The Rise of Crypto in Modern Finance
Cryptocurrency, once considered speculative, is now emerging as a core layer of modern finance. Ripple President Monica Long predicts that by 2026, 50% of Fortune 500 companies will adopt crypto or tokenized assets into their operations. This shift highlights the production era of cryptocurrency—the phase where crypto solutions move beyond testing to real-world implementation.
Stablecoins: The Future of Payment Systems
According to Monica Long, stablecoins are set to become a fundamental layer for global payments. Major companies like Visa and Stripe have already integrated digital dollars into their payment flows. In the coming years, businesses, especially those focused on B2B transactions, are expected to use stablecoins for faster settlements, enhanced cash flow, and real-time access to funds.
If you’re looking to explore stablecoin wallets, consider Ledger Nano X, a highly secure hardware wallet for storing digital assets.
Fortune 500 Companies Embracing Blockchain
By the year 2026, research suggests that nearly half of Fortune 500 companies will have direct exposure to crypto. This exposure may include holding digital assets such as stablecoins, tokenized financial instruments, or on-chain treasury bills. A 2025 survey by Coinbase found that 60% of these companies were undergoing blockchain project developments, reflecting a maturing market.
Increased Institutional Adoption through ETFs
The road to institutional adoption is also being paved via crypto ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds). By 2025, over 40 new crypto ETFs launched, although they represent only a small portion of the U.S. ETF market. Institutions are gradually onboarding, and the room for ETF growth remains expansive. These regulated options allow companies to invest in cryptocurrency with greater ease and lower risk.
A Future of Enhanced Financial Automation
Monica Long anticipates that blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) will collaborate to revolutionize global finance. Automating complex financial tasks through these technologies will lead to simplified, faster, and more efficient systems for companies and individuals alike.
What It Means for Investors
For investors, the rising adoption of crypto signals both opportunity and the importance of staying informed. Products like Coinbase make it possible for individuals and institutions to manage crypto investments securely.
Keep an eye on industry growth indicators such as on-chain metrics, ETF adoption rates, and geopolitical factors that influence market sentiment. As cryptocurrency evolves, understanding its role in global finance will be critical to staying ahead.
