How is tokenization reshaping the competitive landscape?

9% of financial institutions are already operating or ready to launch at least one tokenization initiative.

What role will trustee services play in the tokenized economy?

It will become more strategic, with 61% of executives planning investments in custody solutions.

How will tokenization impact banking business models?

55% of banking executives expect tokenization to coexist with off-chain systems—but revenue cannibalization and margin squeezes are top concerns.

How does tokenization intersect with agentic AI?

57% of executives say the tokenization of settlement rails will strengthen agentic AI significantly—enabling autonomous transactions that promise to radically transform banking and financial markets.

What will it take to succeed with tokenization at scale?

Hybrid cloud infrastructure is critical. 77% of executives say investments in modernized computing platforms and cloud technology are essential for handling high data volumes and supporting tokenization at scale.

Home Banking and financial markets

2026 Global Outlook for Banking and Financial Markets

Banking in the tokenized economy

Download the insights(will open in a new tab)Subscribe for more insights from IBM IBV(will open in a new tab)

How can IBM help you?

Banking IT services and solutions (will open in a new window)

Banking IT services and solutions

Build smarter, competitive banking experiences for your customers with trust and security at its core.

Artificial intelligence (AI) consulting services (will open in a new window)

Artificial intelligence (AI) consulting services

Leading the way in generative AI with over 75 K trained consultants

Cloud strategy consulting (will open in a new window)

Cloud strategy consulting

The right strategy accelerates your cloud journey and boosts enterprise technology journeys with holistic IT, talent and operating model transformations

How can IBM help you?

Banking IT services and solutions (will open in a new window)

Banking IT services and solutions

Build smarter, competitive banking experiences for your customers with trust and security at its core.

Artificial intelligence (AI) consulting services (will open in a new window)

Artificial intelligence (AI) consulting services

Leading the way in generative AI with over 75 K trained consultants

Cloud strategy consulting (will open in a new window)

Cloud strategy consulting

The right strategy accelerates your cloud journey and boosts enterprise technology journeys with holistic IT, talent and operating model transformations

2025 Global Outlook for Banking and Financial Markets

This report explores the divergent performance of banks, a banking performance quadrant, and using generative AI to elevate performance.

The 94% core banking problem

Translations available

The 94% core banking problem

94% of modernization projects exceed timelines. But CIOs uncover valuable lessons around AI-driven development and hybrid cloud strategies.

Banking in the AI era: The risk management of AI and with AI

Translations available

Banking in the AI era: The risk management of AI and with AI

Bankers recognize AI’s transformational potential—but also realize they must strengthen operations before scaling AI enterprise-wide.

From connectivity provider to growth partner

Translations available

From connectivity provider to growth partner

Explore how telcos can tap growth opportunities with SMEs through integration, reliability made visible, and AI‑enabled managed security.

The enterprise in 2030

Translations available

The enterprise in 2030

Here are five predictions that can help business leaders prepare to win in an AI-first future.

5 trends for 2026

Translations available

5 trends for 2026

What are the top business and technology trends executives should watch in 2026? Explore the IBM Institute for Business Value's data-driven predictions.