IZNES, collaborating with the Eurosystem comprising the European Central Bank and the Banque de France, has completed a groundbreaking experiment showcasing the potential of wholesale Central Bank Money (CeBM) on interoperable blockchains. Leveraging innovative Hash Time Locked Contracts (HTLC), this initiative demonstrated secure, efficient Delivery versus Payment (DVP) transactions across blockchain platforms like DL3S, IZNES, and Societe Generale-FORGE. Stakeholders included AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM), BNP Paribas, Generali, OFI Invest Asset Management, Societe Generale. The experiment not only highlights the seamless interoperability of blockchains but also underscores the immense potential of digital cash tokens to revolutionize financial operations by enhancing security, reducing settlement times, and cutting costs, setting a new benchmark for the future of financial markets.

PARIS, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In a landmark initiative, IZNES, in collaboration with AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM), BNP Paribas, Generali, OFI Invest Asset Management, Societe Generale and Societe Generale-FORGE and under the aegis of the Eurosystem—comprising the Banque de France (BdF) and the European Central Bank (ECB)—has successfully conducted an innovative experiment exploring the potential wholesale Central Bank Money (CeBM), within financial market operations on three interoperable blockchains.

IZNES CEO Christophe Lepitre stated, "This groundbreaking initiative underscores IZNES's commitment to innovation and collaboration, paving the way for future advancements in digital finance. It concretely demonstrates that interoperability between blockchains—often perceived as a major obstacle to the adoption of DLT technologies in finance—is not only possible but also holds immense potential to transform our financial infrastructures."

The experimentation utilized the DL3S platform operated by the Banque de France under the aegis of the ECB, proving that wholesale CeBM can be used for conducting Delivery versus Payment (DVP) of fund units on three interoperable platforms: DL3S, IZNES and Societe Generale-FORGE.

Innovative Technology in Action

To facilitate the DVP process, a Hash Time Locked Contract (HTLC) was issued on the DL3S blockchain and seamlessly exchanged with the IZNES blockchain. The HTLC technology introduced a layer of cryptographic security, requiring recipients to produce cryptographic proof of payment within a specified timeframe. Failing this, the funds would be returned to the payer, ensuring operational integrity and trust.

"By leveraging the HTLC mechanism, we showcased the seamless interoperability between the DL3S, IZNES and Societe Generale-FORGE platforms, proving that wholesale CeBM can play a transformative role in financial market infrastructures," stated Bhavesh Senedhun, experiment leader, Director General and CIO of IZNES.

Jean-Robert Hervy, Director General and CPO of IZNES, emphasized: "This experiment represents a step forward in demonstrating the feasibility and efficiency of using digital cash tokens in complex financial operations. By leveraging a secure, digital ledger, transactions could be completed faster, with enhanced security measures and significantly lower operational costs for all stakeholders."

Two-Tiered Experimentation

The initiative was executed in two streams:

• Stream 1: In collaboration with Generali as investor, AXA IM as issuer / asset manager of the tokenized fund, and BNP Paribas' Securities Services business providing existing services and managing its clients' wallets in BdF's DL3S, the experiment focused on the subscription of fund units using Banque de France's cash token.
• Stream 2: Partnering with Generali as investor, OFI Invest AM as issuer / asset manager of the tokenized fund, Societe Generale and Societe Generale-FORGE, this stream demonstrated the wholesale CeBM's capabilities in a complex, multi-layered financial operation. This included the subscription of fund units in wholesale CeBM, which were subsequently reinvested into other funds, and bonds issued by Societe Generale. It concluded with the redemption of positions. Societe Generale Securities Services acted as Paying Agent.

Implications for the Financial Ecosystem

"At Generali, we have leveraged IZNES to manage our fund positions efficiently using blockchain. The success of this experimentation with the Eurosystem and the CeBM demonstrates the transformative potential of blockchain technology in streamlining fund management processes. The introduction of a wholesale CeBM represents a significant step forward for insurers like Generali, simplifying operations and enhancing transparency across the funds ecosystem," further added Rémi Cuinat, Director of Unit-linked Assets at Generali.

This successful experimentation highlights the potential of wholesale CeBM to enhance the efficiency, security, and resilience of financial markets. It sets a precedent for the integration of a wholesale CeBM into real-world financial applications, demonstrating their viability as a cornerstone of the future financial ecosystem.

Acknowledgements

IZNES wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the dedicated individuals and teams who contributed to the success of this groundbreaking wholesale CeBM experimentation:

• Generali: Rémi Cuinat, Azdine Fahimi, Fenda Fofana for their insightful contributions.
• OFI Invest AM: Jean-Pierre Grimaud, CEO, along with Eric Bertrand, deputy CEO in charge of Investments, Nicolas Demont, deputy CEO in charge of Operational Efficiency and Patrick Hobin, COO for their leadership and support.
• AXA IM: Olivier Loubet for his strategic input.
• BNP Paribas' Securities Services business: Maria Darras (Senior Program Manager Digital Assets) for her valuable engagement.
• Societe Generale Securities Services: Alain Rocher and Morgane Seveno for their expertise.
• Societe Generale-FORGE: David Durouchoux, Damien Fontanille and Alexandre Tortochot for their leadership.
• Banque de France: Pierre-Dominique Renard, Victorien Goldscheider, Marie-Aline Vives, Georges Maila, Sana Ghariani along with the DL3S technical team.
• IZNES
• IZNES Task Force on Tokenization and CBDC Experimentations: Paul Sylvain, Stéphanie Lheureux, Olivier Macquet for their guidance.

On the IZNES team, special recognition is given to:

• Charles Paris, CTO, and Vladimir Kukharenko for their invaluable technical expertise.
• Jihade El Ouardi for exemplary project management.
• Axel Baechelen and Noemie Socha for their efforts on the operational and product fronts.
• Valérie Gilles for her assistance and advice with stakeholders.
• Isabelle Dhellemmes for legal guidance.

For further information, please contact:

Bhavesh Senedhun

Director General and CIO, IZNES

bhavesh.senedhun@iznes.com

About IZNES:

IZNES is the first European blockchain-based fund marketplace. IZNES offers a disruptive alternative to traditional fund distribution channels and allows asset owners to subscribe directly to all types funds from asset managers. The use of IZNES's blockchain technology improves operational efficiency and offers institutional investors and asset managers an optimal level of security and IT resilience. IZNES is a regulated investment firm, authorized by the ACPR and supervised by the AMF, and its services are passported in Luxembourg and Ireland.

www.iznes.com

Media Contact

Bhavesh Senedhun, IZNES, 33 633260581, bhavesh.senedhun@iznes.com, www.iznes.com 

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