In recent years, blockchain has started reshaping the future of finance, money and more. Blockchain technology not only supports the functions of cryptocurrencies like Ether, Bitcoin, and Ripple, it potentially has the power to transform marketplaces and how data is stored and transferred around the world.
Companies across many sectors including technology, healthcare, and technology are looking into blockchain studies and development in search of better transmission of data, better scam prevention methods and cost saving through effectiveness. In fact, within the next ten years, blockchain platforms will be more than 10% of the world’s GDP. This makes blockchain a really great investment opportunity.
1. IBM (NYSE: IBM)
IBM desperately needed a new technology in order to revive its fading influence. Luckily they found blockchain. As of now, IBM has employed more than 1,500 people to focus on developing projects that are powered by blockchain technology. This makes IBM one of the best Blockchain stocks to invest in.
IBM started its research on Blockchain even before Bitcoin hit the mainstream. The company currently has more than 500 active Blockchain projects in multiple sectors such as government, logistics, healthcare, and finance.
2. Microsoft (NYSE: MSFT)
This company has been researching blockchain technology since 2015. Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform was the first service to create a link between the cloud and blockchain. Azure helps companies improve the safety of their transactions by leveraging Blockchain’s capabilities.
The Azure platform has been implemented by big names, including AT&T and NASDAQ. Azure runs on the Ethereum blockchain which means that it depends on the decisions the Ethereum Foundation makes on its updates.
Microsoft has also connected its blockchain services to numerous of its own applications, such as Sharepoint Online and Office 365. It also connects apps for other companies including Twitter and salesforce.com.
3. Oracle (NYSE: ORCL)
Oracle offers Cloud Services as part of its Blockchain-as-a-Service portfolio. Oracle Blockchain Cloud Service utilizes blockchain technology to allow apps to securely and correctly verify identifications, data sharing, single sign-on, smart contracts creation, and other services. The company says that the cloud service will create more value by increasing transactions and minimizing costs.
The company has been a part of the Hyperledger Fabric blockchain platform for more than 12 months as well. Oracle is also currently working with Infosys to develop cloud services for companies, which will help businesses improve transaction security and database interoperability.
4. Mastercard (NYSE: MA)
Although Mastercard comes from the global payments sector, it was unexpected to learn that it has been very bullish on Blockchain for a very long time. In October 2017, Mastercard began offering banks a Blockchain based alternative to making payments, an alternative to credit cards.
Mastercard was the second Fortune 500 company after IBM to develop decentralized payments.
The also filed a patent application that will be able to make their transactions anonymous.
Mastercard, which is among the most successful IPOS ever, is a great investment choice for blockchain given its experience and value.
5. Nasdaq (NASDAQ: NDAQ)
Nasdaq is among the top financial companies dedicated to utilizing the power of blockchain. In 2015, The company announced its first Nasdaq private sector securities trade using blockchain. The company hopes its Nasdaq Linq blockchain technology will allow any investor to trade in the private securities sector for the first time.
6. Hitachi (NYSE: HIT)
Hitachi is a leading Japanese conglomerate that has been developing some blockchain based projects since 2016. The company recently started working with Mizuhi to develop a blockchain service for decentralized supply chain management. Hitachi also kicked off a project to use blockchain for fingerprint identification in retail payments. Hitachi which has a market cap of $38.5 billion, is an excellent blockchain investment option.
7. Daimler (OTCMKTS: DDAIF)
This car company that is based in Germany (known mainly for its Mercedes Benz) became one of the first auto-giants to get into Blockchain. Daimler also became one of the first companies to introduce its own Blockchain bond they called Schuldschein.
With significant investments in other advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Daimler is considered to be the digital leader of the global car sector.