Home   News   Features   Interviews   Magazine Archive   Symposium   Industry Awards  
Subscribe
Securites Lending Times logo
Leading the Way

Global Securities Finance News and Commentary
≔ Menu
Securites Lending Times logo
Leading the Way

Global Securities Finance News and Commentary
News by section
Subscribe
⨂ Close
  1. Home
  2. Technology news
  3. Blockchain capital markets prototype launched
Technology news

Blockchain capital markets prototype launched


13 February 2017 Hong Kong
Reporter: Stephanie Palmer

Generic business image for news article
Image: Shutterstock
EquiChain has released a working prototype of its blockchain solution for global capital markets, with plans to implement a full end-to-end custody pilot this year.

The infrastructure platform is intended to drive efficiency and improve global investor access in emerging and frontier markets through distributed ledger technology (DLT).

It consolidates the functions of the asset manager, custodian, broker, exchange and central securities depository, allowing for direct interaction and exchange of value between participants.

Hugh Madden, CTO of EquiChain, explained: “EquiChain’s use of cryptographic signatures reduces counterparty risk and prevents fraud, making blockchain-based transfers safer than other alternatives.”

EquiChain has also announced the closing of its initial round of funding, secured from board members, advisors and close stakeholders, and established two industry working groups.

One group will be focused on institutional investors, and the other will work on market infrastructure. They will bring together thought leaders, helping the platform to develop while embracing current and future regulatory requirements.

Nicholas Bone, founder and CEO of EquiChain, said: “The current securities transaction lifecycle is complex, costly, time-consuming and fraught with risk. EquiChain will use DLT to redefine securities transaction flows creating a full ‘execution-to-custody’ capability.”

He added: “Blockchain is particularly relevant for emerging and frontier markets, which are often perceived by foreign investors as being higher risk, while typically having less cumbersome existing infrastructure to accommodate. DLT gives such markets the opportunity to leapfrog existing solutions to deliver greater efficiency, liquidity and ease of access.”

Markus Ruetimann, senior advisor to the EquiChain board, commented: “Accessing frontier and emerging markets poses many operational challenges. EquiChain's solutions will make investing, trade tracking and data flows much more efficient and robust. This will make these markets more accessible for investment, whilst reinforcing local infrastructure.”
Next technology article →

ISITC creates working group for collateral
NO FEE, NO RISK
100% ON RETURNS If you invest in only one securities finance news source this year, make sure it is your free subscription to Securities Finance Times
Advertisement
Subscribe today
Knowledge base

Explore our extensive directory to find all the essential contacts you need

Visit our directory →
Glossary terms in this article
→ Custodian
→ Liquidity

Discover definitions, explanations and related news articles in our glossary

Visit our glossary →