Blockchain-based New Financial Infrastructures: Theory, Practice and Regulation

This book focuses on development of blockchain-based new-generation financial infrastructures, in which a systematic, complete theoretical framework is proposed to explore blockchain-based securities trading platform, central securities depository (CSD), securities settlement system (SSS), central counterparty (CCP), payment system (PS) and trade repository (TR). The blockchain-based new FMI has attracted much attention in the securities industry. At present, the cross-border depository receipt (DR) business faces a dilemma between efficiency and security. In this book, the author proposes a blockchain-based new DR solution, manifesting the potential for using blockchain technology in the FMI field. In addition, using Hashed Timelock Contract (HTLC) as the underlying technology in the DR scenario, specific process and operations are proposed for delivery versus payment (DvP), delivery versus delivery (DvD) or payment versus payment (PvP) and other exchange-of-value methods. This book further studies how to carry out opening positions, end-of-day settlement of margin, forced liquidation and settlement at maturity, for exchange-traded derivatives, such as futures and options, under the blockchain-based technological framework. Blockchain technology not only naturally fits into the decentralized or non-centralized characteristic of the OTC market but also can effectively address the pain points and difficulties of the OTC market. This book provides an in-depth analysis of existing specific issues in China’s bond market, regional equity markets and asset management market, among other OTC markets, and proposes relevant blockchain-based solutions. Blockchain technology does not change the public policy objectives for FMI. The blockchain-based new FMIs are still subject to compliance, safety and efficiency requirements. This book provides a comprehensive assessment of the applicability of the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures (PFMI) to them, in particular, analyzes their legal basis, off-chain governance and system security.