Deutsche Bank, the global banking and financial services group, is taking on the compliance challenge for public Blockchains through the launch of Layer-2 (L2). The company focuses on digital disruption, sustainability and innovation.
This is a bold move to integrate Blockchain technology into traditional financial services (TradFi) as Deutsche Bank AG seeks to address one of the biggest hurdles for regulated institutions.
Deutsche Bank Solves Compliance Challenges for Public Blockchains
The compliance risks of public Blockchains are one of the biggest challenges for regulated organizations. With the latest solution, Dama 2 projectDeutsche Bank introduces a new framework aimed at alleviating regulatory concerns. At the same time, it also seeks to leverage the efficiency and cost benefits of blockchain.
Revealed in November, Project Dama 2 is a development asset servicing pilot under the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) Project Guardian framework. This initiative involves 24 major financial institutions testing Blockchain technology to tokenize assets.
Deutsche Bank’s contribution includes a “Layer 2” protocol, enhancing public Blockchains such as Ethereum. It makes transactions more efficient and less costly.
“Using two chains may satisfy some of these regulatory concerns. This approach allows us to create a more selective and compliant framework while leveraging the benefits of public Blockchain networks,” according to Bloomberg, citing Boon-Hiong Chan, who led the development of the technology. Deutsche Bank’s application business in Asia-Pacific.
Meanwhile, public Blockchains like Ethereum, while promising, pose a unique set of risks for financial institutions. These risks include the possibility of unwittingly interacting with criminals, sanctioned entities, or unverified validators. There is also a risk of security vulnerabilities for unforeseeable incidents such as hard forks that could disrupt the digital ledger.
Deutsche Bank’s Layer-2 aims to solve these problems by creating a customized list of validators that meet rigorous compliance standards. The L2 solution also integrates advanced features such as ZKsync technology, improving transaction efficiency and security.
One of the main initiatives is the introduction of “super governance rights” for managers. This feature gives watchdogs exclusive access to audit fund movements when necessary, adding a layer of trust and transparency.
Addressing Compliance Concerns And The Importance Of Public Blockchains
The potential of public Blockchains lies in their ability to revolutionize asset tokenization and address the decline in profitability in financial services. However, for banks, entering the Cryptocurrency ecosystem is fraught with challenges.
The question remains open about the extent to which TradFi should participate in decentralized systems. Chan emphasized the importance of minimizing risks without ignoring opportunities.
“Public Blockchains offer unmatched scalability and interoperability, but compliance must come first,” he said.
By connecting to Ethereum, one of the most widely used commercial Blockchains, Deutsche Bank’s solution aims to create a bridge between TradFi and decentralized technology. In addition to being more efficient, Layer-2 protocols also provide a way to maintain detailed transaction records independent of the underlying Layer-1 Blockchain.
Meanwhile, the development of the Dama 2 Project reflects the importance of cooperation in promoting blockchain technology. Deutsche Bank has partnered with Cryptocurrency companies Memento Blockchain Pte. and Interop Labs to make this vision a reality. The project’s success could become a model for other financial institutions facing similar challenges.
Subject to regulatory approval, Deutsche Bank plans to launch a minimum viable product (MVP) for Dama 2 next year. This platform could pave the way for widespread adoption of public Blockchains in financial services. Such an outcome would set new standards for compliance and innovation.