State Street Corporation published its fifth annual Digital Assets Study on October 6, 2026, surveying 300 senior executives in asset and wealth management. The research, conducted between July 20 and August 19, 2026, indicates that 51% of respondents anticipate mainstream adoption of digital assets within five years, up from 42% in 2025 and 11% in 2024.
Institutional portfolios currently hold an average of 11% in digital assets, with expectations for this figure to reach 17% over the next three years. Currently, 35% of surveyed executives manage or distribute digital assets, while 28% have established the necessary infrastructure to meet client demand.
Strategic priorities for 52% of the participants include fund issuance and tokenization. Furthermore, 53% of executives identify cost reduction and efficiency as the primary benefits of adopting these technologies. The report also highlights the growing importance of operational resilience and digital cash solutions.
When selecting service providers, 69% of respondents prioritize experience with regulatory frameworks. Cybersecurity remains a critical factor for 54% of executives, while 47% emphasize financial strength. These findings suggest that providers lacking robust compliance and security credentials may face challenges in securing new mandates.
