A recent survey conducted by Ripple in early 2026 has highlighted the accelerating integration of digital assets into mainstream finance.
The survey gathered responses from over 1,000 finance leaders across banks, asset managers, fintechs, and corporates, revealing a clear consensus: digital assets are no longer optional.
A report indicates that 72% of people believe that the provision of digital asset solutions is now essential in order to be competitive in the market.
This is a significant shift from the debate that existed in the past years regarding the need for the adoption of digital assets.
The survey indicates that Tier 1 banks, fintech companies, and people moving away from traditional banks and towards digital platforms are showing interest in the adoption of digital assets, as indicated by the acceleration of stablecoin adoption, tokenization projects, and investments in infrastructure.
Also Read: Ripple Acquisitions Since 2023 Highlight Expansion Strategy
Ripple’s Report Said Stablecoins and Fintechs Take the Lead
Stablecoins have emerged as a key use case for finance leaders. In a Ripple report, it has been indicated that approximately 74% of the participants of the survey understand the potential of stablecoins as a means of enhancing the flow of cash, apart from payment.
Faster settlements, as well as the management of liquidity, are driving the adoption of the technology, especially in treasury. It enables companies to release trapped working capital.
Fintech companies are helping to drive this. Currently, 31% of fintech companies use stablecoins to collect payments from customers, and 29% use stablecoins to make payments.
Fintech companies also focus on building partnerships with custodians or infrastructure companies to protect digital assets.
A total of 47% of fintech companies build their own digital asset solutions. Companies, on the other hand, have chosen to use third-party solutions. A total of 74% of companies plan to use third-party solutions.
Custody and Infrastructure Drive Partner Choices
Security and custody issues dominate the minds of decision-makers. In fact, around 89% of respondents claimed that storage and custody of digital assets were their main concern in choosing a tokenization partner.
Banks, on the other hand, prefer lifecycle management and advisory services, with 85% citing the importance of pre-issuance structuring consultancy services. Asset managers, meanwhile, prefer primary distribution, with 80% citing this as their concern.
Companies favor one-stop-shop infrastructure providers, especially large companies (71%) and fintechs, slightly over 50%. The most critical factors for a partner are regulations, security, and compliance. Certifications such as ISO and SOC II are considered vital for a large majority of 97%.
Also Read: Ripple Boosts Brazil Growth With Payments and VASP License
