Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov made a strong case for blockchain-based banking at Sibos 2026, an event held in Miami Beach from September 28 to October 1. Speaking alongside executives from Deutsche Bank and BNP Paribas, Nazarov argued that tokenized cash, including tokenized deposits, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), is becoming essential for financial institutions due to its speed and interoperability.
Nazarov emphasized that banks are no longer just experimenting with tokenized assets but are actively building their own tokenized deposit chains. He noted a shift in conference attendance, with business line owners and technology teams replacing innovation teams in these discussions, signaling a move toward practical adoption.
AI agents were another key focus, with Nazarov explaining that these agents will prioritize transaction efficiency by favoring tokenized formats. He also highlighted Chainlink’s role in supporting the lifecycle of tokenized assets across multiple blockchains, emphasizing the protocol’s data and interoperability standards.
Chainlink showcased its credentials at Sibos, including facilitating over $34 trillion in on-chain transaction value and compliance with ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type 2 standards. The GENIUS Act, which addresses US dollar-pegged stablecoins, was credited with driving institutional adoption. Nazarov’s sessions underscored the need for interoperability as banks develop their own chains, positioning Chainlink as a critical connector in this evolving financial landscape.