Global financial giants including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan are aggressively investing in blockchain, backing early-stage ventures and mega-deals as digital assets move into the mainstream.
A joint analysis conducted by Ripple, CB Insights, and the UK Centre for Blockchain Technologies highlights a surge in backing from major financial institutions for blockchain-focused startups. Between 2020 and 2024, global banks participated in 345 funding transactions, frequently targeting early-stage blockchain startups.
Citigroup and Goldman Sachs emerged as frontrunners, each making 18 investments. Not far behind were JPMorgan Chase and Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ, which took part in 15 rounds apiece.
Big Money in Mega Deals
Banks aren’t just testing the waters; they’re making big bets. Over the four years, 33 funding rounds exceeded $100 million, with banks backing ventures in tokenization, digital custody, trading platforms, and blockchain payment solutions.
Brazil-based CloudWalk raised more than $750 million in two rounds with help from Banco Itaú. In Germany, Solaris secured over $100 million from SBI Group, later becoming a key acquisition target.
G-SIBs Lead with 100+ Blockchain Deals
Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs) played a significant role, making 106 blockchain investments, including 14 mega-rounds. These banks are considered essential to global financial stability, and their substantial involvement signals institutional confidence in blockchain technology.
While U.S. and Japanese banks led in deal volume, institutions in Singapore, France, and the UK also made substantial contributions. In total, over $100 billion has been invested in blockchain startups globally since 2020, across more than 10,000 deals.
Blockchain as a Game Changer
In a recent Ripple survey of 1,800 finance leaders worldwide, a strong majority anticipate major change. Roughly 9 in 10 respondents said blockchain and digital assets will reshape financial services within the next three years.
The surge in confidence comes amid evolving regulation. The GENIUS Act in the U.S. and the MiCA framework in Europe are providing much-needed clarity for companies working in digital assets.
Stablecoins Today, Tokenization Tomorrow
Banks are also backing real-world blockchain use cases. A latest Citi analysis estimates that stablecoin transactions reached between $650 and $700 billion per month in early 2025. Riding this momentum, more banks are launching proprietary stablecoins, aiming to deliver programmable financial products with reduced volatility risks.
Looking ahead, tokenization could be the next big wave. Analysts from Ripple and Boston Consulting Group predict tokenized real-world assets could exceed $18 trillion by 2033, with a 53% annual growth rate.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
