Forget Bitcoin — Bank of America Says Ethereum and Stripe Could Power the Next Global Payment System

Bank Of America Pivots Deeper Into Blockchain With Launch Of ‘On Chain’ Research Series

Bank of America is stepping up its presence in the digital finance race, launching a dedicated research series titled “On Chain” to explore stablecoins, tokenised assets, and the digital infrastructure quietly reshaping Wall Street.

The initiative reflects the bank’s increasing focus on blockchain not as a speculative playground but as the core infrastructure of the financial future.

“On Chain” will deliver periodic analysis on the developments across digital payments, smart contract platforms, custody services, and tokenised real-world assets.

The series also captures insights from investor conversations to help navigate the divide between early adopters and late movers in the digital asset space.

Ethereum And Stripe Identified As Key Players In The Next Financial Rails

The research prominently highlights Ethereum as a foundational protocol in the stablecoin ecosystem, pointing to its large-scale adoption across decentralised finance and institutional pilots.

With over 50% of all circulating stablecoins operating on Ethereum, the platform is seen as the dominant network for dollar-backed digital assets.

The bank notes,

“While too soon to pick winners just yet, we believe infrastructure providers such as Stripe, or the Ethereum platform… could potentially become the new rails for driving interoperability across digital assets.”

Ethereum’s compatibility with smart contracts and regulatory readiness has made it a top choice for projects piloted by major players like JPMorgan, which recently tested tokenised deposits using a blockchain based on Ethereum.

US Crypto Bills Could Accelerate Digital Asset Integration

The release of “On Chain” coincides with growing policy momentum in Washington.

Lawmakers are weighing bills like the GENIUS Act, CLARITY Act, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act — all of which could set the tone for stablecoin oversight and digital financial architecture.

Of particular interest to institutions is the GENIUS Act, which aligns with the administration’s push to solidify the U.S. dollar’s role in digital finance.

Bank of America noted that clear legislation could support market confidence and unlock broader adoption of regulated blockchain networks like Ethereum.

Stablecoin Partnerships Hint At A Shift In Digital Commerce Strategy

Bank of America’s research also points to the commercial integration of stablecoins as a new area of growth.

Collaborations involving Shopify, Coinbase, and Stripe are seen as early signs of stablecoins moving beyond trading and into digital commerce.

These partnerships, the report suggests, may eventually play a larger role in payment systems — regardless of which issuers dominate the market.

Although the competitive landscape remains fluid, BofA maintains that long-term value lies in the infrastructure layer rather than the tokens themselves.

Tracking On-Chain Activity To Understand Market Behaviour

Beyond research reports, Bank of America has been quietly investing in blockchain analytics to track transaction patterns, wallet flows, and overall network health.

This on-chain data strategy enables the bank to identify emerging risks and trends with more precision than traditional financial models allow.

The data-driven approach aligns with a broader trend among institutions looking to navigate the crypto market with increased transparency and risk control.

According to insiders, BofA has already built a significant stack of blockchain patents and is preparing its systems for regulated crypto engagement — including future support for digital payments.

Ethereum’s Role Expands With Tokenisation And Institutional Adoption

Ethereum’s influence doesn’t stop at stablecoins.

The platform is also gaining traction in tokenised real-world assets, an area expected to grow rapidly.

BlackRock has forecast significant market expansion in this space, while BitMine recently announced plans to use ether (ETH) as a reserve asset — signalling a broader institutional shift toward Ethereum-based solutions.

Meanwhile, the US Treasury has projected that the stablecoin market could exceed $2 trillion within five years.

With Ethereum’s proven scalability and smart contract functionality, analysts anticipate the platform will remain central to this expansion.

Looking Ahead As Finance Rewrites Its Operating System

Bank of America’s deep dive into digital infrastructure signals more than curiosity — it suggests preparation.

As finance begins to rely more heavily on decentralised networks and programmable assets, Ethereum and partners like Stripe may serve as the backbone of a new financial operating system.

Digital Rail Or Detour?

The real shift may not be in the coins themselves but in how institutions build around them.

With lawmakers now racing to define digital assets and platforms like Ethereum attracting major enterprise interest, traditional finance is no longer on the sidelines — it’s rewriting its playbook.

The next winners in finance might not be the loudest tokens but the quiet protocols powering everything underneath.