Japan to Build Blockchain Settlement Infrastructure for 24/7 Bond and Stock Trading

This signals a major institutional step toward integrating blockchain into core capital market plumbing, moving beyond pilot projects to state-backed infrastructure. The focus on 24/7 settlement directly challenges the traditional T+1/T+2 model, potentially setting a precedent for other G7 economies. The key question is whether this push will accelerate private-sector adoption of tokenized assets or expose friction in cross-border and regulatory alignment. Watch how the central bank's role evolves—whether it anchors the network or shifts to oversight—as that will determine the system's openness and scalability.