A majority of global finance leaders now see digital assets as a necessary part of their business strategy, according to a new survey by Ripple. The report found that 72% of more than 1,000 respondents believe companies need to offer digital asset solutions to remain competitive in today’s financial landscape.

The findings reflect a broader shift in the industry, where firms are moving beyond early experimentation and focusing on how to implement digital asset infrastructure at scale.

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FINANCIAL FIRMS SHIFT FOCUS FROM ADOPTION TO IMPLEMENTATION

Ripple’s survey, which included banks, asset managers, fintech firms and corporates worldwide, shows that the conversation around digital assets is changing. Instead of asking whether to adopt them, many organizations are now deciding how to build, buy or partner for the required infrastructure.

This shift is being supported by clearer regulations in some regions, growing involvement from major financial institutions, and increased use of fintech services. The rising popularity of stablecoins has also played a key role in driving interest.

STABLECOINS EMERGE AS TOP USE CASE FOR DIGITAL ASSETS

Among all digital asset use cases, stablecoins stood out as the most widely supported. Around 74% of respondents said stablecoins can help improve cash flow and unlock capital that is otherwise tied up.

Ripple noted that finance leaders are no longer viewing stablecoins only as a payment tool. Instead, they are increasingly being considered for treasury management and broader financial operations, reflecting their growing role in institutional finance.

Source: Ripple

The survey also suggests that fintech firms are leading adoption. About 47% of fintech companies said they plan to build their own digital asset solutions, while only 14% of corporates intend to do the same. In contrast, 74% of corporates prefer to partner with external providers rather than develop in-house systems.

CUSTODY AND TOKENIZATION DRIVE PRIORITIES FOR BANKS AND ASSET MANAGERS

The report highlights strong interest in tokenization, particularly among banks and asset managers. A key priority for these institutions is digital asset custody, which refers to the secure storage of digital assets.

Around 89% of respondents evaluating tokenization partners identified secure custody as a top concern. Other important factors included token lifecycle management, cited by 82%, and primary distribution, mentioned by 80%.

Banks also showed a higher demand for advisory services, with 85% highlighting the importance of pre-issuance structuring. This compares to 76% of asset managers, indicating that many institutions are seeking expert guidance alongside technology solutions.

SECURITY REMAINS A KEY FACTOR IN PARTNER SELECTION

Security continues to be a critical consideration for financial institutions entering the digital asset space. The survey found that 97% of respondents consider certifications such as ISO and SOC II essential when choosing infrastructure partners.

This focus on security reflects the need for trust and compliance as more traditional financial players engage with blockchain-based systems.

Overall, the survey suggests that digital assets are becoming a standard part of financial services. As Ripple noted, many finance leaders are no longer debating their relevance but are instead focused on how to integrate them effectively into their operations.