European Financial Institutions Launch RL1 Cooperative Blockchain Network
Vexoda Newsroom
Ten European financial institutions have launched the Regulated Layer One (RL1) cooperative blockchain network, aiming to support institutional use cases and reduce fragmentation in financial markets.
On July 29, 2026, ten prominent European financial institutions, including ABN AMRO, DekaBank, and Natixis CIB, launched the Regulated Layer One (RL1) cooperative blockchain network. This new initiative marks a significant step towards integrating blockchain technology into regulated financial markets.
The RL1 network is designed to facilitate various institutional use cases such as digital money, tokenized bonds, collateral management, and blockchain-based settlement processes. It operates on infrastructure developed by Secure Worldwide Interbank Asset Transfer (SWIAT), which has now transferred ownership of the platform to the cooperative.
Each founding member will have equal decision-making rights over the network’s governance and development. RL1 is currently a private, permissioned blockchain, ensuring secure transactions for its members while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. The platform has processed more than 50 transactions worth approximately $808 million during three years of operational use.
The launch of RL1 addresses concerns about the fragmentation caused by financial institutions operating separate distributed ledger systems. By leveraging a shared network, these institutions can streamline operations and enhance efficiency in their tokenized asset management processes. Former SWIAT Managing Director Henning Vollbehr will lead this initiative, with continued support from KfW and L-Bank.
RL1’s launch is part of the broader trend towards blockchain adoption within financial services. The network aims to provide a secure, transparent, and efficient platform for institutional use cases while maintaining regulatory compliance. This move could have significant implications for how tokenized assets are managed in Europe's financial markets.
Traders should monitor RL1 as it develops, particularly its interactions with other established blockchain networks like Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC). The network’s success will likely influence the direction of innovation in regulated financial markets. Additionally, RL1 may attract new members from institutions such as NatWest, signaling growing interest among leading financial players.
Source: Cointelegraph. Summarized and rewritten by the Vexoda Newsroom. This is market news, not financial advice.