DLT in the real world in 2025: key findings

Digital assets are no longer being judged on theory alone. Firms increasingly want to know where Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) is delivering practical value, how quickly adoption is scaling, and what outcomes justify continued investment. 

What is driving the next phase of DLT and digital asset adoption in capital markets? Which use cases are moving ahead fastest, and where are firms seeing the clearest commercial return?

The research, produced in partnership with International Securities Services Association (ISSA) and sponsored by Accenture, Broadridge and Taurus, highlights:

• 85% of respondents identify intraday liquidity as the key outcome of DLT and digital assets. 45% remain focused on issuance and custody as core use cases

• Firms are spending an average of US dollar (USD) 2.2 million on DLT and digital asset initiatives. North America is outspending Europe and Asia by more than 200%

• 67% see better performance: up to two-thirds of firms say DLT and digital assets perform better than traditional alternatives

• Commercial digital cash adoption is increasing by 17% year on year as firms look for more practical post-trade applications

• 43% of firms now use permissioned chains as a mainstream part of their approach rather than as a limited pilot