Stablecoins now top institutional priority as finance leaders move from skepticism to deployment; Ripple survey

Financial institutions have moved past the debate over whether to adopt digital assets. According to a Ripple survey of more than 1,000 finance executives, 72% now view digital asset integration as essential to competitive survival—and many are already executing implementation plans.

The Ripple survey, which gathered insights from more than 1,000 finance executives worldwide, underscores a pivotal transition. Institutions are no longer debating whether to adopt digital assets—they are actively planning how to implement them, with a sharp focus on infrastructure, partnerships, and regulatory alignment.

Stablecoins Emerge as the Leading Use Case

One of the clearest findings from the Ripple survey is the dominance of stablecoins as the top institutional use case. An overwhelming 74% of respondents said stablecoins can improve cash flow efficiency and unlock trapped capital—two critical priorities for modern treasury operations.

According to the Ripple survey, this growing interest goes beyond payments. Institutions increasingly view stablecoins as strategic financial tools capable of transforming liquidity management.

“That unanimity makes it clear that finance leaders are thinking about stablecoins as more than just a new way to execute payments,” Ripple noted in its report, emphasizing their evolving role in treasury management.

The Ripple survey also points to broader market forces accelerating adoption. These include clearer regulatory frameworks in key jurisdictions, rising participation from major banks, and the continued expansion of fintech-driven financial services. Together, these factors are creating a fertile environment for stablecoin integration.

Firms Shift Focus From ‘Why’ to ‘How’

A defining theme of the Ripple survey is the shift in institutional mindset. Rather than questioning the value of digital assets, firms are now focused on execution—specifically, how to build or access the infrastructure required to support them.

The Ripple survey found that fintech companies are leading this charge. Around 47% of fintech respondents said they plan to develop their own digital asset solutions in-house. In contrast, only 14% of corporates expressed similar intentions.

Instead, the majority of corporates—roughly 74%, according to the Ripple survey—prefer to collaborate with external providers. This divergence highlights a growing ecosystem of technology partners and service providers poised to support enterprise adoption.

“This indicates that many institutions are seeking experienced partners to guide implementation alongside technology deployment,” Ripple said, reinforcing the importance of expertise in navigating this complex transition.

Custody and Tokenization Drive Institutional Priorities

Beyond stablecoins, the Ripple survey reveals strong momentum in tokenization and digital asset custody. For banks and asset managers, secure storage solutions have become a top priority.

According to the Ripple survey, 89% of respondents evaluating tokenization partners cited custody—or secure storage—as their primary concern. Other key priorities include token lifecycle management (82%) and primary distribution capabilities (80%).

The Ripple survey also highlights a notable demand for advisory services, particularly among banks. About 85% of bank respondents identified pre-issuance structuring as critical, compared to 76% of asset managers. This suggests institutions are not only investing in technology but also seeking strategic guidance to ensure successful implementation.

Security remains a non-negotiable factor. The Ripple survey found that 97% of respondents consider certifications such as ISO and SOC II essential when selecting infrastructure partners—underscoring the high stakes involved in handling digital assets.

Digital Assets Move From Optional to Inevitable

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the Ripple survey is the industry-wide acknowledgment that digital assets are no longer optional. The conversation has fundamentally shifted.

“Most finance leaders aren’t debating digital assets anymore,” Ripple said in a statement shared on X. “They’re figuring out how to build with them and who to build with.”

The Ripple survey paints a clear picture of an industry at an inflection point. With stablecoins gaining traction, custody solutions maturing, and tokenization accelerating, financial institutions are rapidly laying the groundwork for a digital-first future.

As the Ripple survey demonstrates, the competitive landscape is evolving quickly—and firms that delay adoption risk being left behind.