US Banks Shift Digital Asset Focus to Infrastructure Over ROI

Lawrence Jengar
May 14, 2026 15:15

US banks move past ‘why crypto?’ to tackle infrastructure for stablecoins and tokenized assets, with tech strategy now driving decisions.

The conversation around digital assets in U.S. banking has fundamentally shifted. According to Fireblocks’ 2026 Financial Grid USA report, banks are no longer debating the business case for digital assets. Instead, the focus has turned to infrastructure: how to build it, in what order, and whether legacy systems can support the transition.

Nearly 68% of surveyed U.S. banks plan to issue their own stablecoins by the end of 2026, far outpacing Europe’s 36% and APAC’s 11%. Another 79% intend to deploy stablecoins issued by other regulated entities. The market has decided its direction—deposits, payments, and 24/7 settlement are at the core of this push. Notably, 99% of U.S. institutions now prioritize real-time settlement and tokenized deposits as strategic imperatives.

From ROI to Technology Sequencing

Just a few years ago, the key question was whether digital assets could deliver a return on investment. Today, banks are asking how to integrate blockchain into existing systems without multi-year rebuilds. The shift is driven by competitive pressure from fintechs and neobanks, as well as regulatory clarity. The GENIUS framework has introduced a national regulatory floor for stablecoin issuers, and the CLARITY framework, expected later this year, will finalize federal market structure rules.

Institutions that once considered compliance and security barriers are now seeing these functions lead the charge. Approximately 30% of banks report security teams heading digital asset initiatives, while 99% believe the regulatory outlook is favorable for their plans. This confidence is translating into action: 86% of banks have committed infrastructure budgets for 2026, even ahead of CLARITY’s finalization.

Legacy Infrastructure: The Largest Hurdle

Despite this momentum, legacy infrastructure remains a significant challenge. According to the report, 55% of U.S. institutions cite outdated core systems as a key obstacle to scaling blockchain-based products. Another 53% point to operating model readiness as a major constraint. These figures are the highest among all regions globally.

For example, enabling real-time settlement on traditional batch-processing systems is a technical hurdle that requires substantial investment. Yet, banks are pushing forward, recognizing that foundational work on custody, operating models, and wallet integration can’t wait for final regulatory specifications. Those that address these challenges now will be better positioned to scale their digital asset offerings when the regulatory framework is fully implemented.

Stablecoin Operations and Provider Selection

Provider selection criteria in the U.S. underscore the unique challenges of this market. While custody is the top priority globally, in the U.S., connectivity across blockchains and payment rails takes precedence, cited by 66% of institutions. This reflects the dual roles many banks plan to play—issuing stablecoins and integrating those issued by others. The need for a full-stack infrastructure provider is evident, with 96-100% of institutions rating every criterion—custody, connectivity, and integration—as critical or important.

Context: A Regulatory and Competitive Wave

The shift aligns with broader trends in U.S. digital asset infrastructure. Major players like Coinbase and Crypto.com recently received conditional approval for OCC-regulated trust banks, signaling a move toward federally chartered custody solutions. Meanwhile, traditional institutions like Morgan Stanley and State Street are expanding onchain capabilities, from tokenized cash management to institutional custody services.

Federal regulators have also eased restrictions. The OCC and FDIC no longer require advance approval for cryptocurrency activities, lowering entry barriers for banks. This regulatory clarity is fostering rapid adoption, with a growing number of applications for digital asset trust charters. The convergence of crypto-native firms and traditional banks is creating a hybrid infrastructure model that blends regulatory oversight with blockchain innovation.

Looking Ahead

The infrastructure decisions made in 2026 will set the stage for how U.S. banks engage with digital assets over the next decade. Those that resolve technical hurdles now will likely lead in stablecoin issuance, tokenized securities, and other blockchain use cases. With Fireblocks already working with over 95 banks, the industry is clearly gearing up for a digital-first future. The Financial Grid USA data indicates that the institutions getting their sequencing right today are positioning themselves for faster scalability and broader market impact tomorrow.

Image source: Shutterstock