A recent Ripple survey of over 1,000 global finance executives reveals that 72% believe institutions risk losing their competitive edge if they ignore digital assets. The survey, conducted in early 2026, highlights a shift from speculative interest to operational necessity in the financial industry, with a focus on safe and scalable adoption of digital assets. Stablecoins emerged as a key area of interest, with 74% of respondents acknowledging their potential to enhance cash-flow efficiency and unlock working capital. This marks a significant shift in treasury management, traditionally a conservative area, towards practical utility of digital assets. Fintechs are leading the charge in digital asset adoption, with 31% already using stablecoins for customer payments and nearly half developing proprietary solutions. In contrast, corporates are more cautious, preferring to partner with external providers. Custody and security certifications are critical, with 89% of institutions prioritizing custody capabilities and 97% valuing security compliance.