The specialists of Mercado Bitcoin (MB) listed the promising cryptocurrencies for 2025 after analyzing the growth prospects, utility, community engagement, and the ability to generate network effects of each project.
Check out the list of the most promising cryptocurrencies, the potential for appreciation in this market, and how to invest safely.
The analysis team (Research) of MB listed in September the 11 most promising cryptocurrencies for the coming months, detailing the rationale behind the choice and the prospects of each selection. However, it is essential to recognize that predicting the performance of cryptocurrencies is challenging, given the high volatility and the various factors that influence prices, including investors' risk appetite.
Bitcoin (BTC): security and leadership among institutions
Bitcoin ($BTC ) remains a promising cryptocurrency due to the immense power of mining that protects the network and the decentralization guaranteed by the thousands of users running the software on their machines, making it the safest and most recognized option in the market.
Bitcoin mining machines. Source: CNBC
Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. reached US$ 146 billion in deposits in September 2025, evidencing the demand for an asset with a rigid monetary policy and resistance to censorship. Meanwhile, the processing power (hashrate) of the network's miners saw a 51% increase in 12 months.
There is no doubt that this cryptocurrency can reach new all-time highs as investors begin to value its predictable monetary policy. Our Research team sees appreciation potential for Bitcoin given the increasing demand from institutional investors.
Ethereum (ETH): leader in decentralized finance (DeFi)
Ethereum ($ETH ) was the first cryptocurrency to allow the creation of smart contracts and digital assets on its blockchain. Several competitors have emerged promising to enhance this system, but Ethereum maintains its leadership in deposited value on the network and in the number of active developers.
More than 600 decentralized applications have already been built in its ecosystem, strengthening the network effect and, consequently, the appreciation of ETH. Its prominent position in total value locked (TVL), with US$ 95 billion, highlights strong investor interest in applications based on this blockchain.
Currently, 30% of the total ETH coins in circulation are locked in staking, a process that validates and records transactions. The MB Research team sees high potential for ETH as the native currency of the network, along with consistent growth of scalability solutions via layer-2.
Solana (SOL): focus on usability and scalability
Solana ($SOL ) is a platform for executing smart contracts and a direct competitor to Ethereum. Its main differentiator lies in the network of validators with high processing capacity, resulting in significantly lower costs for the user.
Solana app store on the Seeker smartphone. Phone: SolanaMobile
The SOL cryptocurrency is used to pay for transaction registration fees on the network, which can be up to 20 times lower than those of Ethereum. Thanks to this robust infrastructure, Solana positions itself as a strong candidate to become the preferred blockchain for high-demand applications.
The focus on mobile experience led to the launch of a proprietary smartphone, fully integrated with Web3 applications. This advancement contributed to the total value locked (TVL) reaching US$ 14 billion, placing Solana in the runner-up position in the sector.
Recognized for its ease of use, the promising cryptocurrency continues to have excellent prospects.
Ripple (XRP): settlement mechanism for international remittances
Ripple (XRP) is the native cryptocurrency of the XRP Ledger, a distributed database aimed at settling fast and low-cost international transfers. The project emerged with the proposal to offer an alternative to the traditional SWIFT interbank remittance system and has partnered with relevant players in the sector.
The American company Ripple is responsible for coordinating the validators of this distributed database, allowing confirmations in a few seconds and processing up to 1,500 transactions per second, with extremely low fees. Its mechanism enables the creation and administration of tokens, including those backed by real-world assets (RWA).
By establishing partnerships with financial institutions and liquidity providers, Ripple seeks solutions that use XRP as collateral for transfers and records, as well as offering technology services for integration and connectivity to the XRP Ledger, expanding the appreciation potential of the cryptocurrency.
Tron (TRX): high-performance ecosystem for smart contracts
Tron (TRX) is a blockchain focused on fast and low-cost transactions, with an emphasis on decentralized applications. Its ecosystem connects developers and users in a scalable environment, allowing for almost instantaneous and accessible transfers. This ease of use has led the network to become a runner-up in the stablecoin segment.
By offering high performance without depending on layer two solutions, Tron has captured a significant share of the collateralized lending and yield-bearing deposit market in the decentralized application JustLend. The TRX cryptocurrency is used for both paying fees on the network and as collateral for validators in the staking process.
Although not fully compatible with Ethereum applications, Tron offers practical integration solutions, allowing users to transition between networks simply and economically. The growing demand for stablecoins reinforces the attractiveness of TRX as an investment option.
Hyperliquid (HYPE): leader in synthetic derivatives trading
Hyperliquid (HYPE) is a decentralized exchange focused on synthetic derivatives, offering trading of perpetual contracts with high speed. By controlling all infrastructure, Hyperliquid provides an experience comparable to centralized platforms.
Its differentiator lies in its own architecture, called Hyperliquid Chain, which provides greater decentralization compared to traditional exchanges, without compromising performance. Perpetual contracts function as bets on the rise or fall of an asset's future price, with automatic rolling and adjusted by periodic financing fees.
Hyperliquid generated over US$ 100 million in revenue in August 2025, primarily from trading and settlement fees, with more than 90% of these funds allocated to repurchasing the HYPE cryptocurrency.
MB Research identifies high potential in the project, which has stood out by presenting unique characteristics capable of driving an even more intense appreciation cycle.
Chainlink (LINK): infrastructure for interoperability and automation
Chainlink (LINK) is the standard infrastructure for oracles and interoperability that connects the blockchain universe to real-world data. Its system enables the secure transfer of digital assets (tokens) and messages between different blockchains. By integrating with the Solana network, Chainlink reached a 68% market share in oracle services for blockchain.
At the core of this system is the cryptocurrency LINK, used as collateral by validators and for compensating data providers. Validation mechanisms for the collateral of off-blockchain assets and the data used in decentralized applications are managed by the Chainlink oracle.
Partnerships with major institutions, including Mastercard and JP Morgan, legitimize the network, especially in the traditional financial sector.
MB Research sees Chainlink's infrastructure as an essential pillar for the growth of tokenization applications, integration between multiple blockchains, and connection with the traditional financial system.
Pendle (PENDLE): possibility of tokenizing future yields
Pendle (PENDLE) is a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol that allows trading future yields of digital assets. To do this, it divides each application into two tokens: one that represents the principal value (PT) and another that corresponds to the yield (YT). This structure enables strategies such as locking in a fixed rate, betting on the rise or fall of yields, and protecting returns in DeFi applications.
The protocol is expanding: the total value locked (TVL) surpassed US$ 12 billion, driven by the launch of Boros, its leverage trading platform. Pendle currently has annualized revenues of US$ 60 million and consistent trading volumes.
For the investor, the proposal is clear: access rates of different digital products with unprecedented flexibility, including staking yields and, in the future, tokenized U.S. Treasury securities. MB Research sees Pendle as a potential leader in yield tokenization derivatives.
Ondo Finance (ONDO): focus on tokenization of real-world assets
Ondo Finance (ONDO) is a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform that stands out in the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA). The project allows the registration of traditional financial assets, such as U.S. Treasury securities, on the blockchain.
The cryptocurrency ONDO is central to the Ondo Finance ecosystem, with its main function in participating in governance decisions. Its holders can vote on the development and policies of the platform.
Ondo Finance developed protocols to optimize the distribution and utility of traditional market securities, focusing on security and transparency. For users, Ondo Finance offers access to institutional financial products that are typically unavailable to the average investor.
The tokenization of these assets increases liquidity and efficiency in trading. Among the available products is USDY, a cryptocurrency backed by U.S. Treasury notes and bank deposits, offering yield to holders.
SUI: high-performance blockchain with institutional appeal
SUI is a blockchain network that aims to reduce the time and effort needed to launch decentralized applications. Its blockchain combines high processing capacity with robust security, has US$ 2 billion locked in deposits, and offers compatibility with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) applications.
The Sui network was designed to simplify application creation without requiring advanced programming knowledge. By utilizing linked data technology (DAG), it allows the execution of transactions in parallel, as simple movements do not require consensus.
Mysten Labs, responsible for the launch, received more than US$ 330 million in investments. The SUI cryptocurrency is used to reward validators, pay for transaction processing capacity, and participate in governance voting.
MB Research sees growth potential for the Sui network due to its institutional appeal.
Aave (AAVE): leader in decentralized lending
Aave (AAVE) is a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol that facilitates loans of digital assets. The platform connects lenders and borrowers, allowing investors to earn interest on their deposits while others access credit securely.
The requirement for collateral exceeding 100% reduces risks and makes the system more robust. If the collateral margin falls below a certain level, the protocol takes back the deposited assets to cover interest payments.
This application is a leader in the segment, with US$ 41 billion in deposits (TVL). The AAVE cryptocurrency can be used for staking, generating rewards, and granting governance rights over the protocol. Depositors can also earn additional yields by providing synthetic coins for collateralized loans.
In addition to constant innovation, this protocol uses part of the fees received to repurchase AAVE tokens and remove them from circulation (burn), creating appreciation through scarcity.
Why is decentralized finance a promising sector?
The transparency and security of the automated execution of smart contracts have given rise to financial applications using blockchain, such as loans, exchanges, insurance, and synthetic derivatives.
Decentralized finance (DeFi) applications can be accessed without identification, in a transparent and auditable manner.
Optimism increased after regulatory advances in the U.S. and the Trump family's personal investments in the sector.
The accumulated transaction volume in the DeFi sector is expected to reach US$10 trillion this year, driven by greater institutional adoption.
As integration with traditional markets grows, the invested capital also increases. Furthermore, scalability solutions that elevate speed and reduce transaction costs continue to attract new users.
Why is artificial intelligence (AI) a promising sector?
The integration between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain is advancing rapidly by enhancing on-chain data analysis, as well as strengthening security in DeFi platforms by identifying suspicious transactions and mitigating risks.
The use of AI makes the automation of smart contracts more efficient by reducing vulnerabilities and optimizing processes.
Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) use AI for security and pricing of synthetic derivatives.
Analytical platforms apply predictive models to generate strategic insights and assist in investment decisions.
Financial and technology companies are investing in the convergence of AI and blockchain to enhance scalability and protection against fraud. Reports confirm that the adoption of AI in the crypto sector is already a consolidated reality.
Why is tokenization a promising sector?
Tokenization is the process of transforming real-world assets (RWAs) into digital representations on the blockchain, facilitating their management and trading. This procedure involves an entity responsible for managing the underlying asset and any payments.
RWA is expected to reach US$600 billion by 2030, according to a study by the Boston Consulting Group, a growth of 50 times in 6 years.
The study indicates that the demand for tokenized funds (RWA) could represent 1% of global mutual funds and ETFs.
RWA includes both physical assets, such as real estate and works of art, and intangibles, such as copyrights, royalties, and patents.
RWAs are 100% backed, meaning they have a full reserve guarantee, ensuring that each issued digital asset has an intrinsic value linked to it.
Why is scalability a promising sector?
First-generation blockchain networks, such as Ethereum, process about 15 transactions per second, which makes it impossible for applications requiring high performance, such as decentralized derivative exchanges or real-time payment systems.
To circumvent this problem, scalability solutions (layer-2) have emerged, such as Arbitrum and Optimism. These solutions maintain Ethereum's security while processing thousands of transactions off the main layer, at a lower cost.
Networks like Tron and Solana offer high processing capacity but sacrifice decentralization, as they require more robust consensus and validators with high computational power. This concentration creates risks of censorship and coordinated attacks.
According to the L2Beat website, the total value locked in layer two exceeds US$ 56 billion, confirming its growing adoption as a sustainable alternative.
Volatility and uncertainty in promising cryptocurrencies
Promising cryptocurrencies are subject to variations in supply and demand, just like other variable income assets, where there is no predictability of return. These fluctuations are influenced by psychological factors, regulatory issues, and competition with traditional agents. In summary, volatility in quotes is an inherent characteristic of cryptocurrencies.
This instability creates an attractive opportunity for investors with a compatible risk profile and the ability to absorb corrections, which are natural in any emerging market. The uncertainty regarding the pace of technology adoption, as well as security and usability issues, makes investing in cryptocurrencies both challenging and potentially rewarding.
What makes a promising cryptocurrency?
Our Research area has gone beyond promises and marketing by considering the unique characteristics and potential of each cryptocurrency. To do this, it analyzed the market size of the segment, competitors, active addresses, community participation, governance issues, update forecasts, growth prospects, and the ability to generate network effects.
The choice of the 11 promising cryptocurrencies took into account the current market capitalization, trading volume, and delivery history. The MB Research team sought cryptocurrencies with good appreciation prospects based on their technological potential, innovation, team, strategic partnerships, and ability to maintain sustainable growth.
Beware of false promising cryptocurrencies
Although cryptocurrency technology is secure, the characteristic of decentralization allows anyone or any company to create a project. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious of malicious developers and harmful codes.
Some cryptocurrencies put billions of tokens into circulation to ensure a low unit value, creating the illusion of low value.
False cryptocurrencies may present strong highs at launch while tokens circulate in the hands of a few investors.
It is common for there to be lock-up mechanisms for sales initially, creating a false impression of appreciation and high demand.
There are cases where the development team disappeared after launch.
Where to buy promising cryptocurrencies securely?
MB is the safest exchange in Latin America, operating professionally, uninterruptedly, and without incidents since 2013, being the only one with this history. We are part of the 2TM group, which controls the fintech MB Pay, a Payment Institution authorized by the Central Bank of Brazil.
We operate in full compliance with all local rules intended for the intermediation and custody of crypto-assets.
The balances and amounts presented on our platforms faithfully reflect the assets under our custody.
We have adopted rigorous prevention measures and safeguards, making it almost impossible for a single attack to result in loss of funds.
Are there promising cryptocurrencies on foreign exchanges?
When an exchange opts to establish domicile in a tax haven, it can pose serious risks in potential litigation. Similarly, actions or resources involving intermediaries abroad tend to be more time-consuming, and the chances of asset blocking are significantly lower. For this reason, buying promising cryptocurrencies on foreign exchanges offers a lower level of protection to the investor.
The 'Cryptocurrency Law' establishes the need to incorporate the company in Brazil, aiming to increase security and reliability in the system. These measures, which we have supported from the beginning, help to raise confidence in the Brazilian market. Therefore, caution is recommended with foreign exchanges that rely on third parties to mediate payments in reais.
How to buy promising cryptocurrencies securely?
Investment security in cryptocurrencies does not depend solely on exchanges. Customers also play a fundamental role in protecting their access, passwords, and devices. Many common risks can be avoided by adopting simple yet effective practices.
Updated antivirus: Install a good antivirus and configure it to perform periodic automatic scans. Even free versions offer an adequate level of protection.
Strong passwords: Use complex passwords, different for each account, combining numbers, uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and special characters. Change your passwords regularly, approximately every 90 days.
Be careful when opening links: Verify that the address of a site (URL) is indeed from the company in question. Use evaluation sites like Link Psafe, a 100% free tool for users.
Two-step verification: Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security, which protects your access with a 6-digit code generated every 30 seconds by an app.
Biometric identification: For added security, when available, enable biometric authentication or Face ID, adding an additional layer of protection.
Public networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as they are more susceptible to attacks. Prefer to use your mobile operator's 4G or 5G network.
Personal information: Be cautious with social media accounts and emails that appear similar to official ones, as they may be used by attackers to request passwords and personal information.
How to store promising cryptocurrencies securely?
The cryptocurrency wallet stores the private keys that give access to digital assets and allows transactions in the linked electronic addresses. In practice, it functions like a banking app, protecting the user's funds.
Examples of cryptocurrency hardware wallets. Source: DappRadar
Wallets can be of two main types: software, which are applications installed on computers or smartphones, and hardware, physical devices that store keys offline, offering greater security against attacks.
When a wallet is created, the user receives a master key (seed), usually a sequence of 12 or 24 words in English, with which it is possible to recover access to crypto assets on any device. Therefore, it is essential to keep it in a safe place, away from the internet.