Large financial institutions are accelerating adoption of asset tokenization to enhance capital efficiency and liquidity. Executives from Franklin Templeton and BNP Paribas highlighted its potential to modernize European markets at a recent summit. This trend includes major U.S. banks planning a tokenized deposit network and significant regulatory approvals for tokenized stock trading platforms.
Large financial institutions are turning to tokenization to improve capital efficiency and liquidity. This was stated by representatives from Franklin Templeton and BNP Paribas at the WAIB Summit 2026 in Monaco.
Industry executives discussed how tokenized assets and stablecoins could modernize Europe’s capital markets. They cited benefits like streamlined settlement and improved collateral mobility.
Tokenization offers institutions more “optionality and flexibility,” said Rafael Mastroberardino of Franklin Templeton. He noted this is driving interest from banks and large corporations to launch their own offerings.
Julien Clausse of BNP Paribas CIB said blockchain could unlock new institutional use cases. He emphasized this requires assets on the same chain to interact with one another.
Some of the largest U.S. banks are reportedly planning a tokenized deposit network for launch in the first half of 2027. This includes JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America.
On March 18, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved Nasdaq‘s pilot for tokenized securities trading. Days later, the New York Stock Exchange partnered with Securitize to develop blockchain-based trading infrastructure.
Parent company Intercontinental Exchange plans a tokenized securities venue featuring 24/7 trading. The platform aims for instant settlement and stablecoin-based funding.
The sector has also attracted significant investment. Digital Asset Holdings recently raised $355 million in a round led by Andreessen Horowitz‘s crypto arm.
The capital will be used to expand the Canton Network platform for financial institutions. This network has been piloted by institutions including Goldman Sachs, BNY Mellon, and Deutsche Börse.
