Ripple’s latest survey of more than 1,000 global finance leaders points to a clear industry shift: digital assets are no longer viewed as optional innovation, but as core financial infrastructure.
Across banks, asset managers, fintechs, and corporates, firms are increasingly embedding digital assets into everyday operations, from payments and treasury functions to liquidity and risk management. The findings suggest that staying competitive now requires active participation in this evolving ecosystem.
Roughly 70% of respondents said financial institutions must offer digital asset solutions to remain relevant, underscoring how quickly adoption is becoming standard across the industry.
Stablecoins—digital tokens typically pegged to fiat currencies such as the U.S. dollar—emerged as the most practical use case. About 74% of participants said they can improve cash flow efficiency and unlock working capital, reinforcing their growing role as a treasury tool rather than just a payments mechanism.
Fintech firms continue to lead the way, with more already deploying digital assets in treasury and payment workflows compared to traditional institutions. Around 31% use stablecoins to collect customer payments, while 29% accept them directly. Many rely on external custodians and infrastructure providers, though nearly half (47%) are exploring building their own systems.
Meanwhile, banks and asset managers are increasingly focused on tokenization strategies. Among those pursuing this path, 89% prioritize secure custody solutions. Banks are particularly focused on token management (82%), while asset managers are placing greater emphasis on distribution (80%).
Security remains a central concern, with 97% of respondents highlighting the importance of certifications such as ISO and SOC 2, along with strong operational support and industry expertise.
The takeaway is straightforward: digital assets are rapidly becoming a strategic necessity, and the infrastructure decisions made today are likely to determine competitive advantage in the future.
