IBM Launches Digital Asset Platform as Institutional Crypto Demand Accelerates

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) has unveiled Digital Asset Haven, a new platform designed to help financial institutions, governments, and enterprises develop blockchain-based services as digital asset adoption continues to expand.

Built in collaboration with crypto wallet technology provider Dfns, the platform aims to simplify the creation and management of digital-asset solutions, including custody, payments, and settlement. IBM and Dfns said in a joint statement on Monday that the offering will help clients move faster into the growing digital finance space.

Streamlining Enterprise Blockchain Integration

Tina Tarquinio, IBM’s Chief Product Officer for the Z and LinuxONE divisions, described Digital Asset Haven as a significant step forward for businesses entering the blockchain arena. “The alternative is they build it all themselves or take piece parts and build it all themselves,” Tarquinio said. “This is a pretty significant bundle that would really jump-start what they’re doing.”

The platform’s launch coincides with a surge of institutional interest in crypto-related technologies, especially stablecoins — digital tokens typically pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar. Following the passage of stablecoin legislation in July, these tokens have seen increasing use in cross-border payments and financial settlements.

Global Banks Embrace Regulated Stablecoins

Earlier this month, major international banks including Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Banco Santander announced a joint initiative to explore stablecoin-style digital currencies. At the same time, Citigroup Inc. and nine European lenders revealed plans to develop a regulated euro-backed stablecoin designed to operate within existing financial frameworks.

These developments follow a broader shift in US policy toward digital assets under President Donald Trump’s administration. The introduction of the GENIUS Act — a regulatory framework for stablecoins — along with pro-crypto appointments across key agencies, has further accelerated institutional involvement.

Bridging Blockchain and Traditional Finance

Despite a decade of experimentation, large-scale blockchain adoption among major banks has been slow, often hindered by the challenge of integrating modern digital asset systems with legacy financial infrastructure. “For digital assets to be integrated into core banking and capital markets systems, the underlying infrastructure must meet the same standards as traditional financial rails,” said Clarisse Hagège, CEO of Dfns.

IBM, which works with more than 90 of the world’s largest banks, is positioning Digital Asset Haven as the missing link between blockchain innovation and enterprise-grade reliability. The company’s shares have climbed 40% this year, reflecting investor confidence in its growing software and digital finance divisions.