In 2026, banks are actively adopting digital assets. At first glance this looks like a natural evolution of the traditional system. Yet, much of the conventional infrastructure banks keep relying on is still suited only for small pilot projects. It is not prepared for large enterprises.
So, the key problem is that as institutions look at stablecoins, tokenised funds and other on-chain assets, there is still no definite path to make all these products work within existing banking systems.
This is one of the primary topics we discuss in our Episode 9 of the Women Leading the Way podcast by Drofa Comms, featuring Anoosh Arevshatian, Chief Product Officer at Zodia Solutions.
Anoosh comes to the podcast with an extensive background in traditional finance. After starting her career with a German NGO in Zimbabwe, she spent nearly a decade at Citi working in enterprise risk and governance. She later worked in digital assets, where her experience in managing risk became paramount to developing financial products.
In conversation with host Maria Tunikova, Anoosh explains how institutional demand for digital assets has changed over the past few years. Banks are looking for infrastructure that can support multiple use cases. This includes custody and settlement as well as liquidity, stablecoins and tokenised securities.
According to Anoosh, the industry’s existing infrastructure works reasonably well for proofs of concept and smaller initiatives. Supporting financial activity at a much greater scale, however, requires stronger security. It also demans governance and controls embedded into products from the start.
The episode also examines the role of regulation, including the EU’s MiCA framework and the US GENIUS Act, and how greater regulatory certainty can help banks move ahead with digital asset services.
Another part of the discussion focuses on leadership. Anoosh reflects on her transition from banking to digital assets. She also speaks on her approach to leadership, and why risk management should work to make innovations prosper.
Her advice to women considering careers in finance or digital assets is equally direct. As she puts it, “If you back yourself, others will back you.”
Episode 9 of Women Leading the Way with Anoosh Arevshatian is already available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube Music!
Listen to the full episode.
