BNY Mellon Launches Tokenized Bank Deposits for Institutional Clients

According to Cointelegraph, BNY Mellon, a prominent financial services company with historical roots in the United States, has introduced tokenized bank deposits for its institutional clients. These deposits represent onchain cash balances or depositor claims against the bank, issued on an in-house permissioned blockchain network. This development marks a significant step in the evolution of financial services, as institutions increasingly seek faster and more efficient asset movement with enhanced settlement certainty, transparency, and liquidity. BNY Mellon's initiative is part of a broader trend among major financial institutions to integrate blockchain technology into traditional finance systems. As global financial markets transition to an always-on operating model, the demand for streamlined asset movement grows. The introduction of tokenized bank deposits is a response to this shift, aiming to reduce friction and unlock liquidity in financial transactions. This move aligns with the ongoing overhaul of legacy financial infrastructure to accommodate the digital age. In a related development, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have proposed a transition to 24/7 capital markets. Their joint statement, released in September 2025, suggests that expanding trading hours could better align U.S. markets with the global economy's evolving reality. The traditional financial system, reliant on intermediaries, does not operate during nights, weekends, or certain holidays, which can leave investors and traders unable to act when markets are closed. Blockchain technology, by eliminating intermediaries and enabling round-the-clock operations, offers reduced settlement times, lower transaction costs, and decreased friction in cross-border commerce. Real-world asset tokenization (RWA) is a key component in facilitating 24/7 capital markets, allowing physical or traditional assets to be represented on a blockchain. This approach is particularly beneficial for traditionally illiquid assets such as real estate and collectibles. However, the SEC and CFTC have noted that while 24/7 onchain markets and tokenization are viable for certain asset classes, a universal approach may not be suitable for all. The financial industry continues to explore these innovations as it adapts to the demands of a digital economy.