Community Banks Unite to Build Bank-Owned Blockchain Network for Tokenized Deposits
The BankChain Alliance, a coalition of 39 US state banking associations, has announced plans to build a nationwide bank-owned and governed blockchain network for tokenized deposits, stablecoins, smart payment tools, and automated settlement. The initiative aims to provide community banks with an ownership stake in the digital payment infrastructure their customers will be using by the end of the decade.
The BankChain Alliance collectively represents 3,283 banks holding $21.8 trillion in assets as of the March 2026 FDIC Call Report. A technology partner has not yet been chosen for the network, which is expected to launch in 2027.
Unlike other bank-led blockchain initiatives announced this year, such as The Clearing House's tokenized deposit network and Cari Network, BankChain is designed to be owned, governed, and operated by member banks themselves. Participating institutions will have the ability to acquire ownership stakes in the network.
Kathy Kraninger, president and CEO of the Florida Bankers Association and interim chair of the alliance, framed the mission as a way to provide modern capabilities to community banks so they can continue serving customers safely and efficiently in rural, urban, and regional communities across the country.