Ripple’s new survey of more than 1,000 global finance executives underscores a major shift in mindset: digital assets are no longer viewed as optional experiments but as critical components of financial strategy.
Across banks, asset managers, fintechs, and corporates, digital assets are increasingly being embedded into core operations—from payments and treasury management to risk mitigation. The findings point to a growing belief that firms must adopt these technologies to stay competitive.
Seven in ten respondents said offering digital asset solutions is now essential, reflecting a broad consensus that the transformation of finance is already in motion.
Stablecoins—digital tokens typically pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar—stood out as the most practical and widely supported use case. Around 74% of participants said stablecoins can enhance cash flow efficiency and unlock working capital, highlighting their expanding role as treasury tools rather than just payment rails.
Fintech firms are leading the adoption curve, with a greater share already using digital assets in treasury and payments compared to banks and corporates. About 31% use stablecoins to collect customer payments, while 29% accept them directly. While many rely on third-party custodians and infrastructure providers, nearly half (47%) are exploring building in-house capabilities.
Meanwhile, banks and asset managers are accelerating efforts in tokenization. Among those pursuing it, 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 top priority across the industry. Nearly all respondents—97%—identified certifications such as ISO and SOC 2 as critical, along with robust operational support and proven expertise.
The takeaway is clear: digital assets are rapidly becoming a strategic necessity, and the infrastructure choices institutions make today will play a defining role in shaping their competitive advantage in the future.
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