Nomura Bank launches Libre with Polygon for on-chain tokenization of alternative assets
Libre provides investors access to reputable money market funds managed by firms like BlackRock.
Libre, the institutional Web3 infrastructure platform, has officially launched on-chain, enabling the tokenization of alternative assets following its successful cross-chain transaction on Polygon, according to a March 19 statement shared with CyptoSlate.
Libre is a collaborative effort between WebN, a web3 incubator hub, and Japan-based investment bank Nomura’s digital asset subsidiary, Laser Digital.
Earlier in the year, the web3 platform reportedly collaborated with Brevan Howard, an alternatives manager, and Hamilton Lane, a private markets investment management firm, to focus on focus on tokenizing alternative investments.
The platform provides investors access to reputable money market funds managed by firms like BlackRock. This would allow investors to park their funds and allocate them to alternative markets securely.
Meanwhile, Libre also plans to introduce collateralized lending in partnership with Nomura’s Laser Digital later this year, expanding its services to accommodate investors’ needs.
While currently EVM-based, Libre aims to integrate with various Layer 1 and Layer 2 protocols through its Libre Gateway, built using Polygon CDK. This integration will enable accredited professional and institutional investors from other networks to access Libre’s offerings, including alternative investments and money market funds.
Dr. Avtar Sehra, the CEO and founder of Libre, said this launch is the first step in the platform’s roadmap for this year. He emphasized Libre’s aim to offer unparalleled access to top-tier alternative investments, accompanied by scalable value-added services like the recently launched money market facility and the upcoming collateralized lending service.
Colin Butler, the Global Head of Institutional Capital at Polygon Labs, also expressed excitement about the Libre gateway, foreseeing its role in making blockchain services accessible and efficient on a large scale. He added:
“Libre Gateway is paving the way for blockchain services to become accessible and proficient at scale. We are thrilled to be able to foster this entry point for tier-1 funds on Libre, and see the Gateway as the foundation of a radically improved global financial system.”