TLDR
- Monica Long projects 50% of Fortune 500 companies will adopt crypto strategies by 2026.
- Stablecoins will become the foundation of global payments, according to Ripple’s Monica Long.
- Crypto adoption is shifting from speculation to operational finance in Fortune 500 firms.
- The rise of crypto ETFs and increased institutional access will drive market growth.
Ripple President Monica Long has made an ambitious prediction for the crypto industry in 2026. Long believes that by the end of this year, 50% of Fortune 500 companies will have integrated cryptocurrency into their business strategies. This forecast reflects a significant shift in the corporate world, as the crypto market moves from its early speculative stages to becoming an essential part of modern financial systems.
Long’s vision emphasizes the growing role of crypto in improving business operations, particularly in areas like capital efficiency and liquidity. She also predicts that stablecoins, which have historically been viewed as alternative payment systems, will become the backbone of global financial settlements.
Stablecoins as the Foundation for Global Payments
One of the major changes Long anticipates is the widespread use of stablecoins for international payments. Stablecoins are digital currencies pegged to traditional currencies, such as the US dollar, which reduces their volatility compared to other cryptocurrencies. Long highlighted that companies like Visa and Stripe have already begun integrating stablecoins into their systems, paving the way for broader adoption.
After one of crypto’s most exciting years (and Ripple’s), the industry is entering its production era. In 2026 we’ll see the institutionalization of crypto — trusted infrastructure and real utility will push banks, corporates, and providers from pilots to scale — across…
— Monica Long (@MonicaLongSF) January 20, 2026
Stablecoins’ ability to offer near-instant settlement times, lower transaction fees, and 24/7 availability makes them an attractive option for businesses, especially in cross-border payments. Long noted that the B2B sector will be a key driver of this adoption, as companies increasingly turn to stablecoins for improved liquidity and capital efficiency.
Crypto’s Shift to Operational Finance
Long also predicted that by 2026, crypto will no longer be seen as a speculative investment but will become an integral layer of operational finance. Companies will move beyond simply holding digital assets and begin incorporating tokenized assets, on-chain treasury bills, and programmable financial instruments into their strategies.
According to a 2025 Coinbase survey, 60% of Fortune 500 executives are already pursuing blockchain-related projects. This suggests that the transition from theoretical blockchain applications to practical, real-world solutions is already underway. As more companies adopt these technologies, regulatory clarity in key markets like the US, EU, and Singapore will help ensure compliance and encourage further adoption.
Crypto ETFs and Institutional Access
Institutional access to crypto is expanding, particularly through the use of crypto ETFs, which allow investors to gain exposure to digital assets without directly purchasing them. While crypto ETFs currently represent a small portion of the overall market, Long believes there is significant potential for growth in this area as institutional interest continues to rise.
Furthermore, Long predicts that 5% to 10% of capital markets settlements will move on-chain by 2026. This transition is expected to improve efficiency and reduce the complexities of traditional financial transactions. Additionally, the growing interest in crypto custody solutions will drive consolidation in the sector, with major banks forming new custody relationships to manage digital assets.
Monica Long’s prediction signals a major shift in how cryptocurrencies will be integrated into the global financial system. With Fortune 500 companies embracing digital assets and stablecoins becoming a key player in global settlements, the future of crypto looks increasingly institutionalized.
