BlackRock’s Multi-Chain Strategy: BUIDL Fund Expands Beyond Ethereum

As a seasoned analyst with over two decades of experience navigating the ever-evolving financial landscape, I find BlackRock’s multi-chain expansion of its USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) an intriguing development that could reshape the institutional investment sector. This move underscores a strategic shift towards embracing blockchain technology and tokenization to cater to the growing demands of institutional investors seeking access to digital U.S. Treasury yields.


BlackRock has broadened the scope of its $522 million tokenized fund, BUIDL, to include various blockchain platforms aside from Ethereum. This move provides institutional investors with enhanced opportunities and versatility when it comes to earning digital returns on U.S. Treasury yields.

Multi-Chain Move Broadens Access to Tokenized U.S. Treasuries

On a Wednesday announcement, the world’s leading investment firm, BlackRock, disclosed that their largest tokenized fund by assets, the USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL), is broadening its scope to accommodate more blockchain networks apart from Ethereum. Now active on Aptos, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism’s OP Mainnet, and Polygon PoS, BUIDL seeks to expand its influence, granting institutional investors a wider range of choices for tapping into tokenized U.S. Treasury yields.

Collaboration with Securitize Markets Drives Expansion

The multi-chain launch is being supported by partnering with Securitize Markets, a top-tier tokenization platform. Previously launched on Ethereum around eight months ago, BUIDL has since expanded its services to various ecosystems, aiming to provide wider access and seamless compatibility across different blockchain networks.

Robert Mitchnick, BlackRock’s Head of Digital Assets, stated, 

As a researcher spearheading our digital asset endeavors, I am thrilled to share our current advancements in this field. Our strategic focus is firmly set on innovating digital solutions tailored to address genuine challenges faced by our esteemed clients within the digital assets sphere. We are equally elated about partnering with Securitize as we embark on this journey together.

Optimized Fee Structure Across Chains

BlackRock’s enlarged investment fund now utilizes a multi-tier fee system: Aptos, Avalanche, and Polygon will incur a 0.2% management fee, while Ethereum, Arbitrum, and Optimism’s OP Mainnet will be subject to a 0.5% fee. This arrangement reflects the diverse demand and infrastructure expenses associated with functioning within distinct blockchain ecosystems.

Enhanced Investor Benefits through Tokenization

Tokenization is crucial in BlackRock’s approach to digital assets, as BUIDL provides on-chain trading and settlement solutions that enhance transparency, accessibility, and liquidity for institutional investors. This tokenization also empowers the straightforward issuance and transfer of ownership across various blockchains, thus expanding possibilities for on-chain asset trading. BNY Mellon contributes significantly by promoting compatibility between conventional and digital markets, reinforcing BlackRock’s dedication to merging traditional finance with blockchain technology.

Daily Dividends and Stable Value for Investors

The BUIDL project aims to maintain a constant $1 worth for each token, providing daily accumulated dividends that are distributed monthly as extra tokens straight into investors’ digital wallets. The investment fund invests all its resources in cash, U.S. Treasury bonds, and repurchase agreements, with the goal of delivering a steady return for investors who hold the tokenized assets. BlackRock takes care of token custody, providing storage alternatives for investors while facilitating 24/7 transfers of tokens to approved investors.

Positive Market Response and Industry Support

Upon the recent expansion, I observed significant market growth in the native tokens of blockchains that support BUIDL, such as ARB, OP, APT, AVAX, and POL. Notably, OP surged ahead with a 3.3% increase within just an hour after the announcement.

Leading figures in the field like Anchorage Digital Bank NA, BitGo, Coinbase, and Fireblocks have been brought on board to assist with the management of the tokenized investment fund. Additionally, BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., serves as the investment manager, while BNY Mellon takes on the role of the fund’s custodian.

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2024-11-14 18:13