An Overview of 21X’s Milestone in Blockchain Trading
Regulatory Approval for 21X
21X, a fintech company operating out of Germany, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining regulatory approval to launch a tokenization platform. This approval positions 21X as one of the pioneering firms authorized to operate on blockchain-based trading infrastructure. The announcement was made public following a press release indicating that the approval was granted under the European Union’s DLT Pilot Regime.
Details of the Approval
The governing body behind this regulatory milestone is Germany’s financial supervisory authority, the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin). With this license, 21X is set to create a fully regulated blockchain trading and settlement system from its Frankfurt headquarters. This will enable the firm to offer an array of services including the tokenization, issuance, distribution, listing, and trading of tokenized financial instruments. The official launch of the platform is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025.
The EU’s DLT Pilot Regime Explained
Implemented in March 2023, the EU’s DLT Pilot Regime is a pivotal framework designed to accommodate the trading and settlement of crypto assets that qualify as financial instruments in accordance with the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and Regulation (MiFID II). This new regulatory structure is expected to foster the development of innovative market infrastructures such as DLT multilateral trading facilities and DLT trading and settlement systems, heralding a new era for blockchain in finance.
A Rigorous Licensing Journey
The journey to secure this license was neither quick nor easy for 21X. The process stretched over 18 months and involved extensive collaboration with several institutions, including BaFin, the German Federal Bank, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), and the European Central Bank (ECB). Max Heinzle, the founder and CEO of 21X, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “This is more than just a license — it’s a revolutionary moment for capital markets.” He highlighted that for the first time, both institutional and retail investors can engage in trading and settling tokenized securities on a regulated, blockchain-based exchange that upholds the same trust, security, and compliance standards as conventional markets.
Strategic Partnerships Enhancing the Platform
To bring its blockchain-based trading platform to fruition, 21X has forged partnerships with key industry players, including Polygon, Apex Group, and SBI Digital Markets. Notably, Polygon, a well-established Ethereum-linked blockchain network, plays a vital role in the design of the platform. 21X has cited its cost-effective transaction fees, rapid processing speeds, and robust security as critical advantages for selecting Polygon’s technology. The partnership with Polygon Labs enhances the network’s scalability and security features, facilitating seamless on-chain trades and settlements.
Collaboration with Chainlink
Expanding its technological capabilities, 21X has also announced a strategic alliance with Chainlink, a leading Web3 services platform. The integration of Chainlink’s technology will set a standard for on-chain finance within the 21X platform. As a part of this collaboration, Chainlink’s Price Feeds will serve as the backbone of 21X’s trading engine, while its Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) will enable connectivity to assets across the broader on-chain economy.
A Growing Trend in the Financial Landscape
The regulatory approval of 21X showcases a broader trend of integrating blockchain technology within traditional financial paradigms. Notably, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has recognized 21X as one of at least four applicants under the EU’s DLT Pilot Regime. Other significant developments in this realm include the Czech Republic’s CSD Prague, which received authorization to operate under the same regime in October 2023. This collective movement suggests a promising future for blockchain in the financial sector.