Catenaa, Wednesday, February 04, 2026- SBI Holdings has unveiled a Layer 1 blockchain proof of concept for tokenized stocks, co-developed with Startale Group, marking a push into onchain securities infrastructure.
The Tokyo-based financial group said the network, called Strium, is designed to support real-world assets, with an initial focus on tokenized equities and exchange functions for global markets. The platform targets round-the-clock trading, faster settlement and cross-border access without relying on direct asset issuance or custody.
The announcement comes as interest grows in onchain equities, with crypto firms, fintech platforms and traditional exchanges exploring blockchain-based stock trading and derivatives markets operating beyond standard market hours.
SBI and Startale first disclosed plans in August 2025 to build a 24-hour tokenized stock trading platform covering US, Japanese and other international equities. That effort emphasized near-instant settlement, fractional ownership and integration with decentralized finance tools. The original plan did not reference the creation of a new Layer 1 network.
Strium is positioned as an exchange-focused blockchain architecture aimed at institutional and professional participants. The companies say it is intended to handle high transaction volumes, maintain resilience under stress and connect with both traditional financial systems and existing blockchain networks.
A testnet is expected to launch soon. The proof of concept is set to showcase settlement efficiency, interoperability and performance under demanding conditions.
Startale, the blockchain research firm behind Sony’s Ethereum Layer 2 Soneium, recently raised $13 million from Sony. The group also operates Astar Network, a major public blockchain in Japan.
SBI has expanded its crypto exposure in recent months, including stablecoin development, a reported push into crypto exchange-traded funds and a $50 million investment in Circle’s initial public offering.
