SBI and Startale Launch Strium Blockchain for Institutional Token Trading

TLDR

• Strium is a Layer-1 blockchain for tokenized securities and RWA trading

• SBI Holdings brings financial expertise and licensed entities to the venture

• Synthetic stocks to launch first, followed by tokenized real assets

• Proof-of-concept phase completed with testnet and partner onboarding ahead

SBI Holdings and Startale Group have introduced Strium, a purpose-built Layer-1 blockchain for institutional trading of tokenized assets. The network is designed to serve as a full-time exchange-layer platform handling foreign exchange, synthetic securities, and real-world asset (RWA) instruments.

The project aims to create blockchain infrastructure for order matching, execution, and settlement. It will not handle issuance or custody, which will remain with regulated entities. According to the launch statement, the platform is optimized for institutions needing reliable settlement systems for digital assets.

Strium will begin with synthetic assets, such as derivatives linked to US and Japanese equities and commodities. These instruments replicate asset exposure but do not represent legal ownership. The platform plans to expand to support tokenized versions of real assets after regulatory checks.

Proof-of-Concept Completed and Testnet Planned

Strium has completed its proof-of-concept (PoC) phase to assess system stability, settlement speed, and compatibility with legacy and blockchain systems. A public testnet is now planned, which will allow further development and performance testing.

The testnet phase will also include integrations with partner platforms and discussions with regulators in Japan and other jurisdictions. A commercial launch date has not been confirmed, and public architecture details have not yet been released.

Startale CEO Sota Watanabe said in a statement that tokenization is “inevitable,” and Strium is positioned to close the gap between traditional finance and onchain systems. He noted that the platform would support compliant dividend and royalty payments for tokenized equities.

SBI and Startale Combine Financial and Blockchain Expertise

The partnership brings together SBI Holdings‘ background in banking and securities with Startale’s blockchain development capabilities. SBI contributes regulatory infrastructure and financial licenses through its subsidiaries, including Shinsei Trust & Banking and SBI VC Trade.

The venture does not plan to act as a token issuer but will operate the infrastructure layer where transactions occur. This structure aims to help institutions operate within compliant frameworks while adopting digital settlement technologies.

The Strium network is designed to function continuously, without reliance on traditional settlement hours. This supports the growing interest in 24/7 markets for digital and tokenized assets.

Market Opportunity and Long-Term Strategy

SBI and Startale are targeting the estimated $18.9 trillion tokenized asset market by building a scalable trading infrastructure. The companies said Strium’s architecture will support future use cases, including algorithmic trading and AI-driven market participation.

The venture expects to attract liquidity from SBI’s ecosystem of over 80 million customers across retail and institutional segments. The platform will also include an open layer, allowing broader user access beyond regulated participants.

Further updates on the Strium testnet, regulatory submissions, and commercial timelines are expected in the coming months. The project will be closely monitored by financial and blockchain sectors as tokenization continues to expand across global markets.

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