News
Blockchain News
Blockchain News
Browse all Blockchain related articles and news. The latest news, analysis, and insights on Blockchain.
WisdomTree Has Shifted Its Tokenization Focus Towards Solana
US-based asset management company WisdomTree announced another significant step in its tokenization strategy by migrating all its tokenized fund products based on real-world assets (RWA) to the Solana network. According to the company, this expansion is one of WisdomTree's most comprehensive non-EVM chain integrations to date.WisdomTree has previously integrated with networks such as Arbitrum and AvalancheWisdomTree has offered its tokenized funds primarily on Ethereum, as well as EVM-compatible networks such as Arbitrum, Avalanche, Base, and Optimism, and a non-EVM chain like Stellar. The Solana integration marks a new phase in the company's multichain distribution strategy. With this step, both individual and institutional investors will be able to directly access WisdomTree's tokenized funds focused on money markets, equities, fixed-income securities, alternative investments, and asset allocation on Solana. With this integration, WisdomTree Connect, the company's platform for institutional investors, will support functions such as direct token issuance, fund position management, and custody on Solana. Institutional clients will also be able to interact with native applications and protocols within the Solana ecosystem, subject to applicable risk controls. This structure paves the way for more integrated use of tokenized traditional finance products with decentralized applications. Through the WisdomTree Prime platform, which caters to individual investors, users can purchase tokenized funds without going through traditional banking channels by adding USDC or using conversion services with PayPal's stablecoin PYUSD. Investments can be held in Solana-based self-custody wallets, allowing users to maintain direct control over their assets. Maredith Hannon, Head of Digital Assets Business Development at WisdomTree, stated that the Solana integration reflects the company's focus on regulated real-world assets. According to Hannon, Solana's high transaction speed and low-cost infrastructure make it easier to meet the demands of crypto-familiar investors while also ensuring the regulatory standards expected by institutional investors are maintained.The on-chain tokenization of real-world assets has recently gained increasing interest among traditional asset managers. This approach has the potential to shorten exchange and settlement times, expand investment access, and create new distribution channels for regulated financial products. WisdomTree is among the companies actively involved in this field. According to RWA.xyz data, the company manages over $772 million in tokenized assets within its multi-chain distributions.The Solana ecosystem is also rapidly growing in the tokenization space. According to RWA.xyz data, the total value of real-world assets held on-chain on Solana has exceeded $1.3 billion. This makes the network one of the most popular platforms for tokenized funds and similar financial products. WisdomTree's expansion onto Solana is seen as a development that could further accelerate this growth.
US Stocks Approaching 24/7 Trading: NYSE Takes a Step Towards Tokenization
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has announced it is working on a new platform that will allow trading of tokenized versions of US stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as well as blockchain-based trading. Subject to regulatory approvals, this initiative has the potential to make traditional capital markets open 24/7, similar to cryptocurrency markets. From the official press release. What does the new structure at the NYSE mean?According to the New York Stock Exchange, the developed platform will offer features such as 24/7 trading, fractional share purchases, dollar-based order entry, and instant trading with tokenized capital. The system is also designed to support stablecoin-based funding, allowing investors to open and close positions without being tied to traditional banking hours.The new structure combines the NYSE's existing Pillar matching engine with a blockchain-based post-transaction settlement infrastructure. The platform is planned to support multiple blockchains in trading and custody processes. The NYSE states that this infrastructure will form the basis of a new exchange platform focused on digital securities. If approved, this new structure will encompass both tokenized assets that are convertible one-to-one with traditional stocks and securities issued directly digitally.Investors holding tokenized shares will have the same rights as traditional shareholders in terms of dividends and governance rights. Access will be provided through qualified brokerage firms and on a non-discriminatory basis.This move follows the lead of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the NYSE. ICE aims to create a market structure suitable for tokenized capital and asset transfers while preparing its trading infrastructure to operate 24/7. The company is also working closely with banks in this regard.ICE announced that it is working with major banks such as BNY and Citi to enable the use of tokenized deposits within trading institutions. This structure will allow market participants to manage their funds outside of traditional banking hours and meet collateral requirements more flexibly across different time zones and jurisdictions. NYSE Group President Lynn Martin stated that they have been a pioneer in transforming market structures for over two centuries, and that they aim to combine trust and advanced technology with fully on-chain solutions. ICE Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Michael Blaugrund emphasized that tokenized securities are opening the door to a new financial era where trading, escrow, custody, and capital creation all take place on-chain. This move by the NYSE is a continuation of its earlier efforts to extend trading hours. Indeed, a survey of market participants in April 2024 revealed that structures similar to the "always-on" model in crypto markets are gaining increasing interest in the traditional financial world.
Galaxy Announces $75 Million in Tokenized Loans on Avalanche
Galaxy Digital has taken a new step targeting institutional investors in the blockchain-based finance space. The company announced the first closing of a $75 million tokenized collateralized loan obligation (CLO) transaction structured on the Avalanche network. The transaction is backed by a $50 million principal investment provided by the institutional lending protocol Grove. Grove stands out as a structure operating within the Sky ecosystem. The CLO structure runs on-chain on AvalancheAccording to Galaxy Digital's statement, this tokenized CLO finances a credit line created for personal loan products over-collateralized with crypto assets, offered by Arch Lending, which the company supports. These loans are primarily collateralized with highly liquid digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ether. Galaxy states that approximately $75 million in loans have been financed so far, and the structure can scale up to $200 million over time. Looking at the financial structure of the transaction, a coupon rate of SOFR + 570 basis points has been set for the senior tranche of the CLO. The initial maturity date was announced as December 2026. Galaxy management emphasizes that this structure combines traditional credit markets with on-chain financial infrastructure. Speaking on behalf of the team led by Galaxy President and Investment Director Mike Novogratz, Chris Ferraro stated that they have combined their expertise in debt capital markets, blockchain technology, and asset management in a single transaction. According to Ferraro, this structure offers institutional investors a new credit market experience that is more transparent, more efficient, and conducted on-chain. The debt tranches under the CLO were issued and tokenized by INX on the Avalanche network. The tokens are planned to be traded on the ATS platform, wholly owned by Republic. This will allow qualified investors to gain access to the secondary market in a regulated environment. Anchorage Digital Bank is responsible for the custody and administration of the transaction. The bank's Atlas Settlement Network infrastructure manages the real-time monitoring of collateral and on-chain reconciliation processes. Galaxy also announced that it has collaborated with the data validation platform Accountable to create a transparent dashboard that continuously monitors credit performance and collateral status. This CLO transaction is seen as part of Galaxy Digital’s recently accelerated operational diversification strategy. Following the Bitcoin block reward halving in 2024, the company began focusing more on high-performance computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure. In October 2025, Galaxy completed a $460 million strategic investment agreement with CoreWeave to transform its Helios campus in Texas into an AI data center hub. Meanwhile, according to Bloomberg, Galaxy is also evaluating potential collaborations with Polymarket and Kalshi, which operate in the prediction markets space. The company has experimented with providing liquidity on a limited scale on these platforms and is considering broader market-making activities.
Visa Opens Doors to Stablecoins with New Collaboration
Visa is preparing to expand the role of digital assets in daily financial transactions by integrating stablecoin-based payments into its global payment network. The company announced that, as part of a strategic partnership with BVNK, it will enable funding and payment transactions with stablecoins through the Visa Direct network. Initially rolled out in select markets, this integration marks a significant transformation in Visa's network, which handles approximately $1.7 trillion in real-time money transfers annually. Visa Direct's stablecoin integrationVisa Direct already provides infrastructure enabling companies to make quick payments to individuals in areas such as payroll, gig economy earnings, and cross-border transfers. With this new step, businesses will be able to pre-fund their payments with stablecoins instead of traditional fiat currency balances. This will allow recipients to receive their payments directly into their digital wallets, almost instantly. Bank hours, correspondent banks, or settlement processes that can take days will be largely eliminated. Mark Nelsen, Visa's global product manager, emphasized that stablecoins hold significant potential for global payments. According to Nelsen, these assets offer a powerful tool for reducing friction and expanding access to faster, more efficient payment options. Their 24/7 operational structure provides a significant advantage for transfers hampered by the time constraints of traditional financial systems. BVNK will provide the technical infrastructure for this integration. The UK-based fintech company already manages over $30 billion in stablecoin payment volume annually. Visa made its first investment in BVNK through its venture capital arm in May 2025. Five months later, Citigroup's strategic investment in the company is a significant signal of increasing corporate confidence in stablecoin infrastructure. Under the new system, businesses will be able to finance their payments with stable-value digital assets such as USDC. This approach aims to reduce problems such as currency conversions, delays, and additional costs, especially in cross-border transactions. For gig economy workers, content creators, and companies with international teams, receiving fast and predictable payments is becoming increasingly critical, and stablecoin-based solutions directly address this need. Visa and BVNK plan to launch the service primarily in markets with high demand for digital asset payments. The expansion process will be shaped by customer demand and usage rates. The companies state that their long-term goal is to build a bridge between traditional payment networks and blockchain-based liquidity. This approach aims to make the existing financial system more flexible and accessible, rather than completely replacing it. Visa's move shows that stablecoins are no longer a niche crypto product but are beginning to become a permanent part of the global payment infrastructure. In this era where the lines between traditional finance and on-chain solutions are increasingly blurred, steps taken by giants like Visa have the potential to shape the direction of the sector.
PwC's Return to Crypto: US Regulations Opened the Door.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the world's largest auditing and consulting networks, has decided to expand its activities in the crypto space as the regulatory environment for crypto assets in the US becomes clearer. In an interview with the Financial Times, the company's US CEO, Paul Griggs, stated that the steps taken in stablecoin regulations and leadership changes within regulatory bodies were the key factors behind this decision.PwC is shifting towards the crypto space.According to Griggs, the GENIUS Act, passed by Congress and providing a federal framework for payment-oriented stablecoins, was decisive in PwC's stronger focus on crypto. Signed into law by President Donald Trump in July 2025, the law paved the way for banks to issue their own tokens while significantly reducing legal uncertainties for institutional actors. Griggs emphasized that this process has transformed stablecoins from being merely a tool used by crypto traders into a part of the payment infrastructure. PwC's CEO highlighted developments in the tokenization field, as well as stablecoin regulations. Stating that the idea of representing real-world assets on the blockchain is progressing rapidly, Griggs said that PwC cannot remain outside this ecosystem. The company's approach is not limited to theoretical consulting; PwC already offers crypto-focused services in many areas such as accounting, auditing, cybersecurity, wallet management, and regulatory consulting.The easing of regulatory stances in the US has also expanded PwC's client base. The company serves a wide range of clients, from crypto exchanges to traditional financial institutions looking to enter this field, and even governments, central banks, and regulatory authorities. Griggs stated that in the last 10-12 months, they have strengthened their human resources and re-employed experienced individuals in the field, driven by the increasing demand in the digital asset sector.PwC's deeper involvement in crypto is also supported by concrete steps on the auditing side. The appointment of PwC as auditor for fiscal year 2025 by publicly traded Bitcoin miner MARA Holdings stands out as a significant example of regulated crypto companies turning to large auditing firms. Institutional clients need strong audit infrastructures, particularly in areas such as reserve verification, governance structures, and transparency. PwC is not alone in this move. All four major auditing firms known as the "Big Four" are now active in the crypto space. Deloitte offers blockchain strategy and consulting, while Ernst & Young is expanding its crypto tax and strategy services. KPMG, meanwhile, is targeting aggressive growth in crypto audits, compliance, and risk management. It's also worth noting that Deloitte has audited Coinbase since 2020. Looking at the overall picture, regulatory clarity in the US is rapidly closing the gap between Wall Street and the crypto world. The regulation of stablecoins and the proliferation of tokenization projects are leading traditional finance to view crypto infrastructures as a more useful tool.
The Rise in Silver Prices Has Spilled Into Blockchains
The sharp price movements in the silver market in recent weeks have not been limited to futures and exchange-traded funds. Increased volatility has also shifted investor interest to tokenized assets. On-chain data shows a remarkable acceleration in demand for digital representations of silver. This situation closely concerns commodity markets and blockchain-based financial products.1,200% Increase in Tokenized Silver AssetsAccording to RWA.xyz data, the monthly transfer volume of the tokenized iShares Silver Trust (SLV) product has increased by over 1,200% in the last 30 days. During the same period, the number of investors increased by approximately 300%, while the net asset value grew by nearly 40%. Below, you can see the change in the price of SLV since the beginning of the year, an increase of nearly 170%: The tokenization model allows physical assets such as silver to be represented on the blockchain through digital tokens. Thus, assets can be divided into smaller pieces, transferred at any time of day, and access to liquidity is facilitated. As in the case of tokenized SLV, investors outside the US can also be exposed to silver price movements without directly accessing traditional markets thanks to these structures.However, financial demand is not the only factor behind the rise in silver. Supply tightness in physical markets is becoming increasingly visible. The fact that silver premiums in Asian markets are exceeding COMEX futures prices by double digits indicates physical strength. Spot prices exceeding futures prices is also a significant signal pointing to short-term supply pressure.Analysts emphasize that there are several key reasons for this tightness. China's introduction of licensing requirements for refined silver exports as of January 1st is creating uncertainty on the global supply side. In addition, increased margin requirements in futures and year-end position adjustments are making trading in traditional markets more difficult. On the demand side, the solar energy sector plays a decisive role. The amount of silver used in photovoltaic panel production has not shown a significant decrease, even though prices have increased several times compared to 2024 levels. This chart becomes even more interesting when considered alongside the outlook for cryptocurrency markets. Bitcoin's pullback from its recent peak has caused concern for some investors, while gold and silver's rise to new records has created a sense of divergence in the markets. However, historical cycles suggest this divergence may be more a matter of timing than weakness. In the past, particularly after 2020, it was observed that gold and silver, as stores of value, moved first, while risky assets gained momentum after this upward trend stalled. A similar pattern is evident today. While precious metals maintain their strong performance, Bitcoin is moving horizontally in a wider range. It is known that in liquidity-focused cycles, capital does not flow into every asset simultaneously, but generally shifts gradually.
Starting January 1st: China Takes Critical Step Towards Digital Yuan
China is preparing for one of the most critical steps yet in its digital yuan project. The country's central bank announced that a new framework allowing commercial banks to pay interest on digital yuan balances will come into effect on January 1, 2026. With this change, e-CNY will cease to be merely "digital cash" and will effectively become "digital deposit money." The announcement was made public through an article by Lu Lei, Vice President of the People's Bank of China, published in the state newspaper Financial News. According to Lu, this regulation is a natural result of pilot studies that have been ongoing for about a decade and a testing process that has accelerated in the last five years. Although China is considered one of the world's leading countries in terms of technical capacity and scale of implementation in the CBDC field, adoption rates have not yet reached the expected level.Under the new framework, interest can be paid on balances held in verified digital yuan wallets in accordance with existing deposit pricing agreements. Furthermore, digital yuan balances will have the same protection as traditional bank deposits under China's deposit insurance system. This significantly strengthens the status of e-CNY within the banking system.The regulation also provides banks with greater flexibility in terms of balance sheet and liquidity management. Digital yuan balances can be actively used in banks' asset and liability management. For non-bank payment institutions, digital yuan reserves will be treated the same as existing customer reserves and a 100% reserve requirement will apply.Digital yuan usage is quite widespreadAccording to official data, the use of digital yuan in China has reached significant volumes. As of the end of November 2025, a total of 3.48 billion transactions were carried out, with a cumulative transaction volume of 16.7 trillion yuan. While these figures show that the e-CNY infrastructure is widely operational, they also indicate that its adoption rate in daily life remains limited. One of the main reasons for this is the long-standing dominance of mobile payment platforms in China. WeChat Pay and Alipay have largely determined user habits. The digital yuan is struggling to compete with this established ecosystem. Furthermore, concerns about centralized monitoring and anxieties associated with the social credit system are leading some to approach e-CNY with caution. Therefore, it appears that the use of paper money has not completely disappeared. On the other hand, the Beijing administration is also taking steps to expand the international use of the digital yuan. The central bank is planning pilot studies with Singapore to increase the use of e-CNY in cross-border payments. In addition, CBDC-based payment systems are on the agenda with markets such as Thailand, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The e-CNY International Operations Center established in Shanghai is also seen as an important part of this global expansion. Despite all these developments, China maintains its strict stance on cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency trading and mining activities have been banned in the country since 2021. While the Chinese government adopts blockchain technology as a strategic infrastructure, it prioritizes the digital yuan model, which is entirely controlled by the central bank.
China's Blockchain Move: Financial Regulator Releases Plan
Chinese financial authorities have implemented a comprehensive roadmap aimed at accelerating digital transformation in the banking and insurance sectors. The “Implementation Plan for High-Quality Development of Digital Finance in the Banking and Insurance Sectors,” published by the State Financial Supervision and Administration Commission of China, focuses particularly on the widespread adoption of blockchain-based financial infrastructures and the more effective use of crypto-compliant digital solutions within corporate finance."Standardization of blockchain" is keyOne of the plan's key objectives is the standardization of blockchain use in supply chain finance. Chinese regulators aim to make access to finance more transparent and traceable for companies at both the upper and lower links of the production chain through the combined use of big data and blockchain technologies. Specifically, to accelerate the digital transformation processes of companies operating in advanced manufacturing sectors, credit support mechanisms are planned to be strengthened with blockchain-based systems. This approach aims to reduce problems such as fraudulent invoices, duplicate collateral, and data discrepancies.The digital finance plan positions blockchain not merely as a record-keeping technology, but as a fundamental component of financial trust infrastructure. The document encourages banks and insurance companies to monitor supply chain data, contracts, and payment flows in real-time through blockchain-based platforms. This structure aims to reduce information asymmetry, a long-standing problem for SMEs in accessing finance. A noteworthy point for cryptocurrency markets is that China, despite maintaining a restrictive stance on direct cryptocurrency trading, is placing blockchain and distributed ledger technologies at the heart of its financial system. The plan clearly indicates that the underlying technology, rather than the cryptocurrencies themselves, will be heavily utilized in corporate finance and public oversight. This suggests the potential for widespread adoption of "permissioned blockchain" models globally. Furthermore, the regulation highlights the role of blockchain in data security and risk management. Financial institutions are expected to increase automation in credit allocation, collateral management, and insurance processes through smart contracts and distributed ledger systems. This aims to reduce operational risks and make audit processes more transparent. The plan also emphasizes that blockchain-based systems will be used under strict supervision in terms of cybersecurity and data integrity. Another critical element in the document is the combined use of next-generation technologies. Blockchain is considered in an integrated manner with artificial intelligence, big data, and even satellite-based data systems. This integration aims to enable faster and more accurate financial risk analysis and the early detection of suspicious transactions. In particular, the combined evaluation of on-chain and off-chain data is seen as a factor that can significantly increase financial oversight capacity.
Coinbase Launches Stock Trading with USDC
Coinbase has launched a comprehensive transformation in the financial services sector, moving beyond its identity as a crypto exchange. The company announced the official rollout of in-app stock trading for eligible users in the US. Thanks to this new feature, users can buy US stocks and select ETFs directly through the Coinbase app using USDC. This step stands out as one of the most concrete moves towards Coinbase's long-held vision of being "a single platform to buy and sell everything."Stock purchases with USDC are now possible on CoinbaseAccording to information shared by Coinbase, stock transactions are conducted in USDC. With this structure, the company aims to lay the foundation for a 24/7 trading market infrastructure that traditional exchanges still cannot fully offer. Settlement through the digital dollar creates a critical foundation for tokenized stocks and on-chain financial products in the future. CEO Brian Armstrong describes this process as the first step in the convergence of traditional assets with blockchain technology. In addition to stocks, Coinbase is significantly expanding its product range. The platform is adding futures, perpetual contracts, and outcome-oriented prediction markets. The prediction markets are being implemented in collaboration with Kalshi, a regulated entity in the US. Users can access contracts for thousands of different scenarios, ranging from economic data and political developments to sports and macroeconomic events. According to Brian Armstrong, prediction markets are not just a trading platform. Armstrong argues that these markets have become a powerful tool for measuring public expectations and perceptions. In statements to CNBC, he said that many users follow these markets not as an investment vehicle, but to "see the general expectation of what will happen in the coming month." Armstrong also emphasized that prediction markets could eventually function as an alternative information and sentiment barometer to traditional media.Coinbase's entry into this space comes amidst an increasingly competitive environment. DraftKings is acquiring its own prediction exchange, FanDuel is partnering with CME, and Polymarket is entering the US market through a newly regulated entity. Robinhood has also placed LedgerX at the center of its derivatives strategy. Armstrong describes this competition as "a race between regulated infrastructures and crypto-native liquidity." Tokenization is central to the company's long-term plans. In this context, Coinbase announced a new institutional product suite called Coinbase Tokenize. This platform allows companies and institutions to bring their real-world assets, even their own shares, onto the blockchain. Armstrong explicitly states that stock trading is only the beginning of this journey, and the ultimate goal is tokenized shares. According to him, this structure can increase global reach and make capital markets more inclusive. Coinbase is also expanding its API infrastructure for institutional clients and developers. The new API suite, covering custody, payment, trading, and stablecoin services, reflects the company's goal of going beyond retail users. Coinbase Business service is also being opened to eligible customers in the US and Singapore. In addition, private-branded stablecoins for businesses and a new payment standard called x402, which enables automated payments, are being introduced.
BNB Chain is preparing to launch its own stablecoin
BNB Chain has taken a significant step toward expanding its on-network financial infrastructure by preparing to launch its own native stablecoin. An official announcement on December 17, 2025, confirmed the development of a new stable asset with low volatility and targeting widespread adoption across the BNB Chain ecosystem. While the stablecoin's name and a clear launch schedule have not yet been shared, this move is seen as part of BNB Chain's strategy to strengthen liquidity, enhance security, and reduce reliance on external stablecoin bridges. BNB Chain Launches Its Own StablecoinBNB Chain management states that the planned stablecoin aims to unify different use cases across the ecosystem under a single liquidity layer. Launching its own native stablecoin aims to eliminate the bridge risks frequently encountered with cross-chain stablecoins. This ensures liquidity remains entirely on-chain, increasing transaction efficiency and preventing security vulnerabilities that may arise from external infrastructure.The new stablecoin is expected to play a critical role in decentralized finance applications. Trading on decentralized exchanges like PancakeSwap, lending and borrowing protocols, yield farming, and on-chain payment solutions are among the prominent use cases. BNB Chain plans to make this asset a fundamental building block of daily on-chain activities, not just for a specific niche. This approach signifies a more holistic financial model that places the stablecoin at the center of the ecosystem. Following the announcement, a significant wave of speculation arose within the crypto community. The fact that former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) follows an account on the X platform linked to a stablecoin project called "U" has led to speculation that the new stablecoin might be related to this project. However, neither BNB Chain nor CZ has officially confirmed this. It is also noted that Zhao has previously warned that social media interactions do not imply support or partnership. At this stage, the name, branding, and potential collaborations of the stablecoin remain unclear. However, some sources suggest that the stablecoin, codenamed "U," will be launched on December 18th and is structured around the principles of "Unified, Inclusive, Fluid." The project claims to prioritize security and liquidity with a comprehensive reserve management framework. Despite this, there is no direct link to this project on BNB Chain's official channels. Therefore, investors and developers need to wait for official announcements to see the clear picture. BNB Chain has not yet shared critical details regarding the design of the new stablecoin. Whether the asset will be fiat-backed, crypto-collateralized, or algorithmic remains unclear. The launch date is also not yet finalized. Network management emphasizes that users should only follow official BNB Chain announcements and technical documentation.
Japanese Financial Giant Joins Stablecoin Race
SBI Holdings, a leading Japanese financial group, has joined forces with Startale Group, a Web3-focused blockchain company, for a new stablecoin project. The two companies plan to launch a Japanese yen (JPY)-based stablecoin in the second quarter of 2026. The project is positioned as a fully regulated digital asset with a focus on institutional adoption, usable both locally and globally. SBI Holdings, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, brings its strong financial infrastructure and regulatory experience in Japan to the project, while Startale Group stands out with its technical expertise in the Web3 field. Startale is known for its involvement in the development of the Sony-backed Soneium network. This collaboration is considered a significant step towards a deeper integration of traditional finance and blockchain technology. SBI Holdings Chairman and CEO Yoshitaka Kitao stated that "the transition to a token economy is now an irreversible societal trend." According to Kitao, the launch of the new stablecoin, both in Japan and globally, will significantly accelerate the spread of digital financial services fully compatible with traditional finance. The issuance and redemption processes of the yen-based stablecoin, whose name has not yet been revealed, will be handled by Shinsei Trust & Banking, operating under SBI Shinsei Bank. The circulation of the token will be provided through SBI VC Trade, a licensed crypto asset service provider in Japan. This structure demonstrates that the project is firmly grounded in terms of regulatory compliance. On the Startale side, the project is being considered alongside the company's recently launched dollar-based stablecoin, Startale USD (USDSC). USDSC was designed for use on the Soneium network for payments, reward systems, and liquidity solutions. The goal is for the new yen stablecoin and USDSC to form a "complementary monetary infrastructure" in the 24/7 open tokenized stock exchange planned by Startale and SBI. Startale CEO Sota Watanabe states that the yen-based stablecoin will not be limited to daily payments. According to Watanabe, this token will play a central role in a fully on-chain financial world. There is significant potential, particularly in areas such as enabling payments between AI agents and automating the distribution processes of tokenized assets.SBI in close relationship with RippleThis is not SBI Holdings' first venture into the stablecoin space. The company previously announced that it would launch the Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin in Japan in 2026 in collaboration with Ripple. The new project is seen as a continuation of this strategy.On the other hand, the initiative is also part of broader yen-based stablecoin efforts in Japan. The Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA) recently approved the JPYC project as the country's first yen stablecoin. Support is also given to joint stablecoin projects of major banks such as Mizuho Bank, MUFG, and SMBC. According to industry sources, many large financial institutions in Japan are working on similar digital currency projects. SBI and Startale plan to launch after completing all necessary compliance and licensing processes under the memorandum of understanding they signed. The companies aim to offer a strong yen-based alternative in the global stablecoin market, which has a circulating supply exceeding $300 billion and is largely dominated by the US dollar.
JPMorgan is Moving Money Market Operations To Ethereum
JPMorgan Chase is expanding its steps in blockchain-based finance and preparing to launch its first tokenized money market fund on the Ethereum network. According to the Wall Street Journal, this new product, developed by the bank's asset management arm which manages approximately $4 trillion in assets, will be offered under the name My OnChain Net Yield Fund, or MONY for short. JPMorgan plans to launch the fund with $100 million of its own capital before opening it to external investors.JPMorgan launches first tokenized money market fundMONY operates on JPMorgan's in-house tokenization infrastructure called Kinexys Digital Assets. This infrastructure allows traditional financial products to be represented on the blockchain through digital tokens. The fund will only be open to individuals and institutions with "qualified investor" status. Accordingly, a minimum investment asset requirement of $5 million is sought for individual investors, while this threshold is set at $25 million for institutional investors. The minimum investment amount to enter the fund is $1 million. Like traditional money market funds, MONY holds a portfolio of short-term, high-quality debt instruments. The fund's primary goal is to offer returns that are generally higher than bank deposits. Interest income and dividends accrue daily. Investors can participate in the fund through JPMorgan's digital investment platform, Morgan Money, and hold digital tokens representing their shares in their own crypto wallets. Another notable aspect of the fund is that transactions can be made using stablecoins in addition to cash. Investors can conduct fund entry and exit transactions using the USDC stablecoin, a dollar-pegged stablecoin issued by Circle. This approach demonstrates the increasing adoption of crypto-native payment infrastructures by regulated financial products. Such solutions, particularly those aimed at the efficient use of non-interest-bearing stablecoin balances, have long been in demand within the crypto ecosystem. John Donohue, Head of Global Liquidity at JPMorgan Asset Management, notes that there is significant interest from clients in tokenization. According to Donohue, the bank aims to make options similar to those offered in traditional money market funds available on the blockchain. This approach signals that tokenization is no longer just an experimental area but is beginning to become part of mainstream finance. This move coincides with a period in which the regulatory framework for digital assets in the US is becoming clearer. The GENIUS Act, passed this year, created a federal framework for dollar-denominated stablecoins. In addition, developments around the Clarity Act signaled a more constructive approach to which institutions will oversee blockchain-based financial products. This regulatory clarity is encouraging large financial institutions to take bolder steps in tokenizing funds, securities, and other real-world assets. Interest in the tokenization of real-world assets is rapidly increasing. By 2025, the total market capitalization of tokenized real-world assets reached a record high of $38 billion. BlackRock is the largest player in this field with a tokenized money market fund worth over $1.8 billion. Goldman Sachs and Bank of New York Mellon also announced plans to collaborate on digital assets linked to tokenized money market funds earlier this year. The Ethereum-based MONY fund demonstrates the continuation of JPMorgan's recent blockchain initiatives, as the bank recently issued a commercial bond on the Solana network for its Galaxy Digital subsidiary, using USDC in the transactions.
SEC Gives Green Light to DTCC: Stocks and Bonds Moving to Blockchain
Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), considered the backbone of the US securities markets, has crossed a critical threshold in the field of tokenization. In a statement, the institution announced that its subsidiary, Depository Trust Company (DTC), received a "no-action letter" from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This letter signifies a three-year authorization for the tokenization and offering of certain real-world assets (RWAs) on blockchains. Important Approval from the SECThis approval is not a direct license from the SEC, but rather an official opinion stating that no sanctions will be applied to the proposed activity. However, its impact on the market is significant. This step paves the way for the controlled tokenization of certain stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and Treasury bonds in the US for the first time. According to information shared by DTCC, the authorization will allow the tokenization of shares of companies included in the Russell 1000 index, ETFs tracking major US indices, and US Treasury bills, bonds, and long-term debt instruments. DTC plans to offer this service through its ComposerX platform on pre-approved Layer-1 and Layer-2 blockchain networks. The service is expected to be rolled out gradually in the second half of 2026. Tokenization refers to the creation of digital representations of traditional financial assets on the blockchain. The aim is to speed up exchange processes, reduce operational costs, and increase liquidity. DTCC specifically emphasizes that these tokenized assets will carry the same investor rights, ownership structure, and legal protections as their traditional counterparts. In other words, the resulting tokens are not merely technical representations but are financial instruments with legal backing. DTCC President and CEO Frank La Salla states that this development is a significant milestone in the transition to digital markets. According to La Salla, tokenization can only scale up if the legal certainty and security standards provided by existing market infrastructures are maintained. Brian Steele, Head of Clearing & Securities Services, states that this initiative aims to bring the operational resilience and security built over the years to the digital asset world. The inclusion of DTCC in the system shows that tokenization will no longer be limited to experimental projects or limited pilot studies. The institution is responsible for the clearing and custody of trillions of dollars worth of transactions in the US and global markets. According to 2025 data, DTC alone handles the custody and asset services of over $100 trillion worth of securities. Therefore, this step signals a structural change in terms of market architecture, collateral management, and liquidity flows. This development is also seen as part of a broader shift in the regulatory climate in Washington. Recently, both the SEC and the Commodity Futures Commission (CFTC) have adopted a more flexible and technology-open approach to digital assets. Tokenization initiatives by institutions such as JPMorgan, BlackRock, Coinbase, and Kraken also support this transformation. DTCC states that stablecoin distributions or tokenized deposit-like structures could be integrated into the system in later stages, but this would require additional regulatory approvals.
Bhutan Introduces Gold-Backed Solana Token
Bhutan has officially announced TER, a new gold-backed digital asset, expanding the scope of its national blockchain strategy. Developed by Gelephu Mindfulness City, an innovative development project in the country, and operating on the Solana network, TER will be held by DK Bank, Bhutan's first licensed digital bank. This structure guarantees that the token is fully backed by audited physical gold reserves on a 1:1 basis.Bhutan opts for gold tokenizationIn introducing TER, the Bhutanese government emphasized that the main goal of the project is to combine traditional store of value, especially gold, with modern blockchain infrastructure. This approach is a key part of the country's digital transformation vision, which has gained momentum in recent years. Pursuing a broad technology strategy ranging from Bitcoin mining to digital identity projects, Bhutan is taking another step to embody this vision with TER. The token's operation on the Solana network is no coincidence. Solana offers low transaction fees, transactions verified in seconds, and high scalability. Bhutanese authorities state that transparency and speed are critical, especially for international investors, which is why Solana was chosen. Through this structure, TER digitizes the traditional procedures of gold purchasing; investors both own real gold assets and can transfer them globally in seconds. Gelephu Mindfulness City, which launched TER, is established as a special zone within the country's "mindfulness-based development model." The zone aims to attract global capital, strengthen the digital economy, and serve Bhutan's long-term sustainable growth goals. Authorities state that initially, TER will connect with investors through DK Bank, and its use cases will be expanded as demand increases. Bhutan's move is not unique. Recently, Kyrgyzstan also announced its gold-backed digital token, USDKG, pegged to the US dollar. The initial issuance of USDKG was $50 million, making it one of the first state-sponsored tokenization examples in Central Asia. Bhutan's TER and Kyrgyzstan's USDKG demonstrate how smaller countries are attempting to diversify their financial systems by transferring their traditional asset reserves to digital infrastructure. Experts say this trend is accelerating. Gold tokenization is increasingly seen as an attractive option, both for portfolio diversification and for making real assets latchable on-chain. Bhutan's TER stands out as a state-backed example of this new model; moreover, its reliance on fully audited gold reserves lends credibility to the project.Bhutan's years of quiet but steady digitalization efforts (Bitcoin mining with hydroelectric power, national digital identity projects, Binance Pay integration, and support for local fintech initiatives) strengthen the infrastructure of TER. Therefore, the country positions the idea of digital gold not only as an economic but also as a technological move.With the launch of TER on December 17th, Bhutan will open a new chapter in the production of digital assets based on its national reserves. This new digital asset race, which began among smaller countries, may gain momentum in the coming period as more governments transfer their gold and similar tangible reserves to the blockchain.
Binance Ecosystem Buzz: 17 Projects Receive Investment
YZi Labs announced on December 3rd that the 17 startups accepted into the EASY Residency Season 2 program. These teams, working in Web3, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, will present their projects to investors at the Demo Day stage held as part of Binance Blockchain Week. The list covers a wide range of technologies, from financial infrastructure and robotic automation to gene therapies and crypto liquidity. A Flood of Investment in the Binance EcosystemThis season of the program clearly highlights what YZi Labs identifies as the three key drivers of the next decade: blockchain transforming global capital flows; AI-enhanced productivity and decision-making; and biotechnology's potential to create longer and healthier lives. The 17 selected startups are developing scalable technologies that align with these three drivers.Some of the projects on the list place a strong emphasis on Web3 infrastructure. 42.space is creating a new asset class for prediction markets by tokenizing real-world events. Sats Terminal focuses on Bitcoin-based liquidity and credit solutions, while Saturn Labs is developing a stablecoin offering real returns backed by the Bitcoin lending market. Predict.fun, meanwhile, is leveraging prediction markets with DeFi liquidity, offering a new model where users can both earn returns and participate in events. Hertzflow is attracting attention with its permissionless leverage infrastructure, aiming to bring the large user base of traditional derivatives markets onto the chain. Help.fun is designing fair, bot-proof token launches for civil society organizations.Startups in artificial intelligence and robotics are also prominent. 4D Labs is developing a scalable 3D data infrastructure to feed spatial intelligence models. AgriDynamics is addressing the labor crisis in the agricultural sector with autonomous fruit-picking robots that reduce harvesting costs. Trellis Robotics is opening a new chapter in industrial automation with its soft robotics platform capable of inspecting narrow and risky industrial spaces. Manifolds offers new visual production tools for both e-commerce and AI applications with its controllable 3D location-based video production.On the biotechnology side, Advent is reducing the timeframe for gene therapy from weeks to days with its AI-driven platform that accelerates AAV discovery. Neomera BioLab is developing a biology-focused drug discovery infrastructure with rapid testing cycles for chronic pain treatments without the risk of addiction.Gaming and social layer startups are also on the list. Bento.fun is building a social layer that transforms everyday conversations into micro-prediction games, while MeleeMon offers a competitive mobile gaming experience backed by stablecoins. Frontrun is positioned as a fast-discovery, transaction-focused wallet for professional traders. FingerDance provides accessibility to deaf communities with its AI infrastructure that provides sign language translation.YZi Labs is a global fund that manages over $10 billion in assets and has invested in over 300 projects from over 25 countries. EASY Residency, one of the company's most powerful support programs, brings together selected teams under the same roof each season.
