Global Banks Invest in 345 Blockchain Projects as Digital Assets Go Mainstream

Global banks have poured capital into 345 blockchain-related initiatives since 2020, signaling a decisive shift toward treating blockchain as foundational financial infrastructure rather than a speculative frontier, according to a recent report by Ripple [1]. This investment trend underscores growing institutional confidence in blockchain’s long-term utility across asset tokenization, cross-border payments, and digital trading platforms.

Leading financial players such as JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and Japan’s SBI Group have been at the forefront of early-stage funding, particularly targeting seed and Series A rounds. These investments reflect a strategic, rather than short-term speculative, approach to blockchain innovation [1]. Among the most notable deals was Brazil’s CloudWalk, which secured over $750 million in funding from Banco Itaú, BTG Pactual, and Banco Safra. Initially focused on domestic payment solutions, the firm has since expanded into the U.S. market [1].

Germany-based fintech Solaris also attracted significant investment, raising more than $100 million in 2024 with SBI Group as a key participant. The company operates a regulated digital asset trading venue and launched a security token platform before SBI acquired a majority stake to bolster its European presence [1]. Another major player, NYDIG, raised $1 billion in 2021 with backing from Morgan Stanley and MassMutual but ceased operations in 2024. In response, Morgan Stanley pivoted to offering Bitcoin ETF services through partnerships with BlackRock and Fidelity [1].

Systemically important banks (G-SIBs) have taken a more measured approach, participating in 106 blockchain-related deals since 2020, including 14 large-scale funding rounds. Rather than acquiring companies outright, these banks have favored collaborative models that allow for strategic flexibility and rapid adaptation [1]. Their investments typically focus on institutional-grade solutions, including Fnality for interbank payments, Partior for cross-border settlements, and Talos for institutional trading [1].

Notably, HSBC pioneered the use of quantum-resistant blockchain technology in 2024 with the launch of its Gold Token in Hong Kong. The product allows fractional ownership of physical gold through a regulated blockchain platform, marking a key step toward the mainstream adoption of tokenized assets [1]. The bank’s use of post-quantum cryptography and quantum random number generation reflects a growing institutional concern over future threats from quantum computing [1].

The broader trend suggests that blockchain is evolving from a niche technology to a core component of financial infrastructure. Regional banks, while less likely to develop proprietary systems, are increasingly forming fintech partnerships or joining shared infrastructure projects. A 2022 survey found that 11% of U.S. community banks planned to offer cryptocurrency services, and this number is expected to rise with improving regulatory clarity and competitive pressures [1].

Despite the 2022 market downturn and the fallout from the FTX collapse, bank activity in the blockchain space rebounded in 2024. While the number of deals decreased, the total investment value increased, suggesting a shift toward larger, more strategic commitments [1].

Tokenization—converting real-world assets into digital tokens on blockchain—is gaining traction for its ability to enhance liquidity and expand access to diverse investment opportunities. At the same time, institutional players are increasingly prioritizing quantum security, recognizing the potential risks posed by emerging computational technologies [1].

The sustained investment pattern demonstrates that traditional financial institutions are not merely experimenting with blockchain but are actively integrating it into their long-term strategies. As competition intensifies and regulatory frameworks become more defined, more banks are likely to accelerate their digital asset initiatives to remain competitive in the evolving financial landscape.

Source: [1] Ripple Report: Global Banks Invest in 345 Blockchain Projects as Digital Assets Go Mainstream (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68918792f2f93c7b03c0e4ed/)