The $500bn experiment to build 24/7 markets on blockchain

Moneyweb has reported on what it describes as a "$500bn experiment" to build 24/7 markets on blockchain. The framing points to a broader push to use distributed-ledger infrastructure for financial-market activity that traditionally operates through intermediaries and within defined trading hours.

Blockchain-based markets are often associated with tokenisation, in which ownership or claims linked to an asset can be represented digitally on a blockchain. Supporters argue that such systems could allow transactions, settlement and record-keeping to operate more continuously than conventional market infrastructure.

The prospect of 24/7 trading raises questions around liquidity, investor protections, custody, operational resilience and the application of existing securities and market rules. Financial markets also rely on trusted pricing, compliance controls and mechanisms for handling failed transactions or disputes.

The size highlighted in Moneyweb’s headline underlines the potential scale being attached to the experiment. Whether blockchain-based systems can support always-on markets at that scale will depend on technology, regulation and adoption by market participants.