The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) has launched a securities tokenization service, marking a significant step toward integrating blockchain technology with traditional US financial market infrastructure. The service, which went live on October 28, 2026, initially supports 34 securities, with 20 financial institutions signed up to participate.
The eligible securities represent approximately $30 trillion in market value and include US stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and Treasury securities. The initiative is being implemented through the Depository Trust Company (DTC), a DTCC subsidiary responsible for securities custody and settlement.
The new service enables eligible financial institutions to convert securities held in DTC custody into blockchain-based tokens while preserving the underlying ownership rights, investor protections, and economic entitlements associated with the original assets.
The initial deployment connects to the Canton Network and DTCC’s private blockchain built using Besu, an Ethereum client. The launch reflects growing institutional interest in using blockchain infrastructure to improve securities processing, asset transfers, and financial market operations.
DTCC Distinguishes Tokenized Securities From Synthetic Assets
An important feature of the service is that its tokens represent actual securities already held in DTC custody rather than synthetic instruments designed to track the prices of stocks or bonds.
This distinction allows tokenized representations to retain the rights and protections associated with the underlying securities. Investors therefore receive blockchain-based representations of existing financial assets rather than separate instruments that simply mirror their market performance.
DTCC has also separated the process of converting securities into tokens from the subsequent transfer of tokenized assets. Eligible institutions can submit conversion requests during regular business hours, with the organization targeting a maximum processing time of 15 minutes.
Once tokenized, assets can be transferred between accounts registered with DTC around the clock, including outside conventional financial market operating hours.
DTCC Chief Executive Frank La Salla described the launch as the result of several years of development aimed at bringing tokenized securities into an established regulatory framework supported by reliable market infrastructure.
Nadine Chakar, DTCC’s global head of digital assets, also highlighted the importance of industry cooperation, regulatory engagement and a measured approach to blockchain innovation.
DTCC Plans to Expand Blockchain Network Support in 2027
The initial launch represents the first phase of DTCC’s broader tokenization strategy. The organization plans to onboard additional financial institutions and expand the number of supported blockchain networks over time.
Its roadmap includes adding Stellar and Circle’s Arc network in 2027, extending the service beyond its initial connections with Canton and the private Besu-based blockchain.
The expansion could provide financial institutions with additional options for accessing tokenized securities and integrating blockchain-based infrastructure into existing financial operations.
The initiative also reflects a broader effort to connect traditional securities custody systems with blockchain networks while maintaining established investor protections and regulatory requirements.
.@The_DTCC, which custodies $114T in assets, has launched its Tokenization Service.
Minting digital representations of Russell 1000 constituents, major index ETFs, and US Treasuries, are now live on Canton Network, built with input from 150+ firms.
PR: https://t.co/MBmftfPck9 https://t.co/M0wCFhfxFy
— Canton Network (@CantonNetwork) October 28, 2026
Canton Strategic Holdings Plans Tokenized Nasdaq Shares
Separately, Canton Strategic Holdings, a Nasdaq-listed company formerly known as biotechnology firm Tharimmune, announced plans to tokenize its common shares on the Canton Network. Trading was expected to begin as early as November 2.
The company is working with TSV LLC, a trading venue for tokenized securities, and Fairmint, a US Securities and Exchange Commission-registered transfer agent, to facilitate the initiative.
The proposed tokenized shares are expected to carry the same shareholder rights as the company’s Nasdaq-listed stock. Fairmint TA LLC, a subsidiary of Fairmint, will issue the shares, maintain ownership records and oversee transfer compliance.
The company also linked the initiative to the SEC’s September innovation exemption, which the participants identified as providing a regulatory pathway for trading tokenized US equities on domestic platforms.
Canton Network Targets 24/7 Tokenized Stock Trading
TSV plans to introduce Canton Strategic Holdings’ tokenized shares into an automated market maker using the Tradecraft protocol on the Canton Network.
The arrangement is designed to support continuous trading and atomic settlement, allowing eligible participants to trade tokenized shares beyond traditional stock market hours.
TSV Chief Executive Ali Abrar indicated that approved participants would be able to provide liquidity and execute transactions at any time, with trades settling atomically on the network.
Together, the DTCC launch and Canton Strategic Holdings’ initiative demonstrate how blockchain networks are increasingly being integrated into traditional securities markets, potentially enabling continuous asset transfers, faster settlement and broader institutional access to tokenized financial instruments.
