SBI and Chainlink Partner to Build Institutional Blockchain Infrastructure in Asia-Pacific

SBI Group, one of Japan’s largest financial conglomerates, has joined forces with blockchain oracle platform Chainlink to develop institutional-grade tools for cryptocurrency and tokenized assets in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of blockchain-based financial products, including tokenized bonds, real-world assets (RWA), and stablecoins. By leveraging Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP), SBI and Chainlink plan to facilitate cross-chain settlements, improve transparency, and address infrastructure gaps that have hindered broader institutional adoption [1][2][3].

According to a recent report from SBI Digital Asset Holdings, 76% of surveyed financial institutions in Japan are considering investments in tokenized securities, citing potential cost savings and efficiency improvements. The collaboration seeks to provide scalable, secure, and compliant infrastructure to meet this growing demand. The initiative will begin in Japan and is expected to expand to other Asian markets [4][5][6].

The partnership will focus on several key areas, including the tokenization of real-world assets such as real estate and bonds. These assets can be transferred between different blockchains using Chainlink’s CCIP. Additionally, CCIP and Chainlink SmartData will be used to record critical fund information, such as net asset value (NAV), on the blockchain. This is expected to simplify trading, increase liquidity, and improve overall efficiency [7].

Foreign exchange and cross-border payments will also be a focus, with CCIP enabling secure “payment versus payment (PvP)” transactions. Chainlink’s Proof of Reserve technology will be integrated to ensure transparency in stablecoin reserves, providing verifiable on-chain proof that stablecoins are fully backed by real assets [8][9].

Sergey Nazarov, co-founder of Chainlink, stated that SBI’s decision to use Chainlink’s standards for digital asset transactions highlights the platform’s security, reliability, and compliance features—key factors for high-value institutional transactions. SBI CEO Yoshitaka Kitao noted that the partnership aims to create “secure, compliance-focused solutions” that will accelerate the adoption of digital assets across Japan and the wider region [1][10].

This collaboration continues SBI’s broader push into the crypto and digital asset space. Recently, the company announced a deal with Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, and is working with Startale to build a 24/7 trading platform for tokenized stocks and other assets. SBI and Chainlink have also previously collaborated in Singapore’s Project Guardian, where they tested blockchain-based fund tokenization alongside UBS [11].

The partnership further strengthens SBI’s position in the blockchain financial infrastructure and supports Chainlink’s expansion in Asia’s digital asset market. It marks a significant step in the institutional adoption of blockchain technology, providing a robust foundation for future innovation in the financial sector [2][7].