Traditional banks are set to ramp up their engagement with digital assets this year, according to a forward-looking analysis from blockchain analytics firm Elliptic. Their 2026 regulatory and policy forecast highlights a pivotal shift where institutions no longer treat cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies as peripheral experiments but as core elements of banking infrastructure.
Elliptic pointed out that this comes amid growing customer expectations and competitive pressures that could redefine the industry.
Building on progress from the previous year, major players like JPMorgan, BNY Mellon, and Citi have already ventured into tokenized investment funds, secure storage solutions for digital currencies, and experiments with stablecoins.
Regions such as South Korea, Hong Kong, Europe, and the United Kingdom have piloted these innovations under supportive regulatory umbrellas, paving the way for widespread implementation.
Elliptic anticipates that 2026 will see an acceleration, with banks launching more initiatives in areas like asset safeguarding, trading platforms, and portfolio management.
Stablecoins and asset tokenization are likely to serve as primary gateways, offering stability and efficiency that align with banks’ traditional strengths in payments and risk management.
A key driver behind this momentum is the maturation of global regulations, which are providing clearer guidelines and reducing uncertainties.
In the European Union, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Australia, and South Korea, frameworks have advanced to foster compliant operations.
The United States, in particular, has made strides since early 2025 by easing restrictions on crypto custody, passing laws for stablecoins, and streamlining approval processes for market activities.
These changes are creating a sense of urgency for international banks to adapt or risk falling behind.
While variations exist between jurisdictions, there’s a noticeable convergence toward shared standards.
Initiatives like regulatory sandboxes in Hong Kong and the UK allow for controlled testing, and guidance from groups such as the Wolfsberg Group is helping banks implement strong measures against financial crimes when dealing with stablecoin providers.
On the policy front, governments are increasingly viewing digital assets as tools for boosting economic innovation and maintaining global competitiveness.
In the US, legislation like the GENIUS Act is slated to introduce oversight for dollar-pegged stablecoins over the next couple of years.
Some officials prefer blockchain-based tokenization of existing assets over new stablecoin issuances by banks, but experts predict a hybrid approach will emerge.
Collaboration between public authorities and private entities will be crucial to address outdated systems and ensure sustainable growth beyond short-term buzz.
Emerging trends underscore stablecoins‘ role as connectors between traditional finance and the crypto world, thanks to their fixed values and practical applications in transactions.
Institutions including Societe Generale, ANZ Bank, and Standard Chartered have rolled out or trialed these, bolstered by established rules in places like the EU, Japan, and Hong Kong, with US regulations on the horizon.
Tokenization, which involves digitizing ownership rights on blockchains for items like bonds, securities, and deposits, promises quicker settlements, lower costs, and enhanced transparency to curb fraud.
Platforms from HSBC and UBS illustrate how this can streamline treasury operations and attract high-value clients.
Overall, Elliptic’s outlook suggests a cautious yet optimistic maturation of the sector, where banks’ focus on compliance will transform digital assets into everyday financial tools.