Global Finance Embraces DLT & Digital Assets: Broadridge Report

The landscape of global financial markets is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by an unprecedented acceleration in the adoption of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and digital assets. A comprehensive analysis, presented in the sixth annual ‘DLT in the Real World’ report by global fintech leader Broadridge, in collaboration with esteemed partners such as The ValueExchange, ISSA, Accenture, and Taurus, indicates a significant shift from exploratory pilot projects to concrete, live deployments across an expanding array of financial institutions.

An Inflection Point for Digital Asset Adoption

The 2025 study, drawing insights from a diverse global participant base including investors, banks, brokers, and market operators, underscores a critical juncture in the evolution of financial technology. This period is characterized by a notable reorientation of strategic priorities, particularly within the buy-side segment, where both DLT and digital assets are increasingly being integrated into operational frameworks. Horacio Barakat, head of digital innovation at Broadridge, aptly articulated this transition, stating, “Digital asset adoption is no longer theoretical but operational. After five years of tracking this space, we are at a clear inflection point.” This sentiment reflects a broader industry consensus that DLT implementation is gaining unstoppable momentum, with a growing number of entities transitioning from experimental phases to practical application. Furthermore, the report highlights a discernible shift in focus towards the buy-side, alongside an expansion of use cases in both issuance and custody domains, signaling a maturation of the digital asset ecosystem.

The Surge in Live DLT Projects Across Continents

The findings of the report reveal a robust escalation in active DLT initiatives. More than a third (36 per cent) of respondents now boast live DLT projects, signifying an astounding 800 per cent increase in industry participation since 2020. Geographically, North America has emerged as a frontrunner in this adoption curve, with 50 per cent of firms in the region actively engaged in live DLT or digital asset projects—a remarkable 72 per cent increase from the preceding year. Despite this rapid growth in North America, European booking centres maintain their pivotal role, hosting 50 per cent of these transformative projects. The APAC region is also demonstrating sustained progress, with 43 per cent of its respondents now live with DLT and digital assets, illustrating a global embrace of these advanced technologies.

Rapid Expansion of Digital Asset Classes

The acceleration of digital asset adoption is even more pronounced, with annual growth rates ranging from two to four times. This expansion is not confined to a single asset class but spans a diverse spectrum, encompassing tokenised funds, money market instruments, stablecoins, and various forms of bonds. A compelling statistic from the report indicates that 45 per cent of banks successfully issued a digital asset within the last 12 months, underscoring the rapid institutional integration and acceptance of these innovative financial instruments.

Buy-Side Engagement and Tangible Business Benefits

A significant catalyst driving this wave of innovation is the burgeoning engagement from the buy-side. An impressive 61 per cent of buy-side firms are actively participating in proof-of-concepts, pilot programs, or live digital asset initiatives. The motivations underpinning this engagement are clear and compelling. The primary drivers for adopting these cutting-edge technologies are centered on enhancing operational efficiencies and financial performance:

• Improved Intraday Liquidity: Cited by 85 per cent of respondents, highlighting the critical need for real-time access to funds and more efficient capital utilization.
• Reduced Transaction Costs: A key incentive for 79 per cent of firms, indicating the potential for significant savings through streamlined processes and reduced intermediaries.
• Minimized Failed Payments: Identified by 71 per cent of respondents, emphasizing the desire to mitigate operational risks and improve settlement reliability.

These benefits collectively paint a picture of a more agile, cost-effective, and robust financial ecosystem, capable of meeting the demands of modern global commerce.

Investment Growth Amidst Persistent Challenges

The increasing commitment to DLT and digital assets is also reflected in rising budgetary allocations. Funding for DLT initiatives has tripled since 2020, demonstrating a sustained institutional investment in these foundational technologies. In 2025, the average annual expenditure on digital assets reached $2.2 million, while investments in DLT averaged $1.8 million, indicating substantial financial backing for these transformative projects. However, the path to full integration is not without its hurdles. Firms continue to grapple with challenges such as limited secondary market liquidity, which can impede the seamless trading and valuation of digital assets. The need for greater legal and accounting clarity also remains a critical area for development, as regulatory frameworks strive to keep pace with technological innovation. Despite these obstacles, a notable finding is that nearly half of the surveyed firms reported that the prevailing political and market conditions in 2025 have acted as a catalyst, accelerating their adoption of these advanced technologies.

The Future Landscape: From Pilots to Integrated Operations

Looking towards 2026, the report projects a continued evolution, with an increasing number of organizations expected to transition from pilot projects to fully integrated operational systems. This strategic move aims to leverage DLT infrastructure to support higher transaction volumes and facilitate faster liquidity, further solidifying the role of digital assets in mainstream finance. Broadridge’s own Distributed Ledger Repo platform serves as a prime example of this ongoing trend, having processed an impressive average of over $280 billion in daily repo transactions in August, a substantial increase from $45 billion just a year prior. Such developments highlight the tangible progress and scalability of DLT solutions, reinforcing their potential to redefine financial market infrastructure.

In conclusion, the 'DLT in the Real World' report unequivocally demonstrates that the adoption of Distributed Ledger Technology and digital assets is no longer an aspirational concept but a burgeoning reality within global financial markets. As firms move decisively towards live deployments, driven by clear business benefits and significant investment, the financial sector is poised for a new era of efficiency, transparency, and innovation.