The new scripless bond platform enhances investors’ buying experience, improves operational efficiency and reduces overall cost, the BOT said.
The BOT (Bank of Thailand) has launched a new platform leveraging blockchain technology for the issuance of government savings bonds.
The central bank first said in March 2018 that it was working with banks to introduce blockchain-based bond issuance to cut issuance times.
The new platform aims to enhance investors’ buying experience, improve operational efficiency and reduce overall cost, the BOT said.
The ‘DLT Scripless Bond Project’ was a collaborative effort among eight institutions – the BOT, Public Debt Management Office, Thailand Securities Depository, Thai Bond Market Association, and four selling-agent banks: Bangkok Bank, Krungthai Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and Siam Commercial Bank.
So far in one week, THB 50 billion (USD 1.6 billion) in government savings bonds have been sold to investors.
In the next phase, the project will expand to support other types of government bonds for both retail and wholesale investors.