Digital Assets Transforming Finance
Digital assets are rapidly becoming essential in financial services, driven by innovative regulations, increased interest from leading banks, a notable shift from traditional banks to fintech providers, and the growing popularity of stablecoins.
Survey Insights from Ripple
At the beginning of 2026, Ripple surveyed over 1,000 global finance leaders from banks, asset managers, fintechs, and corporations. An overwhelming 72% of respondents expressed a sense of urgency, believing that financial leaders must implement digital asset solutions to stay competitive.
Support for Stablecoins
Finance leaders are particularly optimistic about stablecoins among digital asset applications. A significant 74% believe that stablecoins not only facilitate quicker settlements but also enhance cash-flow efficiency and release locked working capital. This consensus indicates that stablecoins are increasingly viewed as valuable tools for treasury management rather than merely payment methods.
Fintechs at the Forefront
Unsurprisingly, fintech companies are leading the way in digital asset adoption. They are more likely than banks or corporations to utilize digital assets in their treasury or payment processes. Approximately 31% are using stablecoins for customer payments, while 29% accept payments directly in stablecoins, often relying on digital asset custodians for security.
Focus on Digital Asset Custody
Interest in tokenizing financial assets is on the rise, with most banks and asset managers looking for partners to implement their strategies. A notable 89% of those assessing tokenization partners prioritize digital asset storage and custody, while banks also value token servicing highly. Furthermore, a significant majority of institutions prefer partners who can offer comprehensive support in custody and compliance.
Choosing Infrastructure Partners
When evaluating infrastructure partners, over half of fintechs and financial institutions prefer a provider that offers a comprehensive solution. This preference is even more pronounced among corporations, emphasizing the need for seamless integration to navigate the complexities of digital asset management while adhering to heightened governance standards.
The Future of Digital Assets in Finance
This preliminary look at Ripple’s 2026 survey underscores a market becoming more aligned and purposeful. Organizations seek secure, compliant, and scalable solutions that will foster growth. The conclusion is evident: the infrastructure decisions made today will influence competitive positioning in the future.
Discover how your organization can prepare for the next wave of digital asset adoption.
