BANKS MUST ESTABLISH INFRASTRUCTURE FOR DIGITAL ASSETS BEFORE ITS TOO LATE

The digital asset landscape is rapidly evolving, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and potential risks for traditional financial institutions. (c) Central Bank Digital Currency means a form of digital money or monetary value, denominated in the national unit of account, that is a direct liability of the central bank. Sec. 3.With renewed interest from credit unions, community banks, regional players, and even Wall Street giants, the message is clear: banks must establish infrastructure for digital assets before it's too late.Ignoring this shift could lead to missed opportunities, customer attrition, and ultimately, a loss of relevance in the future of finance.This isn't just about offering cryptocurrency trading; it's about reimagining banking services to cater to a generation increasingly comfortable with digital assets. We are a digital experience, engineering, and AI empowerment firm. Our team of 1,000 practitioners in strategy, development, and design create products millions of people love to use it s likely you ve used them too.Banks that proactively embrace this change can dramatically increase wealth opportunities for millions by providing secure custody, innovative investment products, and seamless integration with the burgeoning digital economy.However, this transformation requires careful planning, robust security measures, and a commitment to regulatory compliance. Proactive, Not Reactive: Instead of waiting until a borrower falls behind, banks must leverage predictive analytics to identify at-risk accounts earlier. By using behavioral data, transaction patterns, and AI-driven insights, lenders can engage before delinquency escalates, offering solutions that prevent default and reduce roll rates onThe time to act is now, lest traditional institutions find themselves outpaced by nimble digital disrupters.

The Untapped Potential: Wealth Creation Through Digital Asset Custody

One of the most significant opportunities for banks lies in providing custody services for digital assets.Currently, many individuals and institutions struggle to securely store and manage their cryptocurrency holdings.Banks, with their existing security infrastructure and regulatory oversight, are uniquely positioned to offer a safe and reliable alternative. Translate from English to Portuguese (Portugal) in real time with definitionsThis not only generates new revenue streams but also strengthens customer relationships by providing a comprehensive suite of financial services.

Imagine a scenario where a bank allows its customers to seamlessly buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies alongside their traditional investments.This convenience, coupled with the bank's established reputation for security, can attract a new generation of investors who might otherwise be hesitant to enter the digital asset space. That s what my company learned when we surveyed C-suite executives at more than 1,000 community banks and credit unions nationwide. In our report, Understanding US Bank s Annual IT SpendFurthermore, banks can leverage their expertise to offer sophisticated investment products linked to digital assets, such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and structured notes, catering to a wider range of risk appetites.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: A Clearer Path Forward

For a long time, regulatory uncertainty has been a major obstacle to bank involvement in the digital asset market. Dependability: Since banking IT infrastructure plays a crucial role in fast-paced environments, it must be reliable and backed by top-notch cybersecurity services.However, the regulatory climate is evolving, offering institutions a clearer path to build and expand digital asset offerings.While the exact form of future regulation remains to be seen, banks should take advantage of this opportunity to develop a structured and scalable approach to crypto adoption.This includes establishing robust compliance frameworks, implementing anti-money laundering (AML) procedures, and ensuring adherence to Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.

The U.S.Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have already issued final regulations requiring custodial brokers to report sales and exchanges of digital assets, including cryptocurrency. Collaboration between digital asset platforms and banks is critical to integrating digital assets into the financial system. Although many digital assets are essentially their own closed-loop ecosystems, accessing them requires the support of banking infrastructure.This signifies a growing recognition of the need for regulatory oversight in the digital asset space, providing a foundation for further legislative and regulatory developments. The Trump administration is moving swiftly to reshape federal digital asset policy. On January 23, President Trump issued an executive order (Executive Order) that reverses key elements of a BidenBy proactively engaging with regulators and demonstrating a commitment to compliance, banks can shape the future of digital asset regulation and secure their position in this emerging market.

Building a Secure and Scalable Infrastructure

Establishing a robust IT infrastructure is paramount for banks venturing into the digital asset space. Digital public infrastructure (DPI) is a set of digital systems that enables countries to safely and efficiently provide economic opportunities and deliver social services. DPI spans the entire economy, connecting people, data, and money in much the same way that roads and railways connect people and goods.This infrastructure must be flexible, reliable, and, most importantly, secure. What we are seeing now is renewed interest in digital assets from banks across the board from credit unions and community banks to midsize and regional players to Wall Street giants.The operational and cyber risks associated with digital assets are significant, including:

• Cryptographic Key Theft: Protecting private keys is critical to prevent unauthorized access to digital assets.
• Compromise of Log-in Credentials: Banks must implement strong authentication measures to prevent account takeovers.
• Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks: DDoS attacks can disrupt banking services and prevent customers from accessing their accounts.
• Data Breaches: Protecting customer data is essential to maintain trust and comply with privacy regulations.
• Technological Outages: Reliable IT infrastructure is crucial to ensure uninterrupted access to digital asset services.

Effective IT Asset Management (ITAM) is crucial for banks to manage their ever-growing IT infrastructures accurately and efficiently.ITAM helps banks monitor their technology stacks, identify security risks, and meet regulatory requirements. 2025 Budget By The Minister Of Finance Mr Enoch Godongwana Budget2025It ensures the banking IT infrastructure is functioning correctly, preventing connectivity, productivity, and security issues.

The Role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is emerging as a critical component of the digital economy. Despite the skepticism of some market participants, digital assets and cryptocurrencies are establishing themselves as a relevant asset class. The high demand from retail customers is proving to be a challenge for regional banks if they fail to offer digital assets, customers may make their investments with other market participants.DPI encompasses digital systems that enable countries to safely and efficiently provide economic opportunities and deliver social services.It connects people, data, and money, much like traditional infrastructure such as roads and railways.Banks should actively engage with DPI initiatives to ensure seamless integration with the broader digital ecosystem.

Collaboration is Key: Partnering with Digital Asset Platforms

Collaboration between digital asset platforms and banks is critical to integrating digital assets into the traditional financial system. IT Asset Management for Banks. IT Asset Management is one of the core business processes of critical importance for banks. Banks need an effective ITAM policy to manage their ever-growing IT infrastructures more accurately and efficiently. ITAM helps banks monitor their technology stacks, identify security risks and meet regulatory requirements.While many digital assets operate within their own closed-loop ecosystems, accessing them requires the support of banking infrastructure.Banks can partner with digital asset platforms to offer their customers access to a wider range of digital assets and services.

These partnerships can take various forms, including:

• Custody Partnerships: Banks can partner with specialized custody providers to securely store digital assets.
• Trading Partnerships: Banks can integrate with digital asset exchanges to offer their customers access to cryptocurrency trading.
• Lending Partnerships: Banks can partner with DeFi platforms to offer cryptocurrency-backed loans.

By collaborating with digital asset platforms, banks can leverage their expertise and technology to accelerate their entry into the digital asset market.

Consumer-Centric Evolution: Beyond Basic Crypto Trading

The integration of digital assets shouldn't be limited to offering basic cryptocurrency trading.Banks need to adopt a consumer-centric approach, focusing on creating innovative products and services that meet the evolving needs of their customers. In our Digital Assets Policy Primer, we outlined two distinct paths that US regulatory policy could potentially take: with legislation or without legislation.This includes:

• Stablecoin Integration: For stablecoins to operate as digital cash, banks need to support their fungibility for payments.This requires a regulatory framework that ensures the money value, quality, and reliability of stablecoins.
• Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): Banks need to prepare for the potential emergence of CBDCs, which could revolutionize the way we transact and interact with money.CBDCs are a form of digital money or monetary value, denominated in the national unit of account, that is a direct liability of the central bank.
• Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Integration: Banks can explore opportunities to integrate with DeFi protocols to offer their customers access to decentralized lending, borrowing, and trading services.

By embracing a consumer-centric approach, banks can create a seamless and integrated digital asset experience for their customers, fostering loyalty and driving adoption.

The Rise of Digital Disrupters: Increased Competition

The traditional banking landscape is facing increased competition from digital disrupters who are challenging the roles of traditional intermediaries and service providers. A banking IT infrastructure needs to be flexible, reliable and secure, allowing the business to deliver a unified customer experience, achieve its goals and gain a competitive edge in the market. If the IT infrastructure isn t functioning correctly, a banking business can face connectivity, productivity and security issues.These digital natives are often more agile and innovative, allowing them to quickly adapt to the evolving needs of consumers. Banks interested in digital asset services should make the most of the new regulatory climate to develop a structured and scalable approach to crypto adoption. With barriers to entry now significantly reduced, institutions have a clearer path to build and expand digital asset offerings.Banks must respond to this challenge by embracing digital transformation and offering compelling digital asset services.

To compete effectively, banks need to:

1. Modernize their IT infrastructure: Outdated IT systems can hinder innovation and make it difficult to integrate with digital asset platforms.
2. Embrace agile development methodologies: Agile development allows banks to quickly develop and deploy new products and services.
3. Foster a culture of innovation: Banks need to create an environment that encourages experimentation and risk-taking.

Early Warning Systems: Leveraging Data Analytics

Many banks lack mechanisms to seamlessly integrate non-traditional and unstructured data into their downstream early warning analytical processes.The volume of data has been growing exponentially, making it difficult for banks to effectively monitor and manage risk.By leveraging data analytics, banks can identify at-risk accounts earlier and offer solutions that prevent default and reduce roll rates.

Instead of waiting until a borrower falls behind, banks must leverage predictive analytics to identify at-risk accounts earlier. Having emerged as a rapidly growing asset class with renewed interest among retail and institutional investors, digital assets including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, central bank digital currency (CBDC), non-fungible tokens (NTFs), utility tokens, security tokens, payment tokens and decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens can help banksBy using behavioral data, transaction patterns, and AI-driven insights, lenders can engage before delinquency escalates, offering solutions that prevent default.

Examples of Successful Digital Asset Integration

Several established financial players have already successfully integrated digital assets into their offerings, demonstrating the viability of this approach. Many banks lack mechanisms by which to seamlessly integrate non-traditional and unstructured data data volume has been growing exponentially into their downstream early warning analytical processes. Often, banks set up structured data warehouses or digital lakes, but these are costly to maintain and cannot handle the rising number ofThe key is to start small, learn quickly, and scale intelligently.For example:

• Some banks are offering custody services for digital assets to institutional clients.
• Others are partnering with digital asset exchanges to offer cryptocurrency trading to retail customers.
• Several institutions are exploring the use of blockchain technology to improve the efficiency of payment systems.

These examples demonstrate that it's possible for established financial players to successfully integrate digital assets into their offerings, paving the way for wider adoption.

Addressing Key Concerns: Security, Regulation, and Volatility

While the potential benefits of digital asset integration are significant, banks must also address key concerns, including security, regulation, and volatility.As mentioned earlier, security is paramount, requiring robust cybersecurity measures and secure custody solutions. St James Town Hall People s FORUM series 2025Regulatory compliance is also crucial, requiring banks to navigate a complex and evolving legal landscape.Finally, the volatility of digital assets can be a concern for some investors.Banks need to educate their customers about the risks involved and offer appropriate risk management tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions related to banks and digital assets:

Q: What are the main benefits for banks in adopting digital asset infrastructure?

A: Increased revenue streams through custody fees and new investment products, attracting new customers, and staying competitive in the evolving financial landscape.

Q: What are the biggest risks banks face when dealing with digital assets?

A: Cyber security threats, regulatory uncertainty, price volatility of cryptocurrencies, and reputational risks.

Q: How can banks mitigate these risks?

A: By investing in robust security measures, implementing strong compliance programs, educating customers about the risks, and collaborating with reputable digital asset platforms.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The digital asset revolution is underway, and banks cannot afford to be left behind. IR- , J The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today issued final regulations requiring custodial brokers to report sales and exchanges of digital assets, including cryptocurrency.The opportunities are vast, ranging from increased wealth creation through digital asset custody to the development of innovative financial products and services.While challenges exist, including regulatory uncertainty and security concerns, these can be overcome through proactive planning, robust risk management, and strategic partnerships.

Banks must establish infrastructure for digital assets before it's too late. This requires a commitment to innovation, a willingness to embrace change, and a focus on delivering a seamless and secure digital asset experience for customers.By acting now, banks can position themselves for success in the future of finance and solidify their role as trusted financial institutions in the digital age.

Key takeaways:

• Digital assets are becoming increasingly mainstream, and banks need to adapt.
• Custody services offer a significant opportunity for banks to generate new revenue.
• Regulatory clarity is improving, but banks need to stay informed and compliant.
• Security is paramount, requiring robust cybersecurity measures.
• Collaboration with digital asset platforms is essential for success.

Don't wait! Asset management engagement. Some 65% of institutional investors plan to buy or invest in digital assets in the future, according to a recent survey 3, and more than one-quarter feel their perception of digital assets changed positively over the past year. Major asset managers are increasing their offerings in the digital asset space.Start exploring the possibilities of digital asset integration today and secure your bank's future. As we embark on 2025, it s an opportune time to reflect on the transformative events of 2025 and look ahead to this new year. The past year marked the advent of a new era for digital assets, with institutional adoption reaching unprecedented levels, driven largely by the launch of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) one year ago.Contact us to learn more about how we can help you navigate this exciting new frontier.