defi ·
DBS survey finds 88% of large businesses using or piloting tokenised money
Tokenised money has transitioned from a conference discussion point to a practical corporate treasury instrument, according to a recent DBS survey.
The research indicated that 88% of large enterprises are either utilizing or trialing tokenised money use cases. These organizations are not emerging startups; they are substantial entities, each generating over $500 million in annual revenue, lending weight to the finding.
DBS surveyed 422 leaders across global business and finance sectors between June and July, covering 11 markets including China, the US, Germany, UK, and Australia. Approximately two-thirds of participants indicated their companies have surpassed initial testing, reporting either full-scale deployment or active use in specific areas.
Stablecoins were the most utilized instrument, reported by 63% of respondents. Tokenised deposits followed with 53%, and tokenised money market funds were reported by 52%. The sum exceeding 100% suggests many firms are employing multiple digital cash formats concurrently.
The study also revealed corporate expectations: 72% anticipate improved auditability and traceability within two years, while 65% cite optimizing treasury liquidity as a primary advantage. Furthermore, over three-quarters of respondents mentioned adjusting their operations to support new markets.
Lim Soon Chong, the group head of global transaction services at DBS, interpreted these results as evidence of tangible value, stating, "Our interpretation is that there are significant benefits."
The instrument mix reflects differing levels of institutional trust. While stablecoins originate within the crypto sphere, tokenised deposits and money market funds integrate with established banking and asset management frameworks.
For market participants, the high usage of stablecoins by 63% of large companies suggests they are evolving from mere trading tools into essential corporate infrastructure. Conversely, the 53% figure for tokenised deposits indicates that lenders possess a means to compete by placing their balance sheets on-chain.
This development signals a broader trend where established market participants are actively integrating digital asset mechanisms into core financial operations, moving beyond speculative experimentation.
