A new report from Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) reveals a surge in blockchain adoption among Fortune 500 companies and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as firms increasingly view the technology as a practical solution for operational efficiency rather than a speculative asset class.
According to Coinbase’s “State of Crypto” report, 60% of Fortune 500 executives surveyed have already incorporated blockchain into their short- and medium-term strategic planning.
Meanwhile, one in five respondents identified blockchain as a core element of their company’s long-term operational roadmap—a figure that has risen by 47% compared to the previous year.
The report notes a marked shift in perception, with many large enterprises now prioritizing blockchain integration to solve internal inefficiencies.
Key areas of focus include automating accounts receivable, managing invoices through smart contracts, and improving transparency in financial workflows.
Even among companies that have yet to launch blockchain initiatives, nearly half plan to explore the technology within the next three years.
This trend comes amid the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across industries, yet blockchain remains a distinct priority for many firms.
Financial institutions are leading the charge, particularly in exploring the tokenization of assets and deploying blockchain for real-time, cross-border payments and decentralized fundraising.
The increased attention is not limited to the corporate giants. SMEs are also showing strong interest, with 80% of surveyed businesses indicating that blockchain tools could significantly improve internal processes.
Companies view smart contracts as a way to streamline complex administrative tasks, reduce reliance on intermediaries, and lower transaction costs.
The report also underscores the importance of regulatory clarity, pointing to ongoing efforts in the U.S. Congress to pass legislation on stablecoins and digital asset market structures.
Coinbase argues that a well-defined regulatory framework is essential for blockchain innovation to scale across sectors.
Despite the current spotlight on AI, blockchain firms are quietly gaining ground. In cybersecurity, blockchain-focused companies have posted returns exceeding 200%, outpacing AI startups in several key markets.
In Asia, Hong Kong has emerged as a regional hub for Web3 businesses through its Cyberport program, which has already attracted 150 blockchain firms with tax incentives and regulatory support.