Two-Thirds of FI Execs Don’t Think Their Firms Understand Crypto and Blockchain Very Well

FI Executives Fall Behind on Crypto, Blockchain

Financial institutions’ (FIs’) blockchain and cryptocurrency implementation roadmaps are, in a sense, all over the map. FIs cite nine different factors as important drivers of these plans, according to Cryptocurrency, Blockchain and Global Business, a PYMNTS and Circle collaboration based on surveys of executives at 250 multinational businesses and 250 FIs. 

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Among the most cited factors that are informing FIs’ blockchain and crypto strategies are the strength and weakness of current internal infrastructure (26%), the need to retain and attract customers (24%) and the potential for better data security (23%). 

No single factor emerges as the most important for FIs, although the potential for greater operational efficiencies comes closest — 11% of FIs cite it as the most important factor informing their blockchain and crypto strategies. 

The barriers blocking the adoption of blockchain and crypto also speak to a lack of clarity among FIs; just over 30% of FIs say the profitability of such products is unclear.

The next most-reference barrier was data security concerns, which 29% cited. One-quarter of FIs cited seven other barriers, including a lack of understanding blockchain and cryptocurrency services (27%) and a lack of certainty about demand (27%).

Additionally, significant shares of FI decision-makers lack a firm understanding of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. Just 31% of FI executives believe leaders at their firms understand the technologies “very” or “extremely” well. The vast majority — 64% — believe decision-makers understand them only “moderately” well. 

These data points suggest that there is a need for sound education and guidance for FIs’ decision-makers in order to solve these issues. If FIs want to become a crucial on-ramp to blockchain and cryptocurrency services for corporate and governmental organizations, their first step is to ensure they have the right education and strategies.