Peter Smith
Stellar has traditionally been known for cross-border payments and retail money transfers, but recent developments show the network is expanding into much bigger territory. The blockchain is now positioning itself as serious infrastructure for institutional finance and enterprise-level tokenization systems.
Impact on XLM's Position
As noted by DoubleAgent-XLM, these connections transform Stellar from a niche blockchain into potential backbone infrastructure for institutional tokenization and settlement systems. The blockchain is quietly securing its place in the infrastructure that could power the future of global finance.
This isn't just a technical upgrade - it fundamentally changes where Stellar fits in the financial world. The network is evolving from handling retail payments to becoming part of the core infrastructure for global finance. Integration with SWIFT and DTCC gives it credibility in regulated markets and positions it for long-term growth as tokenization expands into trillion-dollar markets.
Key Developments
Hyperledger Cacti Integration - Stellar now uses Hyperledger Cacti as a bridge to connect with Hyperledger Besu. This connection, developed by Cheesecake Labs and the Hyperledger Foundation, allows assets to move between Stellar's Soroban and Besu networks. Cacti simplifies the technical complexity, letting developers build applications without worrying about each blockchain's unique architecture. For Stellar, this means it can now work with enterprise Ethereum systems where Besu is already widely used.
SWIFT CBDC Sandbox Access - Through the Cacti bridge, Stellar can now tap into SWIFT's central bank digital currency (CBDC) testing environment. This sandbox has been experimenting with multiple digital currencies including Singapore dollars, Taiwan dollars, Thai baht, and Hong Kong dollars, all running on Besu infrastructure. SWIFT handles the standardized messaging through ISO 20022 protocols. With Stellar connected, XLM could potentially serve as a neutral bridge currency for cross-border CBDC transactions.
DTCC Tokenized Collateral Platform - The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation recently launched a real-time tokenized collateral management system built on Hyperledger Besu. This platform is designed to increase liquidity, speed up collateral movement, and bridge traditional finance with digital assets for high-value institutional flows. Stellar's new connection to Besu creates a direct pathway into this institutional-grade tokenization infrastructure.
Peter Smith
