DLT in the real world in 2026: key findings

DLT and digital assets are moving further into live activity in 2026. Firms are increasing budgets, focusing more clearly on institutional use cases and placing greater emphasis on where DLT can support liquidity, collateral and digital money workflows.

How are firms using DLT and digital assets in practice? Where is activity building fastest, and which use cases are shaping the next phase of scale?

The research highlights:

• The average firm is spending 20% more on DLT and digital assets than last year: budget growth continues as the market moves further into live activity

• 12% expect over USD 1 billion in monthly DLT transaction volumes in 2027: firms expect a more meaningful build in turnover over the next phase

• 27% expect collateral tokenisation to become their largest institutional activity in 2027: institutional use cases are becoming more clearly defined

• 71% plan to use stablecoins (mainly USD): digital money is becoming a more central part of market activity

• 47% are ready for a digital Euro: readiness for digital currency use is advancing across parts of the market