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Accelerating Digital Asset Adoption

In a groundbreaking report released by Broadridge Financial Solutions, titled the "DLT in the Real World 2025," the company has unveiled a transformative landscape for digital asset adoption and distributed ledger technology (DLT) usage across the global financial ecosystem. The report, in collaboration with industry giants like Accenture and Taurus, indicates that digital asset adoption is witnessing a remarkable acceleration that is redefining operational efficiencies across various financial markets.

Key Findings from the Report

One of the standout findings from this year’s study is that 85% of surveyed individuals identify intraday liquidity as the primary benefit derived from DLT and digital assets. This underscores the growing recognition among investors and market participants of how DLT can enhance the speed and efficiency of financial transactions. Furthermore, the number of firms engaging in live DLT initiatives has skyrocketed by a staggering 800% since 2020, reflecting the growing momentum of these technologies in real-world applications.

Additionally, 45% of banks reported having issued a digital asset within the last twelve months. This shift marks a notable transition in the industry where digital assets, which were previously experimental, are now becoming significant operational tools.

The Rise of DLT Platforms

According to the report, over one-third (36%) of respondents are actively involved in DLT initiatives, a percentage that illustrates ongoing strides in tokenization, transaction settlement, and secure processing. The North American sector has seen a colossal leap, with 50% of firms currently running active DLT or digital asset projects—a significant 72% increase compared to last year’s figures. Nonetheless, European markets remain pivotal, housing half of the ongoing projects even as new initiatives continue to be implemented in the US. The Asia-Pacific region also showcases a vibrant digital asset landscape, with 43% of respondents there deploying DLT or digital assets.

Another crucial aspect highlighted in the report emphasizes that projects related to digital asset adoption are expanding in range, traversing areas such as tokenized funds, stablecoins, and bonds. The growth rate for digital asset adoption has escalated to two to four times annually, which indicates a decisive shift away from mere developmental phases towards operational scalability.

Innovative Transformation through Buy-Side Engagement

Investors on the buy-side are playing a crucial role in this evolution, with 61% of firms engaging in proof of concepts or live digital asset initiatives. This engagement is complemented by continued advancements on the sell-side, where firms are enhancing their DLT infrastructure. A significant majority are now using DLT alongside digital assets to drive improvements in intraday liquidity (85%), reduce transaction costs (79%), and minimize instances of failed payments (71%).

Moreover, budgets allocated for DLT and digital asset initiatives continue to grow robustly, tripling since 2020. On average, firms reported spending $2.2 million annually on digital assets and approximately $1.8 million on DLT investments. Notably, over 40% of participants are leveraging DLT to generate new product revenues, reflecting the substantial shift from theoretical concepts to measurable benefits.

Navigating Challenges Amidst Growth

Despite these advancements, the report also highlights persistent challenges that firms face, such as limited liquidity in secondary markets, clarity in legal and accounting frameworks, and prioritization at internal levels. However, a significant proportion of firms believe that the current political and market landscape has fostered faster adoption rather than hindered it. The emphasis on security and compliance has led to a dominance of permissioned networks, with 43% of projects utilizing private blockchains.

Looking Forward: The Future of DLT and Digital Assets

As we look ahead to 2026, expectations are that an increasing number of organizations will transition from pilot programs to fully integrated daily operations that utilize DLT infrastructure. This shift is anticipated to support larger transaction volumes and innovative financial products as regulatory clarity evolves. Consequently, DLT and digital assets are poised to become fundamental to the capital markets infrastructure, ultimately driving long-term growth and operational efficiency.

In conclusion, the DLT in the Real World 2025 report epitomizes how far the adoption of digital assets has come. For those interested in delving deeper into the findings and trends identified in the report, it is available for download through Broadridge’s official channels. This important study not only illuminates the rapid advancements in the digital finance landscape but also underscores the critical role of technology in shaping the future of global finance.