Global Banks Invest $100 Billion in Blockchain Since 2020

Global financial institutions have collectively invested over $100 billion in blockchain technology since 2020, according to a report titled Banking on Digital Assets produced by Ripple, CB Insights, and the UK Centre for Blockchain Technologies [1]. The study analyzed more than 10,000 investment deals and surveyed over 1,800 financial executives globally, revealing a significant shift in how traditional banks are engaging with digital assets. Rather than merely trading cryptocurrencies, banks are now prioritizing the development of blockchain infrastructure to support long-term growth in the sector [1].

A major focus of these investments has been on cross-border payment systems, tokenization, and digital asset custody. Approximately 25% of the $100 billion was directed toward infrastructure providers that enable blockchain-based settlement and asset issuance [1]. For instance, JPMorgan has developed GS DAP, a blockchain-based settlement tool, while HSBC has launched a tokenized gold platform. These examples demonstrate how large banks are beginning to integrate blockchain into core financial operations [1].

The report highlights that Citigroup and Goldman Sachs have each led 18 investments in blockchain startups since 2020, while JPMorgan and Mitsubishi UFJ have made 15 investments each. Additionally, firms like Japan SBI Group and Goldman Sachs have participated in over 33 large funding rounds, each exceeding $100 million, underscoring the seriousness with which traditional financial institutions are treating blockchain [1]. These investments are largely in early-stage companies, suggesting that banks are seeking to shape the emerging digital asset ecosystem from its foundation.

According to the report, over 75% of financial executives believe that blockchain will play a critical role in the future of banking within the next five years. They see it as a tool to improve transaction speeds, reduce costs, and enhance transparency [1]. Furthermore, 90% of global finance leaders expect blockchain and digital assets to significantly reshape the financial sector by 2028 [1]. Despite this optimism, less than 20% of banks currently offer consumer-facing services such as crypto trading or retail wallets, indicating that the transformation is still in its early stages [1].

The rise in blockchain adoption has also been supported by increasing government regulation, which has provided banks with greater confidence in engaging with digital assets. Regulatory frameworks have encouraged banks to explore secure blockchain applications such as digital identity systems and compliance platforms [1]. The study notes that most banks expect to launch digital asset initiatives within the next three years, which may include experimenting with tokenized bonds or building settlement layers for both central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and private stablecoins [1].

As the financial industry moves toward a more digitized future, the $100 billion investment in blockchain since 2020 signals a fundamental shift in how banks are preparing for the next generation of financial systems. With continued innovation and regulatory clarity, blockchain is expected to become an even more integral part of the global financial infrastructure in the years to come [1].

Source:

[1] Ripple, CB Insights, and UK CBT – Banking on Digital Assets (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/08/03/ripple-banks-have-invested-over-usd100-billion-in-blockchain-infrastructure-since-2020)