Finance

Top Institutions Point to Blockchain Interoperability as Critical to Asset Tokenization

New York, NY, June 6th, 2024, FinanceWire

Citi, Deutsche Bank, Mastercard, Northern Trust and Centrifuge provide insights on paths to secure, multichain asset tokenization for report produced by Axelar Foundation and Metrika

A group of leading financial institutions and Web3 innovators have contributed to an in-depth paper on a path to achieve interoperability for tokenized assets across public blockchains, private blockchains, and legacy systems. 

Published today, “Institutional Interoperability: How Financial Institutions Navigate a Multichain World” addresses how to achieve increased accessibility and liquidity for tokenized assets, with flexibility, privacy, transparency and scalability. 

Tokenized assets are on-chain representations of financial assets such as real estate, currencies and securities. A recent report authored by Boston Consulting Group and market operator ADDX predicts multi-trillion-dollar value in tokenized assets within the decade. All institutions participating in the paper emphasized the need for interlinked network models that embrace multiple blockchains, as well as traditional systems, in order to realize this potential.

Financial institutions Citi, Deutsche Bank, Mastercard and Northern Trust contributed insights to the paper in spotlight sections. Topics covered include descriptions of their projects in asset tokenization, points where they have implemented multiple blockchains, and potential requirements and challenges for blockchain interoperability. Web3-native innovators Axelar Foundation, Centrifuge and Metrika also contributed to the paper.

The paper acts as a road map for financial institutions developing tokenized-asset opportunities and facing a complex array of blockchains public and private, alongside stringent requirements imposed by clients and regulations. It was authored by blockchain analyst Emily Parker, based on a framework laid by the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Project Guardian in 2023. 

Contributors to the paper will be invited to discuss the paper’s findings in a panel event at Point Zero Forum in Zurich, July 1-3. To download the paper and sign up to request an invitation, readers can click here.

“Tokenized assets are by design interoperable, bridging assets recorded on off-chain ledgers with on-chain representations,” said Georgios Vlachos, director of Axelar Foundation and co-founder of Axelar protocol. “The question isn’t, how do we facilitate one such connection – it’s how do we facilitate potentially thousands of connections across on-chain and off-chain ledgers, in a way that’s secure, scalable and open.” 

“Multichain asset interoperability and servicing will in all likelihood become a necessity for securities service providers as their clients adopt different chains,” said Anand Rengarajan, managing director, global head of sales & head of securities services APAC, Corporate Bank, Deutsche Bank. “It will be essential that asset servicers know how to address and service interoperability – between chains and with traditional processes – on a cost and risks-managed basis to enable sustainable growth that multiple chains can amplify.”  

“Northern Trust is preparing for significant growth in the share of its assets under custody that are tokenized on-chain,” said Alvin Chia, head of digital assets innovation for Asia Pacific at Northern Trust. “To provide the best services possible to our clients, we’ll need to participate actively in the blockchain ecosystem, connecting multiple blockchains with tailored approaches at multiple points.”

“Asset tokenization brings major advantages in access and liquidity – and with a modular, multichain architecture, it can also do a great deal to improve visibility and on-chain utility,” said Bhaji Illuminati, CMO of Centrifuge. “This is Centrifuge’s path to enable flexibility and scalability in the rapidly evolving RWA ecosystem.”

“Tokenized assets hold transformative potential for financial institutions, and interoperability in tandem with risk management is key to unlocking that potential,” said Nikos Andrikogiannopoulos, Founder and CEO of Metrika. “Effective risk management and ongoing surveillance ensure these digital assets seamlessly, reliably and securely integrate into existing financial systems, fostering confidence, accessibility, liquidity and innovation.”

About Axelar

Axelar is the Web3 interoperability platform, delivering the shortest path to scale on an open stack to connect all blockchains. Adopters include Uniswap, Microsoft and dozens of natively multichain startups, building applications to reach all blockchain users at once – 10X as many active users as the leading Web3 application environment. Axelar supports smart contracts on a cross-chain layer that is open, scalable and secure. Backers include Binance, Coinbase, Dragonfly, Galaxy and Polychain.

To learn more: axelar.network.

About Axelar Foundation

Axelar Foundation is a nonprofit established to support the growth and adoption of the Axelar network, a decentralized interoperability network that connects multiple blockchain ecosystems. Learn more at axelar.foundation.

About Centrifuge

Founded in 2017, Centrifuge creates better technology for financial products. Centrifuge provides asset managers a way to tokenize, manage and distribute their funds on-chain and investors better access to a diversified portfolio of high-quality tokenized assets. 

About Metrika

Metrika is the definitive industry leader in blockchain risk management, enabling you to proactively assess risks and guarantee compliance across digital asset services. Implement strategic risk frameworks, navigate regulatory compliance by jurisdiction, and shield your operations from emerging risks with ongoing monitoring and surveillance. Users can learn more at metrika.co

Contact

PR Director
Karla Vilhelem
MarketWaves PR
[email protected]
(754) 215-4315

PostAd_coinrule_banner728x90

Comments are closed.

Balancing AI Hype and Hope: Industry Leaders Unveil Growth Playbook at AI Apex Asia Capital Connect Forum

2024-09-27T15:37:40Z

Singapore, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The AI Apex Asia Capital Connect Forum recently concluded, offering critical insights into navigating the fine line between AI hype and genuine opportunities. With global AI investments projected to reach $200 billion by 2025, industry leaders convened to discuss strategies for sustainable growth and realistic expectations in this rapidly evolving sector.

The forum featured two pivotal panel discussions: "Accelerating AI Growth: Founders and Investors Reveal Their Playbook" and "Decoding AI: From Hype to Hope," bringing together a diverse group of experts to share their perspectives on balancing optimism with pragmatism in AI development and investment.

Separating Hype from Hope: The Rise of Agentic AI

Alex Ren, Founding Partner of Fellows Fund, highlighted a paradigm shift that moves beyond the hype of generative AI: "We're witnessing a transition from generative AI to what we call 'Agentic AI.' This technology enables autonomous decision-making and task execution, opening up incredible opportunities for startups to create transformative enterprise solutions."

Alex further elaborated on the concept of 'vertical AGI' as a more realistic and immediately impactful approach: "We're pursuing companies achieving AGI-like capabilities in specific domains such as customer support, search, marketing, or accounting. That's where we see the next wave of innovation, rather than chasing the hype of universal AGI."

Grounding AI in Practical Implementation

Jianfeng Lu, Founder & Chairman of Wiz.AI, emphasized the importance of focusing on real-world applications over grandiose claims: "The first priority should be the user scenario and customer use case. What kind of data can we accumulate to build effective AI models?"

This sentiment was echoed by Shou Dong, CEO of ADVANCE.AI, who stated, "As an AI-powered fintech, we view large language models as tools to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. We're exploring applications in customer service, collections, and even telemarketing, always with a focus on measurable improvements in performance and efficiency."

Realistic Investment Strategies in an Evolving Landscape

Matthew Ma, Managing Director of Gaorong Capital, addressed the changing requirements for AI startup founders in light of more tempered market expectations: "Today's founders need to be well-rounded - they must understand technology deeply, have strong business acumen, and possess excellent fundraising capabilities. The days of securing funding based on hype alone are behind us."

Matthew also noted a shift towards more grounded valuation metrics: "For deep tech companies, valuations are now driven by the rarity of talent and technology rather than hype. Investors are looking for clear paths to commercialization and sustainable business models."


Balancing Innovation with Regulation

Helena Ma, Advisor at Milken Institute & AI Apex Foundation, highlighted the importance of regulatory frameworks in creating a sustainable AI ecosystem: "Stringent regulatory frameworks can foster a more mature and secure AI ecosystem." This perspective underscores the need for responsible AI development that can withstand scrutiny and deliver long-term value.

Identifying Real Opportunities in Emerging Markets

Shou Dong pointed out untapped potential that goes beyond the hype in Southeast Asia: "There's still enormous opportunity in sectors like SME financing. With over 60 million small businesses across Indonesia and the Philippines alone, there's a massive market for AI-driven financial services tailored to this underserved segment."

A Roadmap for AI's Future

Weiru Chen, Professor of Strategy at CEIBS, outlined three key milestones for AI's future that balance ambition with achievability:

1. Enhancing human productivity

2. Catalyzing new, high-growth business lines

3. Generating unprecedented value through disruptive innovations

Leo Jiang, Founder of AI Business Asia, emphasized the importance of grounding AI development in tangible outcomes: "The key takeaway for founders is to address clear market needs with demonstrable potential for unicorn-level growth, regardless of whether you're leveraging AI, blockchain, or any other technology. It's about solving real problems, not chasing buzzwords."

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, the AI Apex Asia Capital Connect Forum serves as a crucial platform for innovators, investors, and industry leaders to exchange ideas and shape a future where AI lives up to its promise without falling victim to unrealistic hype. By focusing on practical applications, long-term value creation, and ethical considerations, stakeholders can better position themselves to capitalize on the AI revolution while navigating its complex challenges and opportunities.

About AI Apex Asia

AI Apex Asia is a leading artificial intelligence community dedicated to advancing AI technologies and applications across Asian markets. With a focus on innovation, regional expertise, and responsible AI development, AI Apex Asia is committed to driving the adoption of AI solutions that address unique challenges and opportunities in diverse Asian industries.


CONTACT: Joy Li, Partnership Manager, AI Apex Foundation Ltd 
[email protected]

GlobeNewsWire News

Recent Comments