Key Insights
- Chainlink launched CRE to help institutions run cross-chain smart contract workflows with unified controls.
- Global firms adopted Chainlink for tokenized funds, benchmark data, and cross-border settlement systems.
- Chainlink introduced Confidential Compute to enable private transactions and protected onchain operations.
Global institutions and Web3 teams gathered at SmartCon 2025 to preview the next phase of onchain finance, as Chainlink introduced new platforms and released major upgrades. The event showed how trusted infrastructure can support cross-chain activity, financial data access, automated compliance, and private computation.
Product Launches and New Technical Standards
The launch of the Chainlink Runtime Environment, or CRE, marked a central update at the event. CRE lets institutions run advanced smart contract workflows across public and private chains while using existing internal systems. Developers can create applications that manage data, identity, compliance, and settlement in one environment.
https://blog.chain.link/smartcon-2025-recap/
Major institutions, including Swift, Mastercard, UBS, and several central banks, have already tested or deployed workflows using CRE. These workflows support tokenized fund operations, cross-chain settlement, trade finance, and identity-based compliance rules. CRE connects these workflows across multiple networks and systems.
Chainlink also introduced Confidential Compute. This service supports private smart contracts across any blockchain. It keeps business logic, transaction data, and external inputs confidential. Confidential Compute supports private settlements, protected identity checks, and secure cross-chain operations. Early access will open in 2026.
The Automated Compliance Engine, or ACE, launched with a partner network of identity providers, risk platforms, and tokenization firms. ACE lets institutions apply compliance rules directly within smart contracts. Banks, asset managers, and digital asset exchanges plan to use ACE for verified identity checks and transaction controls.
Banking, Markets, and Tokenization Announcements
Global financial firms announced new product deployments built on Chainlink. UBS completed the first in-production tokenized fund process using the Digital Transfer Agent standard. This workflow covered subscription and redemption actions and synchronized processes across multiple systems.
FTSE Russell and Tradeweb began publishing their benchmark data onchain through Chainlink DataLink. This gives asset managers and DeFi platforms access to trusted index values and pricing data across many blockchains. WisdomTree also started using Chainlink to publish onchain NAV data for its tokenized private credit fund.
S&P Dow Jones Indices and Dinari selected Chainlink as the oracle provider for the S&P Digital Markets 50 Index. SBI Digital Markets chose Chainlink as its core infrastructure provider for its tokenized asset platform. Central banks in Brazil and Hong Kong used Chainlink technology to support cross-border DvP settlement in the Drex program.
Stablecoin platforms also expanded partnerships. A new enablement program launched with GSR to help stablecoin issuers adopt Chainlink standards for data, compliance, and cross-chain transfers. Apex Group and Chainlink worked with the Bermuda Monetary Authority to test a unified stablecoin framework with real-time reserve visibility.
DeFi, Developer Progress, and Community Moments
DeFi protocols continued integrating Chainlink tools. Lido began upgrading its wstETH cross-chain operations to Chainlink CCIP. Aave Horizon adopted ACE to support regulated tokenized asset markets. Chainalysis partnered with Chainlink to enable cross-chain compliance workflows. Lighter adopted Chainlink Data Streams for its RWA-based perp markets.
SmartCon also hosted a vLEI hackathon with Swift and Chainlink. London Stock Exchange Group won with a solution using verifiable organizational identity. SmartCon 2025 showed that global markets are moving toward shared standards for tokenization, data distribution, compliance, and cross-chain transactions, with Chainlink serving as a key infrastructure provider.
