes the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing adoption of blockchain technology and the anticipated regulatory clarity in the cryptocurrency sector.
In his outlook report, Lau pointed out Coinbase”s growing revenue streams, particularly from its subscription services, stablecoins, and on-chain financial offerings. He emphasized that the company”s strategic shift away from reliance on volatile spot trading towards more stable areas such as tokenization, payments, and derivatives could enhance its resilience against market fluctuations.
Looking ahead, Lau highlighted several catalysts that could positively influence Coinbase”s valuation by 2026. These include potential U.S. legislation regarding cryptocurrency market structure and stablecoins, which could reshape the market landscape. Furthermore, Coinbase”s initiatives in prediction markets, the development of a “superapp,” and the integration of AI-driven tools are expected to serve as significant growth engines.
Lau describes 2026 as a “transitional year” for cryptocurrency equities, where investors will prioritize signs of genuine adoption over mere trading volumes. He argues that Coinbase”s robust balance sheet, extensive global presence, and diverse range of products uniquely position it to thrive during this pivotal period.
Currently, Lau maintains a 12-month price target of $415 for COIN stock, while it was trading at $237.27, down 1% at the time of this report.
