Ripple’s latest survey of more than 1,000 finance leaders worldwide highlights a turning point for the industry, with digital assets now seen as essential rather than experimental.

Financial institutions—including banks, asset managers, fintech firms, and corporates—are increasingly integrating digital assets into key functions such as payments, liquidity management, and risk strategies. The report suggests that adoption is quickly becoming a baseline requirement to remain competitive.

About 70% of respondents said firms must offer digital asset capabilities to keep pace, reinforcing the view that the shift toward blockchain-based finance is already well underway.

Stablecoins emerged as the most compelling use case. These fiat-pegged digital tokens, often tied to the U.S. dollar, were cited by 74% of participants as tools that can improve cash flow efficiency and unlock working capital—positioning them as valuable instruments for treasury management, not just payments.

Fintech companies continue to lead adoption, with a higher proportion already using digital assets in treasury and payment operations compared to traditional players. Roughly 31% use stablecoins for customer collections, while 29% accept them directly. While many rely on third-party custody and infrastructure providers, 47% are considering building proprietary solutions.

At the same time, banks and asset managers are ramping up tokenization efforts. Among those exploring this space, 89% prioritize secure custody solutions, while banks focus heavily on token management (82%) and asset managers emphasize distribution (80%).

Security remains a critical concern across the board. Nearly all respondents—97%—pointed to certifications such as ISO and SOC 2 as essential, alongside strong operational capabilities and industry expertise.

The broader message is clear: digital assets are becoming a strategic pillar for financial institutions, and the choices made today around infrastructure and partnerships are likely to define competitive positioning in the years ahead.