OKX has launched a joint framework with BlackRock and Standard Chartered to integrate BlackRock’s BUIDL tokenised short-term treasury fund into collateral workflows.
OKX will BUIDL as yield-bearing collateral for trading, with Standard Chartered providing a custody offering.
The initiative marks the first time a global systemically important bank (G-SIB) has acted as custodian in such an arrangement.
The framework enables OKX VIP and institutional clients to hold collateral in regulated, off-exchange custody while trading on the same integrated venue.
In addition, BUIDL can be deposited and traded on-exchange, and used as yield-bearing collateral for margin trading.
The firms described the framework as a uniquely integrated model where collateral custody and trading occur within a single, coordinated ecosystem, representing a key advancement toward embedding tokenisation into global market infrastructure.
“BUIDL was designed to bring the benefits of tokenisation to short-term Treasury exposure, allowing qualified investors to earn US dollar yields on blockchain rails,” said Samara Cohen, global head of market development at BlackRock. “The framework with OKX and Standard Chartered allows qualified investors to unlock new opportunities in how they deploy collateral.”
Haider Rafique, Global Managing Partner at OKX, said: “This collaboration highlights the potential of tokenising real-world assets (RWAs) at scale. By enabling institutions to deploy BUIDL as on-chain collateral on OKX’s global platform, we improve capital efficiency while demonstrating how traditional financial instruments can operate seamlessly in digital markets.”
Margaret Harwood-Jones, Global Head of Financing and Securities Services at Standard Chartered, added: “Our role as custodian in this initiative reflects our commitment to delivering trusted and innovative solutions for clients as the financial ecosystem evolves.
“By providing secure custody of BUIDL for this collateral use case, we are helping to ensure clients can access digital asset opportunities with the high standards of protection and compliance. This framework demonstrates how traditional financial institutions and digital market infrastructure can work together to bring tokenised assets safely and efficiently to global investors.”
The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) made a strategic investment in OKX in March, bringing the exchange’s value up to $25 billion.
