JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest banks in the United States, is in the early stages of exploring the use of blockchain technology to create a digital deposit token. The token would represent a digital version of deposits that customers hold in their bank accounts and could be used to make cross-border payments and settlements faster and more efficient.
Regulators' Considerations and JPMorgan's Preparedness
JPMorgan has already developed most of the necessary technology to make this project a reality. However, it will only proceed if it receives approval from U.S. regulators.
According to an anonymous source, JPMorgan Chase is considering launching a blockchain-based digital deposit token for use by corporate clients within a year if it receives regulatory approval. The source preferred to remain anonymous because the matter is considered private and sensitive. This suggests that JPMorgan is actively pursuing the development of the digital token and is prepared to move forward relatively quickly once it receives the necessary regulatory green light.
Expediting Cross-Border Transactions with Blockchain
The digital deposit token would function differently from JPM Coin, which the bank has been using for several years for internal purposes. Instead, it could be used to send money to clients of other banks and settle trades involving tokenized securities.
Transactions using the token would be processed on a blockchain, making settlement nearly instantaneous and potentially reducing transaction costs. The initial denomination of the token would likely be in U.S. dollars, but it could expand to other fiat currencies if approved by regulators.
It is important to note that the digital deposit token is not intended for purchasing cryptocurrencies or replacing stablecoins like Tether's USDT. Instead, it is designed for use within the traditional financial system, facilitating payments , settlements, and similar functions.
A deposit token represents digital versions of bank deposits and enables nearly instant settlements on blockchain technology. The token may streamline transactions and reduce costs, making it a noteworthy innovation in finance.
“Deposit tokens bring plenty of potential benefits, but we also appreciate that regulators would want to be thoughtful and diligent before any new product gets developed and used,” a JPMorgan spokesperson said in a statement. “Should that appetite develop, our blockchain infrastructure would be able to support the launch of deposit tokens relatively quickly.”
Blockchain's Evolving Role in Traditional Banking
JPMorgan has been involved in blockchain technology, notably with the introduction of JPM Coin in 2019. JPM Coin allows select corporate clients to transfer dollars and euros between their accounts within the bank, and it has processed approximately $300 billion in transactions since its launch. However, this figure is relatively modest compared to JPMorgan's daily movement of $10 trillion in U.S. dollar transactions.
The new deposit token, if approved by regulators, is expected to be initially denominated in U.S. dollars but may expand to include other fiat currencies. Unlike cryptocurrencies or stablecoins like Tether (USDT), deposit tokens are primarily designed for use within the traditional financial system. They aim to facilitate payments, settlements, and similar functions efficiently.
“We believe deposit tokens will become a widely used form of money within the digital asset ecosystem, just as commercial bank money in the form of bank deposits makes up over 90% of circulating money today,” JPMorgan said in a recent study.
