Traditional financial institutions recognise the benefits of digital assets but still face high hurdles at the adoption stage, a Ripple executive said. Cassie Craddock, who leads Ripple’s European expansion, said banks and financial institutions want to use the benefits of cryptocurrencies in a simpler way and are seeking partnerships with experienced firms in the young crypto industry. Ripple is accelerating its expansion in Europe, including staffing, custody operations and licence efforts, she said.

The use of artificial intelligence in finance departments is accelerating, but chief financial officers are cautious about expansion without controls. CFOs in Britain and Ireland agree AI can improve efficiency and support decision-making, but cite gaps in compliance, audit and data controls. A study by Nexas.AI found 43 percent of large financial firms lacked an AI risk framework. Finance leaders say transparency, auditability, governance and regulatory compliance must come first.