KPMG, in partnership with H2 Ventures, has released its 2018 Global Fintech 100 report, spotlighting the world’s most innovative financial technology companies. PANews analysis reveals that 21 of these top 100 firms are actively engaged in blockchain or cryptocurrency ventures—signaling rapid adoption of decentralized technologies in fintech.
Key Insights
- Blockchain Adoption: 9 companies leverage blockchain for financial solutions.
- Crypto Services: 12 firms specialize in cryptocurrency trading, payments, or derivatives.
- Geographic Diversity: Leading firms span China, Japan, the U.S., and Europe.
- Rapid Growth: 6 of the 13 "Newcomer 50" companies were founded in 2017.
Global 50 Ranking: Blockchain Leaders
| Rank | Company | Focus Area | Country | Notable Achievements |
|-------|-------------------|------------------|---------|-----------------------|
| 1 | Ant Financial | Payments | China | Integrates blockchain, AI, and IoT for inclusive finance. |
| 8 | Robinhood | Wealth Management| U.S. | Zero-commission stock/ETF trading + crypto services. |
| 11 | OneConnect | Banking Solutions| China | Serves 450+ banks with blockchain/AI-driven platforms. |
| 13 | Revolut | Payments | U.K. | Multi-currency accounts + crypto investments. |
| 27 | Dianrong | Lending | China | Developing blockchain-based supply chain finance on R3’s Corda. |
| 29 | QUOINE | Crypto Exchange | Japan | First FSA-approved global crypto exchange; $50B+ annual trades. |
| 40 | Circle | Payments | U.S. | Offers Circle Pay, Poloniex, and institutional trading services. |
| 48 | Coinbase | Payments | U.S. | Simplifies crypto trading with secure wallets and fiat gateways. |
👉 Explore how blockchain transforms finance
Newcomer 50: Rising Innovators
- Agri Digital (Australia): Blockchain-powered grain supply chain payments.
- Bankera (Lithuania): Hybrid bank bridging traditional and crypto finance.
- BlockFi (U.S.): Crypto-backed USD loans with institutional custody.
- Power Ledger (Australia): P2P renewable energy trading via blockchain.
- TenX (Singapore): Multi-crypto debit cards for global spending.
FAQ
Q: Which company topped the Fintech 100 list?
A: Ant Financial (China) ranked #1 for the third consecutive year.
Q: Are there any crypto exchanges in the top 50?
A: Yes—Japan’s QUOINE (#29) is the sole exchange listed.
Q: How many blockchain firms were newcomers?
A: 13, with 6 founded just a year before the report.
👉 Discover more fintech trends
Methodology: The rankings evaluate innovation, funding, scalability, and market impact. Newcomers are selected for groundbreaking tech or business models.
This curated list underscores blockchain’s pivotal role in reshaping global finance—from payments to asset management. As adoption accelerates, these companies are at the forefront of the decentralized revolution.