The Bank of England (BoE) has officially confirmed that decentralized oracle network Chainlink will participate in its experimental Synchronisation Lab. Announced on February 10, 2026, this initiative aims to explore how blockchain-based tokenized assets can settle in sync with traditional central bank money within the UK's financial system.
The lab, set to launch in spring 2026 and run for approximately six months, will involve 18 collaborating firms. It will operate in a closed, simulated test environment using the BoE's upgraded RT2 (Real-Time Gross Settlement) system as its core. The central bank has emphasized that no live funds will be involved during this experimental phase, and the work does not constitute regulatory approval for any system.
Chainlink's role will be central, focusing on developing decentralized workflows and settlement models that link central bank funds with digitally issued securities. The goal is to create a synchronized settlement mechanism that reduces operational friction and settlement risk. "Chainlink is working to create a decentralized settlement model where tokenized assets and cash-like claims are aligned with central bank money," the company stated.
Other major participants include financial infrastructure giants Swift, LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), and Partior. These firms will test specific use cases such as foreign-exchange transactions, tokenized bonds, and collateral management. The broader objective is to demonstrate how distributed ledger technology can interoperate with existing financial infrastructure to enable atomic, real-time settlements.
While the announcement is a significant step in the modernization of financial market infrastructure, the immediate market reaction was muted. LINK's price showed no bullish spike following the news, trading around $8.51 at the time of reporting, suggesting the market views this as a long-term structural development rather than a short-term catalyst.
