Datachain Releases Report on Architecture and Legal Nature of Tokenized Deposits
Datachain has published a discussion report to foster the implementation of tokenized deposits in Japan, referencing the European Banking Authority's framework and classifying three architectural models.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 20:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 12:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 12:22 (20 min after Collected)
Datachain Inc. (CEO: Tetsushi Hisada, hereinafter "the Company") has today released a report titled "Considerations on the Architecture and Legal Nature of Tokenized Deposits" as part of its efforts toward advancing financial infrastructure using blockchain technology.
Background of Publication
Tokenized deposits involve building bank deposit systems through blockchain (Distributed Ledger Technology, DLT). They are expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of financial infrastructure, enabling 24/7 instant settlements and programmable transactions using smart contracts. Internationally, discussions are advancing, exemplified by the European Banking Authority (EBA) publishing its "Report on Tokenised Deposits" in 2024.
In Japan, however, systematic organization of tokenized deposits has not progressed sufficiently, making the construction of a common foundation for social implementation an urgent task. Datachain believes that early social implementation of tokenized deposits is crucial to ensure Japanese financial technology does not fall behind international trends. Recognizing that stimulating discussion through the sharing of expert knowledge is indispensable for this goal, the Company decided to release this report.
Overview of the Report
Based on international discussions such as the EBA report, this report organizes the following points:
1. Clarification of the concepts of "Tokenized Deposits" and "Deposit Tokens"
The report clarifies the essential difference between these often-confused concepts: whether DLT records function as a "means of representation/management" of deposit claims or whether the tokens on DLT themselves function as a "unit of value transfer."
2. Implementation examples of Tokenized Deposits
Introduction of implementation examples and pilot tests within the scope surveyed by the EBA in the EEA.
3. Three recording models (Architecture Classifications) for Tokenized Deposits
Referring to the EBA report, the architectures for tokenized deposits are classified into the following three types:
(1) DLT Single Ledger Model: Replaces traditional ledgers entirely with DLT, where DLT records are legally recognized as deposit claims.
(2) Token Conversion Model: Deposit claims are managed on traditional ledgers, while customers convert deposits into tokens (e.g., e-money tokens) on DLT for use.
(3) Parallel Model: Traditional ledgers and DLT are operated concurrently, and balances on both are legally treated as deposit claims.
These architectures are organized along two axes: the entity recording the deposit claims (DLT or traditional ledger) and the legal nature of the DLT records (whether they are recognized as deposit claims). This is expected to serve as a basic framework for considering the direction of social implementation in Japan.
Full Report (PDF): https://reports.datachain.jp/tokenized-deposits-architecture-and-legal-nature.pdf
About Our Initiatives
While aiming for the realization of "deposit tokens" in the medium to long term, Datachain is currently working on the social implementation of "tokenized deposits" under the present environment. From the early stages of technology selection, we evaluate compliance, user protection, and gaps with current laws. We are promoting the construction of safe and convenient on-chain financial infrastructure through approaches from both legal and technical perspectives.
Background of Publication
Tokenized deposits involve building bank deposit systems through blockchain (Distributed Ledger Technology, DLT). They are expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of financial infrastructure, enabling 24/7 instant settlements and programmable transactions using smart contracts. Internationally, discussions are advancing, exemplified by the European Banking Authority (EBA) publishing its "Report on Tokenised Deposits" in 2024.
In Japan, however, systematic organization of tokenized deposits has not progressed sufficiently, making the construction of a common foundation for social implementation an urgent task. Datachain believes that early social implementation of tokenized deposits is crucial to ensure Japanese financial technology does not fall behind international trends. Recognizing that stimulating discussion through the sharing of expert knowledge is indispensable for this goal, the Company decided to release this report.
Overview of the Report
Based on international discussions such as the EBA report, this report organizes the following points:
1. Clarification of the concepts of "Tokenized Deposits" and "Deposit Tokens"
The report clarifies the essential difference between these often-confused concepts: whether DLT records function as a "means of representation/management" of deposit claims or whether the tokens on DLT themselves function as a "unit of value transfer."
2. Implementation examples of Tokenized Deposits
Introduction of implementation examples and pilot tests within the scope surveyed by the EBA in the EEA.
3. Three recording models (Architecture Classifications) for Tokenized Deposits
Referring to the EBA report, the architectures for tokenized deposits are classified into the following three types:
(1) DLT Single Ledger Model: Replaces traditional ledgers entirely with DLT, where DLT records are legally recognized as deposit claims.
(2) Token Conversion Model: Deposit claims are managed on traditional ledgers, while customers convert deposits into tokens (e.g., e-money tokens) on DLT for use.
(3) Parallel Model: Traditional ledgers and DLT are operated concurrently, and balances on both are legally treated as deposit claims.
These architectures are organized along two axes: the entity recording the deposit claims (DLT or traditional ledger) and the legal nature of the DLT records (whether they are recognized as deposit claims). This is expected to serve as a basic framework for considering the direction of social implementation in Japan.
Full Report (PDF): https://reports.datachain.jp/tokenized-deposits-architecture-and-legal-nature.pdf
About Our Initiatives
While aiming for the realization of "deposit tokens" in the medium to long term, Datachain is currently working on the social implementation of "tokenized deposits" under the present environment. From the early stages of technology selection, we evaluate compliance, user protection, and gaps with current laws. We are promoting the construction of safe and convenient on-chain financial infrastructure through approaches from both legal and technical perspectives.