Anchorage Digital, a federally chartered U.S. crypto bank, has unveiled a new infrastructure platform designed to allow traditional financial institutions to issue and manage tokenized deposits on blockchain networks. The system, announced on June 22, 2026, acts as a parallel layer to existing banking infrastructure, enabling near-instantaneous 24/7 settlements without requiring banks to replace their core systems.
The platform works by creating a digital token representing a customer’s deposit on a blockchain, while the actual funds remain securely held in the bank’s regulated deposit accounts. Anchorage provides the blockchain infrastructure, wallet management, and smart contract technology, while banks retain client relationships and custody of the underlying capital. This model differs from stablecoins issued by non-bank entities, keeping deposit relationships within the insured banking framework and reducing counterparty risk.
Nathan McCauley, CEO of Anchorage Digital, stated that several banks are already evaluating the implementation of tokenized deposits. The launch comes as major U.S. banks — including JPMorgan, Citi, and Bank of America — plan to develop their own shared tokenized deposit network by the first half of 2027. Anchorage enters the space with the advantage of a national trust charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), offering a differentiated regulatory footing.
The platform could unlock capabilities such as real-time cross-border payments, programmable money for corporate treasuries, and seamless integration with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. This positions the deposit token as a middle ground between traditional banking and the crypto economy, potentially accelerating institutional adoption while preserving consumer protections and compliance.
