UK-based fintech Fnality has announced its intention to expand its blockchain-based payment system in the US after its launch in the UK. In a recent interview, Fnality’s officials revealed that, among all the international markets, the company is now leaning towards the US first, making it a priority.

Currently, the fintech is in the process of discussing its application with the Federal Reserve.  Moreover, the company is set to expand its blockchain-based payment system by adding the USD as a currency. Fnality’s blockchain-based system as a gateway for dollar transactions The startup, supported by some of the world's largest banks, completed its first live transaction in December 2023, with the Bank of England (BoE) holding its Omnibus Account and commercial banks such as Lloyds and UBS participating. Moreover, Fnality raised USD 95 million in its second fundraising round in November 2023, with Goldman Sachs and BNP Paribas leading the round.

Other participants included Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), Euroclear, and WisdomTree. On top of that, according to Fnality, the company's backers are either based in the US or have significant operations there, making it a natural target for expansion. In addition, all the fintech shareholders expressed their intention to use Fnality’s blockchain-based system for dollar transactions as well.

Fnality is also considering other European countries, Canada, and Japan for future expansion. The startup is one of many blockchain solutions targeting the traditional financial industry, which has been slow to adopt new technologies. Blockchain is one of the key technologies transforming the sector, with some startups like Fnality impacting settlements and others like Centbee transforming cross-border transfers.

As the official press release shows, legacy players are building in-house solutions, too, with JPMorgan launching its JPM Coin stablecoin for wholesale transfers four years ago, and Bank of America investing in blockchain and combining it with other emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Fnality previous developments Fnality International, a UK-based fintech backed by UBS and Goldman Sachs, originated from a blockchain project. Among others, the company's objective is to develop digital versions of major currencies for application in wholesale payments and transactions involving digital securities.

Despite the typical challenges faced by startups in bringing products to market, Fnality anticipated commencing initial operations of its Sterling payment system by the end of 2023, contingent upon receiving final regulatory approval. Fnality currently offers a blockchain-based sterling payment system and started its first transactions in December with users including Lloyds, Santander, and UBS. But its previous funding round from November 2023 aimed to improve financial market transactions by bridging the gap between traditional and digital finance, establishing a globally accessible liquidity management network, and catering to both wholesale financial markets and emerging tokenised asset markets.

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