BlackRock ETF Purchases First Blockchain-Issued Municipal Bond: Details Inside

• BlackRock’s ETF is reported to have made a purchase of a municipal bond via the blockchain for the first time. 
• BlackRock’s interest in blockchain technology has been evident since the earlier launch of its first tokenized fund on the Ethereum blockchain.

BlackRock’s ETF makes a historic acquisition of the first-ever municipal bond issued via the blockchain. According to the report, the bond purchased from Franklin Township in Ohio was designed using open source platform Provenance Blockchain.

Speaking on this, Franklin Township Treasurer Amy Parker disclosed that this initiative underscores the power of blockchain technology to improve efficiency and transparency. Additionally, the use of the technology eliminated intermediaries and reduced Issuance costs while improving transaction speed.

This transaction demonstrates the transformative potential of blockchain technology in improving efficiency and transparency in bond issuance.

BlackRock’s CEO Larry Fink also lauded the development by highlighting how blockchain integration into municipal bonds improves efficiency and security in the financial system.

According to reports, this bond would be used to fund major infrastructure projects in the township, including roads. Meanwhile, this initiative aligns with BlackRock’s broader vision, which is focused on digital finance and innovation. Its integration into blockchain is also reported to mark a proactive approach to bridging the gap between emerging technologies and traditional finance.

BlackRock’s Municipal Bond Conversion and Previous Involvement in Blockchain

In September, BlackRock announced that it is converting a municipal bond mutual fund into an ETF. According to reports, this decision was in response to the growing trend of issuers taking advantage of the growing demand for ETFs. At that time, it was reported that the $1.7 billion BlackRock High Yield Municipal Fund would be used for this purpose while revamping its $195.84 million BlackRock High Yield Muni Income Bond ETF into an iShares-branded product.

According to CFRA head of ETF data and analytics Aniket Ullal, 85 funds with assets of $139 billion have so far converted to ETF.

Further delving into BlackRock’s deep interest in the blockchain, we discovered that the asset manager announced its first tokenized fund on the Ethereum blockchain in the first quarter of the year. Just like the recent acquisition of Municipal bonds on the blockchain, this significant move is reported to integrate traditional financial assets with blockchain technology. According to an expert called Hannah Pham, the interest in blockchain is based on its:

• Transparency and crypto-native clientele.
• Multi-chain compatibility.
• Not permissionless.

BlackRock’s decision to launch BUIDL on the Ethereum blockchain to cater to the needs of crypto-native clients. Investors holding BUIDL tokens can use them for treasury management, building derivative products, and serving as collateral on exchanges. With the public blockchain, BUIDLs tokens, which can serve as the underlying assets, reserves, or collaterals, can be seen on-chain by anyone and live 24/7.

Meanwhile, its recent initiatives have positioned its Asset Under Management (AUM) at $11 trillion. Fink believes that the momentum will continue to year-end and into 2025.