- Banks worldwide accelerated digital asset strategies in 2025 and will expand activity in 2026, focusing on stablecoins and tokenization.
- Maturing regulatory frameworks in multiple jurisdictions are lowering compliance barriers and encouraging bank participation.
- Major banks and consortia are testing or launching stablecoins, while tokenization pilots aim to modernize deposits, securities, and treasury functions.
JPMorgan, BNY Mellon and Citi announced new digital asset initiatives in 2025, prompting banks globally to scale activity in 2026. Regulators and market demand are driving this shift as banks seek to offer custody, payments and tokenized products.
Regulatory progress is a key factor. The EU, UAE, Hong Kong and others have adopted crypto rules, while the US plans to implement stablecoin rules under the GENIUS Act in 2026–2027. Emerging frameworks give banks more clarity and promote cross-border baseline standards.
Customer demand and national innovation goals push banks toward digital assets. Wealthy individuals and corporate clients want custody and management services, and countries view digital assets as a competitiveness tool. Banks that delay risk losing business to crypto-native firms and fintechs.
Banks are moving into two main areas: stablecoins and tokenization. Several institutions have launched or tested stablecoins, including Societe Generale, a consortium of European banks, ANZ and Standard Chartered.
Tokenization has gained traction for deposits, bonds and securities. HSBC.com/en-gb/solutions/hsbc-orion”>HSBC launched a platform for tokenized deposits and Gold, and UBS introduced a tokenization service described as “a full-service offer for digital asset services” that “supports opportunities across origination, distribution and custody, initially focusing on tokenization of bonds, funds and structured products.”
Regulators are supporting pilots. Hong Kong’s tokenization pilot, involving banks and asset managers, is detailed in an HKMA release. Observers note tokenized deposits could integrate into bank infrastructure, while stablecoins may serve as an entry point.
Banks will proceed cautiously, prioritizing compliance and infrastructure upgrades as they expand digital asset offerings in 2026.
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