OCBC Bank has unveiled a US$1 billion digital US commercial paper (USCP) program, marking what is seen as a major step in blockchain-driven funding solutions. The program, introduced on August 25, enables the bank to access short-term US dollar funding with unprecedented speed by using tokenized securities and funds processed on blockchain infrastructure.
The initiative is intended to strengthen OCBC’s liquidity position in the face of global economic uncertainty. By tapping into the US$1.4 trillion USCP market through this mechanism, the bank is creating an alternative channel for raising capital quickly and efficiently.
First blockchain-based USCP issuer
Industry observers noted that OCBC has become the first institution worldwide to issue USCP fully on blockchain, spanning the entire lifecycle from issuance to settlement, record-keeping, and servicing. The bank explained that blockchain’s immutable and transparent structure allows all parties to view and verify the same dataset in real-time, enhancing trust and accountability through auditable records.
The program is supported by JPMorgan’s Digital Debt Service application, which is built on the Kinexys Digital Assets tokenization platform. JPMorgan will also act as the sole dealer.
Building on earlier programs
This development follows OCBC’s earlier US$25 billion conventional commercial paper program launched in 2011. The first issuance under the new digital program was completed last week, with six-month maturity notes placed with an accredited institutional investor. OCBC confirmed that funds were transferred within minutes of the transaction’s completion, highlighting the efficiency gains of blockchain settlement.
The proceeds from these issuances will be allocated for general funding needs. According to the bank, commercial papers remain a relatively inexpensive source of funding. The new digital program has received top short-term credit ratings, including P-1 from Moody’s and F1+ from Fitch, both regarded as the highest categories available.
Broader blockchain strategy
OCBC executives indicated that Singapore’s blockchain ecosystem is rapidly maturing, with asset tokenization emerging as a strong growth area. The bank had already adopted blockchain for intraday repo and reverse repo transactions last year and is now extending its reach into the USCP space to further bolster liquidity resilience.
Market analysts noted that this announcement follows closely on the heels of DBS’s move to introduce tokenized structured notes on the Ethereum public blockchain, reflecting the competitive drive among regional banks to expand digital asset offerings.
By taking this step, OCBC has positioned itself at the forefront of blockchain-enabled debt markets, signaling a shift in how traditional financial instruments may be issued and managed in the years ahead.