Ripple’s latest survey of more than 1,000 global finance leaders signals a clear shift in industry thinking: digital assets are no longer viewed as experimental—they are becoming essential to modern financial strategy.
Across banks, asset managers, fintech firms, and corporates, digital assets are increasingly being integrated into how institutions handle payments, manage liquidity, and mitigate risk. The findings highlight a growing consensus that adoption is no longer optional but necessary to remain competitive.
According to the survey, 70% of respondents believe financial institutions must offer digital asset capabilities to stay relevant, reinforcing the idea that the transformation of finance is already well underway.
Among the various use cases, stablecoins—digital tokens typically pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar—stood out as the most impactful. About 74% of respondents said stablecoins can enhance cash flow efficiency and unlock working capital, underscoring their rising importance as treasury tools rather than just payment mechanisms.
Fintech companies are leading adoption, with a larger share already using digital assets across treasury and payments compared to traditional banks and corporates. Roughly 31% of fintechs use stablecoins to collect customer payments, while 29% accept them directly. At the same time, many rely on third-party custodians and infrastructure providers, although nearly half (47%) are exploring building in-house solutions.
Meanwhile, banks and asset managers are increasingly focused on tokenization. Around 89% of those pursuing this strategy prioritize secure storage and custody solutions, while banks emphasize token management (82%) and asset managers place greater importance on distribution capabilities (80%).
Security remains a top concern across the board. Nearly all respondents—97%—identified certifications such as ISO and SOC 2 as critical, alongside strong operational support and proven industry expertise.
Overall, the survey underscores a broader trend: digital assets are rapidly becoming a strategic pillar for financial institutions, and the infrastructure choices made today are likely to define competitive positioning in the years ahead.
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