Ripple Survey Finds Digital Assets Now Essential For Finance Leaders Globally

TLDR

• 72% of finance leaders say digital assets are required to stay competitive
• 74% view stablecoins as tools for improving cash flow efficiency
• 89% rank digital asset custody as a top priority when choosing partners
• 71% of corporates prefer one-stop-shop infrastructure providers

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Ripple has released an early preview of its 2026 Digital Asset Survey, based on responses from over 1,000 global finance leaders. The findings show that digital assets are now widely seen as necessary for competitiveness, with strong focus on stablecoins, custody, and trusted partners.

Growing Demand for Digital Assets Across Finance

Ripple’s 2026 survey shows a clear shift in how finance leaders view digital assets. A total of 72% of respondents said firms must offer digital asset solutions to remain competitive. This reflects a broad change in market expectations.

The survey included banks, asset managers, fintech firms, and corporates. Many respondents pointed to regulatory progress and increased adoption by large banks. There is also a steady shift of users from banks to fintech platforms.

The report states, “The digital asset revolution is happening now.” This view is shared across regions and sectors. Firms are no longer debating adoption but are planning execution strategies.

Fintech companies continue to lead in adoption. Many already use digital assets in payments and treasury operations. A notable share also supports crypto wallets and stablecoin transactions for customers.

Stablecoins Move Beyond Payments

Stablecoins remain the most widely supported digital asset use case. According to the survey, 74% of finance leaders see them as tools for improving cash flow. This goes beyond their role in payments.

Firms are using stablecoins to manage liquidity and unlock working capital. Faster settlement times are also seen as a key benefit. These features make stablecoins useful in treasury operations.

Fintech firms are ahead in this area. Around 31% use stablecoins to collect payments, while 29% accept them directly. Many also rely on third-party providers for custody and infrastructure.

Corporate firms show a different approach. About 74% prefer to work with external partners instead of building their own systems. This reflects a need for ready solutions and lower operational complexity.

Custody and Partnerships Take Priority

Custody remains a central concern for institutions entering digital assets. The survey shows that 89% of respondents rank custody as a top priority when selecting partners. Secure storage is seen as essential.

Interest in tokenization is also growing. Banks and asset managers are exploring ways to tokenize financial assets. Many seek partners for execution and advisory support.

Among banks, 85% value pre-issuance structuring support. Asset managers focus more on distribution, with 80% ranking it as important. These differences reflect varying operational needs.

Firms also prefer integrated service providers. About 71% of corporates favor one-stop-shop solutions. This helps reduce vendor complexity and improves system integration.

Security and compliance remain key concerns. Around 97% of respondents value certifications such as ISO and SOC II. Technical support and industry experience also influence partner selection.

Ripple’s survey presents a market that is aligning around shared priorities. Firms are focusing on secure infrastructure, trusted partners, and practical use cases as adoption grows.

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