WebN Group in collaboration with Laser Digital, the cryptocurrency division of Nomura, has announced the release of a new institutional web3 protocol, Libre. This cutting-edge platform, supported by Polygon’s advanced technology, stands as a testament to the innovative strides being made in the blockchain and financial technology sectors.
The Backbone of Libre: Technology and Partnerships
At its core, Libre leverages the power of asset tokenization and smart contracts, ensuring a regulatory-compliant framework for the issuance and management of alternative investments. The foundation of Libre is the Polygon Chain Development Kit (CDK), a tool that facilitates the creation of specialized, highly secure, and efficient Layer 2 blockchains on the Ethereum network. This technology underscores the protocol’s commitment to scalability and security, essential attributes in the rapidly evolving blockchain landscape.
The strategic collaboration between WebN Group, a hub for fintech and web3 innovation, and Laser Digital, backed by Brevan Howard co-founder Alan Howard, marks a significant step forward in the integration of traditional financial services with the evolving world of digital assets. This synergy highlights the growing interest and investment in blockchain technology from established financial institutions.
Enhancing Investment Management with Blockchain
Libre’s impact on the alternative investments space is poised to be transformative. The platform not only simplifies the management of such investments but also opens up new opportunities for investors worldwide. This innovation comes from the vision of Libre’s founder, Dr. Avtar Sehra, a pioneer in asset tokenization since 2014. Dr. Sehra’s expertise, combined with his experience in founding the UK FCA-licensed tokenization platform Nivaura, promises a robust and forward-thinking approach to investment management.
The initial focus of Libre will be on increasing Assets Under Management (AUM) through the launch of a primary issuance service and the integration of distributor networks. Additionally, the platform aims to enhance the wealth management experience by introducing features like collateralized lending and automated portfolio rebalancing. These services are part of a broader 2024 product roadmap, which seeks to redefine wealth management through advanced APIs.
The Future of Libre: Adoption and Expansion
Scheduled to go live in the first quarter of 2024, Libre has already garnered significant interest from prominent investment management firms. Brevan Howard and Hamilton Lane are set to be among the first issuers to adopt the platform. Their involvement underscores the growing trend in the industry to employ blockchain technology for more efficient distribution and access to alternative asset funds.
This movement towards blockchain-based investment management is not isolated. Similar initiatives are being explored by major financial institutions like JPMorgan’s Onyx, which has collaborated with various asset managers and blockchain technology providers on a blockchain interoperability proof-of-concept. In parallel, SC Ventures, part of Standard Chartered, recently launched Libeara, a tokenization platform, further highlighting the sector’s momentum towards innovative fund management solutions.