Banking Giant BNY Debuts Blockchain Accounting – BlackRock Signs On

• BNY Mellon’s real-time blockchain NAV tool boosts fund transparency—BlackRock’s BUIDL is already live with it.

• Bitcoin gains institutional traction as BNY integrates crypto custody and blockchain accounting into legacy systems.

After the earlier CNF report highlighting BNY Mellon and Deutsche Bank’s partnership in trade finance innovation, BNY Mellon—America’s oldest bank—has now made a significant move blending traditional finance with blockchain technology.

The institution has launched a cutting-edge blockchain-based accounting tool designed to revolutionize fund management by providing real-time Net Asset Value (NAV) data directly on-chain.

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is the first to adopt this innovation, integrating it into its tokenized fund, BUIDL. In an interview with Fortune, BNY’s Head of Digital Assets, Caroline Butler, stated:

Because we have expertise in blockchain, other fund accountants in the industry would struggle to do this. It sits right in that sweet spot as we continue to add more and more value for clients.

Real-Time NAV on the Blockchain

Traditionally, calculating and publishing a fund’s NAV is a delayed process, reducing transparency and investor agility. BNY Mellon’s tool solves this by broadcasting NAV updates instantly on the blockchain—ensuring investors have immediate access to accurate fund valuations.

As highlighted by BitcoinWorld, BNY Mellon’s solution:

provides up-to-date data about a fund’s net asset value, or NAV, directly on a blockchain,
marking a leap forward in the sophistication of tokenized funds managed by firms like BlackRock.

BlackRock’s Integration with BUIDL

BlackRock’s integration of this tool into BUIDL, a tokenized U.S. Treasury fund, reflects its deepening commitment to blockchain innovation. It also grants investors real-time, transparent access to essential financial metrics.

BNY Mellon’s foray into blockchain hasn’t come without regulatory navigation. In 2024, it secured exemptions allowing it to custody digital assets without classifying them as balance-sheet liabilities.

As previously reported by CNF, BNY Mellon became the first U.S. bank to offer Bitcoin custody, marking a historic turning point for crypto in traditional finance. The launch of its blockchain accounting system—now adopted by BlackRock—reinforces Bitcoin’s increasing institutional presence and the infrastructure growing around it.

Market Snapshot: Bitcoin

At the time of writing, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at approximately $82,650 USD, marking a 1.21% decrease in the past 24 hours and a 4.03% decline over the past week. See BTC price chart below.