Uphold survey shows 75% of US banks are building blockchain services

Three out of four US financial institutions now have blockchain programs in some stage of development, according to a new survey from Uphold and American Banker. The survey, conducted between July 27 and August 14, 2026, polled 114 decision-makers across banks, credit unions, and neobanks. Of the 75% with active blockchain initiatives, 22% reported live or scaling projects, while 53% said they were running pilot programs or formal evaluations. Banks are putting real money behind the shift Two-thirds of the surveyed institutions said they have allocated dedicated funding toward digital asset infrastructure. More than half, 54%, have gone a step further by issuing requests for proposals to potential vendors and partners. Perhaps the most telling data point: 72% of institutions have appointed a specific executive to oversee digital asset and blockchain strategy. Wallets, wealth management, and stablecoins lead the way The survey identified three dominant use cases driving adoption. Digital wallets and custody solutions topped the list at 72%, followed closely by buy/sell/hold services within wealth management at 70%. Stablecoin infrastructure for institutional settlements came in thir...