October Update

It’s an exciting time for ClearToken, and I’m glad to share some significant updates with you. From successfully completing testing with our first working group trading venue for our DvP Settlement Network, to being recognised by the FIA (Futures Industry Association) as one of its 10 2024 Innovators to progress innovation on the global stage, our team is making strides. ClearToken’s vision is gaining momentum, and this newsletter covers some of our exciting announcements and events, as well as introducing our new White Paper series.

Our Progress

DvP Working Groups

Since our last newsletter which highlighted the unique Working Group approach to launching our Delivery vs Payment (DvP) Settlement Network, we are pleased to say we have reached a great milestone with our first trading venue and participants having successfully completed testing. We are in testing with further trading venues and participation in the Settlement Network continues to grow.

With a number of groups in flight all looking to go live later this year (subject to regulatory approval) the expansion of the Settlement Network is expected to take shape in early 2025. The trades for settlement will be sourced via a variety of venues including both organised platforms and bilateral OTC.

We also continue to track against our target timelines for launching the CCP, with our working groups of venues, market makers, prime brokers and GCMs focused on preparing for its introduction.

The BofE/FCA Joint Digital Securities Sandbox (DSS) Is Open

At the end of September the Bank of England (BofE) and UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) jointly opened the Digital Securities Sandbox (the Sandbox or DSS) for applications. ClearToken is encouraged to see the commitment regulators have shown to understanding and supporting the development of the digital asset ecosystem and financial market infrastructure (FMI) in particular. The Sandbox is an integral part of ClearToken’s development as we work towards launching our digital assets CSD to issue, custody and settle tokenised securities on behalf of market participants.

Further details on the DSS can be found here. 

FIA Futures and Options Expo:
2024 Innovator

We are proud to announce that ClearToken has been selected as one of just 10 firms to exhibit at the FIA Expo Innovators Pavilion: a showcase for innovative startup companies providing forward-thinking solutions for the global futures, options and swaps markets. In addition to showcasing at the event we are also taking part in the Innovators Pitch Competition, where Steve (CIO) and Oliver (Head of Product) will present ClearToken’s innovative offering to a panel of industry experts. Look forward to seeing you there!

Our New White Paper

We’re delighted to announce our latest white paper, "Bridging the TradFi-DeFi Gap: The Future of Finance Depends on Traditional Trust and Regulation", the first of a 3-part series exploring the economic potential that lies behind the widespread adoption of DLT and digital assets, and the practical and legal requirements necessary to make it happen.

In this paper, we examine how combining time-tested trust frameworks with cutting-edge DeFi technology can create a stable, accessible financial ecosystem. Discover the evolution of digital finance through historical insights, the limitations of code, necessary regulatory developments and the transformative potential of tokenisation.

Media

Tech Talk Podcast:
Could you (and would you?) buy a coffee using the value of your phone?

Listen to Ben and our CIO, Steve Briscoe, discuss the groundbreaking ideas behind ClearToken’s broader vision for the future of financial markets on the Tech Talk Podcast, and how tokenisation will transform how we verify, use and access assets.

CopperCasts:
Reality Check on Tokenization and Blockchain-Based Assets

Listen as Ben joins Fadi Aboualfa, Copper’s Head of Research, for an episode of CopperCasts to discuss topics ranging from the limitations of blockchain-based assets from a governmental and regulatory standpoint to the UK’s digital security sandbox regime and how it may succeed on the road to the tokenisation of real world assets.

Events

Upcoming

To stay informed about where you can meet our team or to organise a personal conversation, please reach out to sales@cleartoken.io for more information.

• FIA Expo – Innovators Pavilion | Chicago, US | 18-20 November
  As detailed above, Steve and Oliver look forward to sharing how ClearToken’s CCP will support institutional participants engage in digital asset derivatives markets. Find them at the Innovators Pavilion, and be sure to attend their presentation and Q&A in the ‘Dragon’s Den/Shark Tank’ style competition, where they will be pitching first at 14:45 on Tuesday 19th November.

Recently Attended

• Rosenblatt’s 16th Annual FinTech Summit | Virtual
  Ben recently joined an esteemed group including: Cactus Raazi, B2C2; Esteban Castaño, TRM Labs; Rhomaios Ram, Fnality International; Kimberly Trautmann, CFA, DRW; and Dushyant Shahrawat, Rosenblatt Securities on the panel “From Legacy to Ledger: Bridging the TradFi/Crypto Divide.“

• Rosenblatt’s 17th Annual Global Exchange Leader Conference | New York
  Ben and Eric engaged with financial market and regulatory leaders in discussion about the practical, concrete next steps that need to be taken to develop digital asset markets, amidst the impact from the upcoming US election.

• Token 2049 | Singapore
  Ben spent time in Singapore where he observed the enthusiasm to for the broader vision for global digital assets to disrupt and impact upon the global economy.

Thank You

Thank you for being an integral part of ClearToken’s journey, as your support fuels our progress in bringing post-trade infrastructure for digital assets closer to reality. Stay tuned, and as always, thank you for joining us on this transformative path!

Benjamin Santos-Stephens – CEO

ben@cleartoken.io