A significant development unfolded on May 28, 2026, as Paxos, an American blockchain infrastructure firm, declared that its branch, Paxos Securities Settlement Company (PSSC), gained registration as a securities settlement institution from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This groundbreaking achievement designates Paxos as the pioneering blockchain-only entity to secure such approval in the United States.
How Will This Affect Traditional Markets?
Paxos’ authorization by the SEC underscores a pivotal shift towards embedding blockchain technology within conventional capital markets. Settlement and clearing agencies are integral to the financial system, as they reconcile records between counterparties, verify transaction specifics, and facilitate secure monetary and asset exchanges, thereby minimizing counterparty risks.
PSSC’s nod from the SEC, granted under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act, signals a shift in a domain formerly monopolized by heavyweights such as the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC). This development signifies the encroachment of blockchain platforms into this structured sector.
Charles Cascarilla, CEO and co-founder of Paxos, disclosed that this registration is the culmination of seven years of dedicated work, originating with a No-Action Letter from the SEC in 2019.
Can Blockchain Revolutionize Settlement Processes?
Reaching this milestone was arduous for Paxos. Back in February 2020, Paxos embarked on a live pilot with global banks to evaluate a clearing and settlement mechanism for U.S. equities, operating within the SEC’s specialized exemption.
This pilot successfully demonstrated that blockchain could facilitate same-day transactions, adhering to regulatory standards with lower costs and greater efficiency. Contrarily, traditional settlements in the US often require several days, whereas Paxos’ method ensures “delivery versus payment” within a single day.
- Paxos PSSC offers instantaneous settlement using blockchain, in contrast to DTCC’s conventional multi-day, batch processing model.
- This transition could enhance liquidity and reduce systemic risk in U.S. capital markets by offering real-time transaction capabilities.
- The SEC’s acceptance of PSSC indicates a growing regulatory endorsement of blockchain’s potential in financial systems.
Having secured its status, Paxos is set to enhance its service portfolio for financial entities, aiming for seamless introductions of digital asset products. Its newfound capability allows it to facilitate direct securities transaction clearing on a compliant blockchain basis, integrating regulated technology within the U.S. markets.
The approval has stirred considerable discourse in both digital and traditional finance domains, marking a noticeable move towards regulatory acceptance of blockchain innovations.
Paxos emphasized the approval as a crucial anchor for its ambitions, providing a structured foundation for prospective advancements.
