Vienna-based cryptocurrency broker Bitpanda has launched a new blockchain network named "Vision Chain," designed to integrate tokenized assets into Europe's regulated financial system. The initiative aims to support the industry's shift towards always-on, 24/7 markets.
The chain is being built in collaboration with the Vision Web3 Foundation and utilizes Optimism's Ethereum-based infrastructure for settlement and scaling. A key feature is its use of compliant, euro-denominated stablecoins for transaction fees, a move intended to shield users from the price volatility typically associated with crypto payments on public chains.
The network is specifically engineered to provide the infrastructure for banks and fintech companies to issue and settle tokenized assets in compliance with European Union regulations, including the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework and MiFID II. This positions Vision Chain as a bridge between traditional finance and crypto rails, offering institutions the blockchain plumbing needed to offer digital asset services to their clients.
"Tokenization is expected to redefine capital markets," stated Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad, CEO of Bitpanda. "European financial institutions have been ready for this shift for years, but the infrastructure has been missing. With Vision Chain, we are building a public blockchain designed around Europe’s regulatory standards, combining the openness of public networks with the reliability institutions require."
The launch reflects a broader competitive race within global finance. Rival digital broker Robinhood is testing its proprietary "Robinhood Chain" for tokenized stock trading, while traditional financial giants like Nasdaq and NYSE are also developing their own blockchain platforms for tokenized securities.
The potential market is vast. A joint report by Boston Consulting Group and Ripple estimates that tokenized assets could grow by 53% annually, reaching a total value of $18.9 trillion by 2033 across various asset classes.
