X
Innovation

ASX DLT-as-a-service platform open for production

ASX customers can now access its DLT infrastructure, data hosting, ledger services, and support in the cloud.
Written by Aimee Chanthadavong, Contributor

The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has announced that its distributed ledger technology (DLT) as-a-service platform is now live.

Known as Synfini -- which the ASX claims is a name that blends synchronisation and infinite possibility together -- is a full-service, cloud-based blockchain technology underpinned by VMWare Blockchain, the same underlying technology being used for ASX's Clearing House Electronic Subregister System (CHESS) replacement.

According to ASX, the platform has been designed to provide customers access to its DLT infrastructure, data hosting, ledger services, and support, including automated consent management and sovereignty to data owners to ensure each party can see only the data on the ledger that they have permission to access.

ASX group executive Dan Chesterman said introducing DLT-as-a-service "eliminates the need for organisations to build, run, and support their own environment, reducing cost, complexity, and risk".

"Synfini has the potential to open up a new world of opportunity for companies, both in and outside financial markets, to design and build innovative, digital, multi-party solutions on ASX's world-class ledger," he said.

The platform has also been designed to leverage Digital Asset Modeling Language (Daml).

"With Daml, organisations build applications that ensure systems remain in sync and entitled users have access to reliable, real-time information, and transaction status at all times," ASX DLT Solutions business development general manager Paul Stonham added.

Some of the early adopters of the platform have included KPMG, which is using it to host an application it is creating and operating for the New South Wales government's building assurance solution; Broadridge, which is developing an application that automates and eliminates paper for off-market transfers in the equities market; and Boulevard, which is building an ownership register for private companies.

Australian blockchain firm DigitalX, meanwhile will host its Drawbridge app on Synfini. Drawbridge is a regtech application designed to help companies reduce employee and director securities trading risks by automating the approval process.

MORE FROM ASX

ASX reports tech incidents have dipped by 93% in the past five years

Upgrades to its technology systems and a reduction in technology debt have helped the Australian Securities Exchange reduce potentially inherent risks.

ASX profit slips amid highest year of listings in over a decade

After posting a record profit last year of AU$498 million, the Australian Securities Exchange has reported just shy of AU$481 million for FY21.

IBM finds ASX outage the result of trade platform not being ready for go-live

Big Blue has served the ASX with 17 recommendations and found a number of shortcomings in the ASX Trade Refresh project, which resulted in a pause of trading on the day of go-live.

ASX issues caution for Aussies investing in crypto and contemplates exchange regulation

The ASX has highlighted challenges in relation to custody arrangements on cryptocurrency exchanges, suggesting perhaps a more regulated environment would provide assurance to investors.

Editorial standards