Animoca Brands has joined XDC Network as an institutional masternode validator, expanding the blockchain network’s validator ecosystem with another major Web3 participant. The move is expected to strengthen XDC Network’s infrastructure as it continues targeting institutional adoption in trade finance, cross-border payments, and real-world asset tokenization.
As part of the agreement, Animoca Brands will operate masternodes on XDC Network, a blockchain platform that supports billions of dollars in trade finance and tokenized asset transactions annually. The network’s validator base already includes organizations such as Deutsche Telekom, HashKey Cloud, Republic, SBI Holdings, and UOB Venture Management.
Validator nodes play a critical role in blockchain systems by confirming transactions, maintaining operational integrity, and helping secure decentralized networks. By attracting large organizations and recognized institutions into its validator ecosystem, XDC Network aims to enhance confidence in blockchain applications tied to regulated financial activity and real-world asset settlement.
Animoca Brands has joined XDC Network as an institutional masternode validator, supporting blockchain infrastructure focused on trade finance, cross-border settlement, and tokenized real-world assets.
Expanding Institutional Participation in Web3 Finance
XDC Network has increasingly focused on building blockchain infrastructure tailored to enterprise finance rather than broader consumer-oriented blockchain applications. The network’s strategy centers on supporting tokenized assets, trade finance systems, and international settlement operations, sectors where institutional participation continues to expand.
According to comments shared by XDC Network co-founder Atul Khekade, institutional-grade blockchain infrastructure requires validators with strong credibility and broad industry connections. He reportedly indicated that Animoca Brands could help expand liquidity and real-world asset activity across the XDC ecosystem due to its extensive reach throughout the global Web3 sector.
Animoca Brands is recognized as one of the most active investors in blockchain and Web3 technologies, maintaining a portfolio that includes more than 600 companies and digital asset projects. The company also develops blockchain-related platforms such as Moca Network, Open Campus, Anichess, and The Sandbox.
We and XDC Network are pleased to announce that we have joined the @XDCNetwork as a strategic validator, operating masternodes on a blockchain that processes billions of dollars in trade finance and real-world asset transactions annually.
Details: https://t.co/vCGiH1Ghbt pic.twitter.com/y0NvZtMcye
— Animoca Brands (@animocabrands) May 19, 2026
Partnership Could Support Developers and Builders
XDC executives also suggested that Animoca Brands’ broad investment portfolio could contribute to increased development activity within the XDC ecosystem. Shanlong James Chen reportedly explained that the partnership may create opportunities for blockchain developers and builders seeking funding or ecosystem support through Animoca Brands’ investment network.
The partnership is expected to strengthen XDC Network’s appeal to developers focused on financial blockchain applications, particularly those involving tokenized assets and decentralized settlement systems. Analysts noted that institutional validators are becoming increasingly important as blockchain projects attempt to move beyond speculative trading and establish real-world financial use cases.
The partnership may increase developer activity and funding opportunities within XDC Network by connecting builders with Animoca Brands’ extensive Web3 investment ecosystem.
Animoca Expands Beyond Gaming and Metaverse Projects
For Animoca Brands, the validator role represents a deeper move into blockchain infrastructure tied to financial markets and tokenized assets. Although the company is widely known for gaming, metaverse, and digital property initiatives, the XDC collaboration expands its presence into enterprise blockchain operations and financial infrastructure.
Omar Elissar Tse reportedly stated that XDC Network’s track record in trade finance and its growing ecosystem for real-world asset applications made it an attractive blockchain for infrastructure-level participation. He also suggested that the collaboration aligns with the company’s long-term outlook regarding tokenized assets and blockchain-based financial systems.
The agreement also reflects a broader industry trend in which blockchain networks increasingly seek support from recognizable institutions to improve trust, governance, and operational stability. Networks focused on tokenized bonds, invoices, and traditional financial assets continue emphasizing the importance of credible validators in attracting banks, asset managers, and enterprise users.
The collaboration connects one of the blockchain industry’s most active Web3 investors with a financial-focused blockchain network seeking broader institutional adoption and real-world asset growth.
