A new survey conducted by Ripple among more than 1,000 finance leaders worldwide reveals a rapidly growing interest in digital asset solutions across banking, fintech, corporate, and asset management sectors. Ripple is a technology company specializing in blockchain-based payment infrastructure and digital asset solutions, recognized for driving enterprise use of crypto globally. The research underscores a clear consensus on the importance of technologies such as stablecoins and asset tokenization, marking a turning point in institutional adoption.
Stablecoins Reshape Treasury Operations And Working Capital Access
Survey results indicate that 74% of finance executives see stablecoins as a way to improve cash-flow efficiency while unlocking trapped working capital for businesses. This strong perception positions stablecoins as valuable tools beyond payments, increasingly entering treasury management functions.
Fintech companies lead the charge in integrating digital assets into daily operations. A higher percentage of fintechs are utilizing stablecoins for customer payment collection and direct acceptance, with 31% and 29% adoption rates, respectively. In contrast, corporations show a strong preference for working with specialized external partners rather than building capabilities internally.
Tokenization Momentum Drives Infrastructure Partnerships
Interest in tokenization—converting financial assets into digital tokens—continues to surge among banks and asset managers. Institutions are shifting away from experimental projects and moving toward well-structured deployment, often searching for established partners with deep operational experience.
The survey found fintech firms are more likely to develop their own digital asset infrastructures, with 47% building in-house solutions. Only 14% of corporates voiced the same intent, while 74% favor partnerships with providers offering off-the-shelf solutions. This strategic divide is shaping the evolution of infrastructure across segments.
Detailed analysis shows that banks prioritize digital asset custody, token servicing, and lifecycle management, with 89%, 82%, and similarly high rates viewing these as critical. Asset managers, meanwhile, emphasize primary distribution capacity, cited by 80% as key when evaluating partners.
Consultancy and advisory services remain highly valued, with 85% of banks highlighting the need for pre-issuance structuring support, compared to 76% of asset managers. This reflects a demand for expertise that extends beyond technology alone.
For those adopting stablecoin-based payments, 57% indicated a desire for partners capable of integrating custody, orchestration, and compliance—reducing the direct operational burden of managing digital currency balances. Security and sector-specific compliance emerge as prominent concerns as usage expands.
Broader industry worries include regulatory clarity, with 40% ranking this as a top priority. Security follows at 37%, while compliance requirements and price volatility come next at 30% and 29%. Notably, 97% of respondents across all institution types consider security certifications like ISO and SOC II to be critically important in selecting partners for digital asset initiatives.
