Consensys, ClearToken Plan 24/7 Settlement Infrastructure

Consensys and ClearToken plan to develop 24/7 settlement infrastructure for tokenized securities and cash, combining blockchain interoperability with regulated settlement services for wholesale markets.

The proposed system would use delivery-versus-payment, a structure that exchanges securities and cash together, to settle eligible tokenized assets against fiat, tokenized deposits and stablecoins. The design is intended to reduce the time that cash and securities remain exposed between trade execution and final settlement.

Consensys will provide tokenization technology, blockchain interoperability and institutional distribution, including wallets and client relationships. ClearToken will contribute regulated settlement infrastructure and its CT Settle service, which went live in December 2025 for digital-asset and fiat settlement.

“Wholesale markets are embracing a diverse and growing ecosystem of networks and blockchains,” Ben Santos-Stephens, CEO of ClearToken Group, said.

The proposed service remains subject to regulatory conditions. ClearToken has submitted an application to the Bank of England for authorization as a central counterparty, a role that would support clearing between trading parties.

“ClearToken is building a regulated route to clearing and settlement on a 24/7/365 basis, subject to clearing authorisation by the Bank of England,” David Cunningham, president of Consensys, said.

ClearToken CSD Limited passed Gate 2 of the Bank of England’s Digital Securities Sandbox on Sept. 18, 2026. The approval allows the company to operate as a digital securities depository within the sandbox and conduct live activity under defined limits. It is not full authorization under a permanent U.K. regulatory regime.

ClearToken’s initial asset scope includes U.K. gilts, corporate bonds and public equities. Sandbox custody limits include £600 million for gilts, £900 million for sterling corporate bonds and £1.8 billion for non-sterling corporate bonds. The limit for public equities was not specified.

ClearToken Depository Limited is authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as an authorized payment institution and is registered as a cryptoasset business.

The partnership follows growing interest in 24/7 blockchain-based settlement for tokenized markets. Continuous settlement is designed to keep settlement available across weekends and holidays, unlike wholesale systems that often operate during business hours and rely on batch processing.

“Our clients have asked for one thing above all: tokenisation that fits into how they already manage risk and collateral,” Mark Williamson, chief commercial officer of ClearToken Group, said.

The companies did not provide a launch date, transaction-volume target, list of participating banks or commercial terms for the partnership.