Tokenization is Set to Reshape the Underlying Financial Markets Infrastructure
Tokenization and stablecoins are moving beyond niche pilots to become integral to financial markets infrastructure. As asset classes like fiat, crypto, and tokenized instruments begin to flow on shared digital rails, the financial system is evolving toward asset-agnostic architectures. For banks, this shift demands more than observation, it requires active enablement through institutional-grade tokenization platforms, regulated digital money frameworks, and interoperable networks that can scale securely. In 2026, tokenization will no longer be a peripheral innovation but a core layer of banking architecture, reshaping settlement, liquidity, and market connectivity while setting the stage for programmable finance.
Authors
NNP, Arjun Singh, Sudhindra Kadur Keshava Murthy
Tokenization Platforms Move Closer to Core Market Infrastructure
Banks are moving from isolated token pilots to full-fledged platforms designed for issuance, redemption, lifecycle management, and smart contract execution. This evolution reflects a growing need for infrastructure that can scale and integrate seamlessly with existing systems. Decentralized technologies are increasingly powering real-time, borderless settlement, reducing reliance on bilateral integrations and enabling network-based value transfer.
In 2026, tokenization platforms will standardize orchestration and smart contract capabilities, positioning tokenization as a foundational architectural layer alongside payments and core banking systems. Institutions that succeed will treat tokenization not as an add-on, but as essential financial plumbing for multi-asset ecosystems.
Case in Point: CZKC developed a Stablecoin-as-a-Service platform that provides ready-to-use, compliant infrastructure to issue and operate stablecoins. The cloud-based platform reduces cost and complexity, accelerates time-to-market, and enables scalable, programmable digital currency capabilities.
Tokenized Deposits to Emerge as the Bank-Regulated Evolution of Stablecoins
Stablecoins have demonstrated the potential of programmable money, prompting banks to introduce tokenized deposits as regulated, bank-supervised alternatives. Supported by emerging frameworks such as the GENIUS Act, these deposits combine the efficiency and programmability of digital money architectures with the trust and compliance of traditional banking. Tokenized deposits enable real-time settlement, programmable B2B payments, and cross-border flows while preserving balance-sheet relevance.
In 2026, banks are expected to deploy tokenized deposits for institutional and wholesale use cases, design architectures that coexist with CBDCs and stablecoins. Tokenized deposits will be established as the settlement backbone for tokenized asset ecosystems.
Case in Point: MoraBanc implemented a stablecoin-powered settlement framework to enable real-time, cost-efficient, and risk-mitigated institutional custody settlements. By integrating regulated stablecoins into its infrastructure, the bank reduced settlement delays, improved liquidity management, and established a compliant bridge between traditional finance and digital asset markets.
Interoperable and Governed Token Networks To Become Critical for Scale
As tokenized finance proliferates across platforms, fragmentation risks trapping value in isolated networks. Banks are responding by adopting principles from decentralized finance such as composability and atomic settlement while embedding governance, identity, and compliance into network design. Interoperability will be the defining factor for scaled adoption, enabling secure connectivity across ecosystems, market infrastructures, and partner platforms.
In 2026, banks will prioritize orchestration layers over single-chain strategies, driving adoption of standardized token formats and permission frameworks. Institutions that lead will position themselves as trusted orchestrators between traditional finance and emerging tokenized networks, unlocking the full potential of programmable markets.
Case in Point: SC Ventures, Standard Chartered’s innovation arm, is building regulated digital asset and tokenization infrastructure through ventures spanning custody, trading, and on-chain issuance. This enables institutional-grade access to digital assets while embedding governance, security, and scalability at the core
Entering the New Maturity Curve
As tokenization enters its next maturity curve, the challenge shifts from proving its potential to embedding it as a systemic capability. Progress will depend on how deliberately banks integrate tokenization into core infrastructure, how platforms are designed, governed, and scaled under constant market pressure and regulatory requirements. Institutions that stay ahead will treat tokenization as a foundational discipline, one that enables programmable markets and interoperable ecosystems to evolve continuously rather than in isolated bursts.
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