Amidst intensifying competition in the global financial industry, financial institutions are accelerating their adoption of digital assets. The latest survey indicates that industry leaders now view digital assets as essential infrastructure rather than optional innovation. This shift reflects evolving expectations from banks, fintech firms, and asset managers regarding digital assets.
Stablecoins continue to see increased use in treasury and payment functions, with approximately 74% of respondents reporting that stablecoins have improved cash flow efficiency and unlocked working capital. Furthermore, financial leaders are increasingly utilizing them for treasury management, signaling more practical applications for stablecoins within traditional financial systems.
However, companies are adopting a more collaborative strategy for digital asset implementation, with around 74% planning to partner with external providers rather than build systems in-house. This drives a growing demand for reliable infrastructure partners, reflecting the need for rapid deployment and reduced operational complexity.
This inclination also stems from increasing regulatory and operational pressures, as managing multiple in-house systems can introduce risks and inefficiencies. Consequently, firms are leaning towards partners offering ready-to-use solutions that align with compliance requirements.
Moreover, banks and asset managers are focusing on lifecycle management and distribution capabilities. Interest in advisory services is also on the rise, with 85% of banks valuing pre-issuance structuring support and 76% of asset managers having similar priorities. This suggests institutions seek not only technological infrastructure but also strategic guidance.
Integrated service providers are becoming more favored, with over half of fintech and financial institutions preferring one-stop solutions, a figure that rises to 71% among enterprises. Security remains a paramount concern when selecting partners, with nearly all respondents emphasizing the importance of certifications like ISO and SOC II, and 88% noting the significance of post-launch integration support.
Digital assets are rapidly becoming central to global financial services strategies, with institutions prioritizing secure infrastructure, trusted partners, and practical use cases. As a result, early adoption decisions are expected to shape long-term competitiveness across the industry.