Majority of Executives Now Expect Crypto to Go Mainstream

A majority of institutional executives now believe digital assets will go mainstream within five years, according to State Street Corporation's latest study. The fifth annual Digital Assets Study, released on October 6, 2026, found that 51% of respondents expect mainstream adoption, a significant shift from just 11% in 2024 and 42% in 2025. The survey polled 300 senior executives in asset and wealth management worldwide between July 20 and August 19, 2026.

Respondents reported an average allocation to digital assets of approximately 11%, with expectations to increase to 17% over the next three years. The study also revealed that 35% of respondents already manage or distribute digital assets, while 28% have built the necessary infrastructure to meet client demand. Fund issuance and tokenization ranked as a strategic priority for 52% of respondents, highlighting the growing interest in representing real-world assets as digital tokens on a blockchain.

Cost reduction and efficiency gains were the top expected benefits, cited by 53% of respondents. The study emphasized operational resilience and digital cash solutions as essential components of the future of asset management. When selecting a digital asset service provider, 69% of respondents prioritized experience with regulatory frameworks, followed by cybersecurity at 54% and financial strength at 47%. This marks a significant evolution in attitudes toward digital assets over the past few years.