From Google to JPMorgan: The 35 companies that are abandoning traditional banking for Ethereum

The Ethereum network has consolidated its global financial leadership following its massive adoption by banking and technology giants.

Ethereum, known as the leading smart contract network, has established itself as the technological foundation upon which financial institutions worldwide are beginning to reconfigure their operations. What began as an experimental platform focused on decentralized DeFi applications now functions as a global settlement infrastructure capable of integrating traditional banking with the efficiency and transparency of blockchain.

Recent reports from the Ethereum Foundation highlight how the network has transcended its initial role as a simple platform for cryptocurrency transactions. Currently, the Ethereum blockchain hosts digital money funds, tokenized securities, and automated payment systems operating within increasingly defined regulatory frameworks.

This growing institutional interest is supported by the evolving regulations in several jurisdictions, where regulatory openness has allowed established financial firms to adopt Ethereum-based solutions. The market discourse no longer revolves around volatility or speculation, but rather the operational value of blockchain technology in reducing costs and ensuring uninterrupted transactions 24/7. The influx of institutional capital into Layer 2 networks on top of Ethereum confirms a more mature pursuit of scalability and efficiency without compromising the security of the main network.

Tech and banking giants take over the Ethereum network

The diversity of projects operating on Ethereum today is astounding, ranging from the retail sector to high-end asset management. 

In a publication Shared on X, the Ethereum Foundation highlighted that there are 35 key organizations leading this change. In the area of ​​payments, Google has presented its AP2 protocol, designed to enable artificial intelligence agents to autonomously conduct transactions using stablecoins directly on the network. This collaboration with entities such as Dappradar It seeks to bridge the gap between intelligent automation and modern financial systems.

In the banking sector, the movement is equally vigorous. JPMorgan has taken a significant step by migrating its tokenized deposit product to an Ethereum Layer 2 network to meet the demand of its institutional clients seeking immediate liquidation of collateral and margin. Meanwhile, European banks such as Santander y UBS They have led successful deposit token pilots, demonstrating that it is possible to make legally valid transfers between different institutions over public infrastructure.

Asset management is also undergoing a revolution with firms like BlackRock y Fidelitywhich have introduced tokenized money market funds on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing investors to access the stability of traditional instruments with the speed of blockchain technology. Even financial services companies such as Mastercard y American Express They are using the network to expand their loyalty programs and digital credentials, transforming travel experiences into immutable records within the ecosystem.

Ethereum in 2026: the infrastructure that unites the world's finances

Ethereum's reach has transcended Western borders and is beginning to consolidate in emerging regions and Asian powers. According to the recent publication, AntGroupAlipay's parent company, launched Jovay, a second-layer network focused on tokenizing real-world assets and targeting financial institutions. This development is not isolated, as in the Middle East, ADI Foundation It promotes an infrastructure designed to support regulated stablecoins and connect millions of users in Africa and Asia to the global financial system, through partnerships with key players such as M-Pesa.

Other renowned entities such as Sony Bank y franklin templeton They are actively exploring the issuance of digital assets and investment funds that leverage the native performance of the Ethereum network. Integrating these services into everyday platforms such as Stripe It allows thousands of businesses to accept payments and manage subscriptions more cheaply and efficiently. 

By announcing this adoption, the Ethereum Foundation is highlighting that the network has evolved from being a space reserved for developers and tech enthusiasts to becoming a pillar of the new programmable economy.

As we move into 2026, the trend suggests that the distinction between traditional finance and the digital world will continue to blur. Ethereum's infrastructure provides the trust and interoperability necessary for capital to flow borderlessly, ushering in an era where ownership and the exchange of value are truly digital and global.