Euroclear and World Bank Launch Groundbreaking €100 Million Digital Bond

Euroclear, in collaboration with the World Bank, has introduced a groundbreaking tokenized securities issuance service. This move was inaugurated by a digital bond worth €100 million ($106 million), as announced on Tuesday.

Euroclear’s Digital Securities Issuance (D-SI) division is leading this innovation, enabling the creation, dispersal, and conclusion of completely digitalized financial assets via distributed ledger technology (DLT). DLTs stand out due to their design, permitting each network member, or node, to independently manage and update a database.

The bond, issued by the World Bank Group’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), is geared towards funding sustainable development projects. Its listing on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange demonstrates its relevance in established financial arenas.

For this endeavor, Citi has taken on the roles of issuing agent and investment manager, TD Securities has acted as the dealer, and the bond was issued using R3’s Corda blockchain. This showcases the rising faith in blockchain’s capabilities.

Euroclear’s Chief Executive, Lieve Mostrey, highlighted the importance of this unveiling, noting, “This launch is a pivotal moment both for our clientele and the potential of digital assets. Our aim is to provide tech solutions that benefit investors, enhance market clarity, and promote the advancement and stability of every market player.”

The undertaking highlights the merging paths of conventional financial offerings and digital assets. Tokenizing real-world assets on blockchain systems can potentially offer greater efficiency, lower operational expenditures, and heightened clarity and accessibility.

Estimates from digital asset investment firm 21.co project that the value of the tokenized asset sector could soar to between $3.5 trillion and $10 trillion by decade’s end.

Anshula Kant, the World Bank’s top financial executive, commented on the digital transition in capital markets, spotlighting the shift towards adopting digital strategies in finance.

source