Big Finance Takes a Step into Crypto

The world of traditional finance is making a bold move into crypto. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), a major player handling trillions in transactions, has decided to use the Canton Network to tokenize US Treasury securities. This is a big deal because it shows that even the old-school finance world is starting to see the value in blockchain technology. The DTCC's decision highlights how new systems like Canton are designed to work with existing markets and regulations. Ari Redbord, a policy expert, noted that Canton is built to fit how regulated markets actually operate. He also mentioned that once things started moving, they picked up speed quickly.This move comes at a time when big finance players like BlackRock and Deutsche Bank are also diving into tokenization. The trend of turning real-world assets into digital tokens has grown significantly, reaching $410 billion in 2025. However, not everyone is thrilled about the DTCC's choice. Some critics argue that Canton keeps the old intermediaries in place, which defeats the purpose of tokenization. The DTCC is closely tied to Washington, and its regulatory approval for tokenization is part of a broader push by the SEC and CFTC to modernize the financial system. Earlier in December, the CFTC launched a digital assets pilot program. Meanwhile, SEC chair Paul Atkins is working on new crypto regulations. Crypto markets are also seeing some action. Bitcoin is up 1%, while Ethereum has dipped 2. 5%.