On the Ethereum network, BlackRock has announced a new real-world asset (RWA) tokenization fund. This is its first foray into the digital assets industry leveraging the benefits of the blockchain. Further demonstrating its commitment to the emerging market the firm invested in Securitize. In the meantime, the UN Security Council released the final report on North Korea sanctions enforcement on the 20th.
BlackRock launches RWA
The custodian of the fund’s asset is BNY Mellon while Securitize will act as a transfer agent and a tokenization platform according to BlackRock. Others participating in the fund’s ecosystem are Anchorage Digital Bank NA, BitGo, Coinbase, and Fireblocks.
Furthermore, although the terms of the deal weren’t disclosed in yesterday’s press release, BlackRock reportedly made a “strategic investment” in Securitize.
“This is the latest progression of our digital assets strategy,” BlackRock’s Head of Digital Assets Robert Mitchnick said. “We are focused on developing solutions in the digital assets space that help solve real problems for our clients, and we are excited to work with Securitize.”
BlackRock has filed a regulatory document stating that it incorporated a fund with Securitize, and this caused speculations of a tokenized fund as blockchain transactions were mentioned by some commentators as the means to seed the vehicle, reported Tuesday.
Citi, Franklin Templeton and JPMorgan have already made advances into the technology and BlackRock joins this group. Blockchain-based tokens for traditional investments such as bonds and funds are becoming more prominent in blockchains as digital assets with blockchain technology increasingly embracing traditional finance (TradFi). For instance, crypto firms have increased tokenized US Treasuries to $730 million from $100 million in early 2023 so as to earn a reliable yield on their on-chain funds.
North Korea’s lives off of cyberattacks?
As noted in the UN report, North Korea derives about 50% of its foreign exchange income from cyber attacks. It is suspected that they were involved in a cyberattack on crypto assets-related companies that caused damages of approximately $3 billion (450 billion yen).
The expert panel investigated the implementation status of sanctions against North Korea from July 2023 to January 2024 and uncovered methods for evading sanctions. Although the report is not legally binding, the Security Council and its member states may impose new sanctions on violating organizations or individuals in response to the report.
