Key Takeaways
What does the State Street survey reveal about institutional crypto adoption?
Institutions plan to double their crypto exposure to 16% by 2028.
Are institutions fully replacing TradFi with digital assets?
Not yet. Most expect a hybrid future, with both traditional finance and DeFi.
Institutional investors are choosing more digital assets every day.
A new survey by State Street showed that institutions plan to raise their digital asset exposure to 16% by 2028, more than double the current levels. However, while adoption is on the rise, doubts persist.
Institutions are in, but they’re still playing it safe
Big names currently hold around 7% of their portfolios in digital assets, but that figure is expected to rise to 16% by 2028.
Most allocations remain focused on stablecoins and tokenized versions of traditional assets like stocks and bonds, each making up about 1%.
Source: State Street
While these lower-risk assets dominate holdings, cryptocurrency has delivered the strongest returns. For example, Bitcoin [BTC] led for 27% of respondents, followed by Ethereum [ETH] at 21%.
Despite the optimism, the study says that the majority will still not see tokenization as a full-scale replacement of TradFi. Not yet, anyway.
The tech takes the spotlight
As institutions slowly increase their exposure to digital assets, they’re also embracing the technologies behind them.
Source: State Street
Most institutions are already using – or planning to use – blockchain and AI to automate tasks, cut friction, and connect data systems.
Around 29% say blockchain is now central to their digital transformation. This comes with key use cases in cash flow management (61%), data handling (60%), and compliance (31%).
Generative AI is also gaining traction. About 45% believe it will speed up digital asset development by making it easier and cheaper to create smart contracts, tokens, and blockchains.
The future is hybrid
Even as blockchain and AI reshape operations, many institutions remain cautious about fully replacing traditional infrastructure.
Source: State Street
43% respondents now expect a blend of DeFi and TradFi to become standard within five years (up from just 11% last year). However, skepticism is growing too.
Source: State Street
At the same time, 14% believe digital systems will never replace legacy trading or custody, up sharply from 3% last year. This tension reflects an industry still balancing innovation with operational risk.
The final takeaway is that digital assets are becoming mainstream, but most institutions still see a blended future.
