The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon), the world’s largest custodial bank with $55.8 trillion in assets under custody, has begun testing tokenized deposits as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize global payment infrastructure. The initiative marks a significant step in the bank’s exploration of blockchain-based finance, aligning with the growing industry shift toward tokenization in institutional banking.
According to reports, the project remains in the exploratory stage and aims to enable clients to conduct payments using blockchain-based representations of traditional deposits. These tokenized deposits would be processed over a blockchain network, a method expected to facilitate near-instant settlement while significantly reducing transaction costs. With BNY Mellon already managing approximately $2.5 trillion in daily payments, even incremental improvements in speed and efficiency could have broad implications across the global financial system.
Overcoming legacy systems through blockchain
Executives at the institution reportedly view blockchain as a means to address limitations embedded in traditional payment systems. BNY Mellon’s leadership suggested that tokenization could help the bank overcome legacy infrastructure constraints, enabling faster movement of funds not only within its own operations but also across the wider financial ecosystem.
The bank’s initiative is part of a larger industry trend in which major global institutions are experimenting with blockchain-based settlement and tokenized fund management. In recent months, several financial giants have advanced similar projects, indicating a broader transition toward digital asset-based payment models.
Industry-wide movement toward tokenization
BNY Mellon’s entry into tokenized deposits follows a growing number of similar developments among leading banks. JPMorgan, for instance, began testing its JPMD token on Coinbase’s Base blockchain earlier this year, signaling the bank’s commitment to leveraging decentralized technology to improve payment efficiency. Meanwhile, in Europe, a consortium of nine banks is working together to develop a euro-denominated stablecoin that complies with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework.
These parallel initiatives underscore a collective effort by established financial institutions to explore blockchain solutions that offer enhanced transaction transparency, cost reduction, and real-time settlement capabilities. Analysts believe such tokenization experiments could serve as precursors to a more interconnected and efficient digital financial infrastructure.
Collaborations and gradual integration
Earlier in the year, BNY Mellon also collaborated with Goldman Sachs to introduce tokenized money market funds for its clients. This project extended the bank’s engagement with blockchain-based financial instruments, allowing institutional investors to access and trade tokenized versions of traditional assets.
Despite its growing involvement in digital finance, BNY Mellon’s leadership has maintained a measured stance toward cryptocurrency-related activities. The bank’s CEO, Robin Vince, has previously indicated that while the firm is open to exploring blockchain applications, it would not pursue crypto deposits as aggressively as some of its peers. This cautious yet forward-looking approach reflects the institution’s strategy of balancing innovation with regulatory compliance and risk management.
A step toward the future of global finance
By testing tokenized deposits, BNY Mellon is positioning itself at the intersection of traditional banking and digital finance. The experiment demonstrates how established institutions are attempting to integrate blockchain infrastructure into existing payment frameworks without disrupting core operations. If successful, such systems could redefine how banks manage liquidity, settlements, and cross-border transactions.
As the financial sector continues to transition toward tokenization, BNY Mellon’s ongoing tests are expected to provide valuable insights into the practical application of blockchain within large-scale institutional environments. The initiative reinforces the bank’s commitment to innovation while highlighting a broader industry movement toward more transparent, efficient, and technology-driven financial systems.