Security certifications topped the list of concerns for financial institutions weighing tokenization partners, with 97% saying standards like ISO and SOC II are non-negotiable – a sign that trust, not just technology, is now driving transactions in institutional crypto finance.
Stablecoins are leading the way as financial firms change their approach to cryptocurrencies
Novel questionnaire A Ripple report released on Thursday found that 72% of more than 1,000 financial industry executives around the world believe their companies need to offer digital asset solutions to remain competitive.
In 2026, Ripple surveyed over 1,000 global finance leaders. A few things stood out: https://t.co/414dTO9Qit
→ 72% say digital assets are now crucial to stay competitive
→ 74% view stablecoins as a cash flow tool, not just a payment rail
→ 89% of respondents say that digital…— Ripple (@Ripple) March 19, 2026
The survey covered banks, asset managers, fintechs and corporate companies in global markets. What stood out was not just the appetite for digital assets – but also how different companies planned to achieve them.
Fintech companies are growing rapidly and building in-house. About 47% of fintech respondents said they plan to develop their own digital asset infrastructure.
Corporate companies take the opposite approach. Nearly three-quarters of them said they intended to work with external suppliers.
Banks and asset managers are looking for something in between – experienced partners who can drive strategy while also providing technology.
Stablecoins were the most popular around the world. According to Ripple74% of respondents said that stablecoins have the potential to improve cash flow and free up capital that would otherwise remain idle.
Ripple said institutions heal stablecoins not only as payment tools, but also as instruments for managing treasury operations.
Care becomes the main priority
Tokenization is also gaining popularity, although institutions are not jumping in without collateral. Of those evaluating potential tokenization partners, 89% identified secure asset storage as their most crucial requirement. Token lifecycle management was 82% and primary distribution was 80%.
Banks showed a particular appetite for advisory assistance. Based on survey data, 85% of bank respondents considered pre-issue structuring support to be crucial. Asset managers followed closely behind at 76%. Reports show that institutions are not just buying crypto infrastructure – they want guidance on how to exploit it.
Ripple attributes several factors that have moved digital assets higher on the priority list: changing regulations, growing interest from major banks, greater exploit of fintech services and the continued growth of stablecoins.
The “Build or Buy” question takes center stage
The study suggests that the industry’s internal debate has moved on. The question is no longer whether to engage in cryptocurrencies. It’s crucial who to work with and what to build. This change, if right, marks a turning point in how seriously financial institutions are taking this space.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView
