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Clinton alum Eugene Ludwig courts banks for stablecoin alternative
American Banker· 2026-03-10 10:00
Core Insights - The rise of stablecoins has prompted banks to seek alternatives for faster payment processing, with the added benefits of deposit insurance and protection against deposit outflows [1] - Tokenized deposits, which are digital representations of bank deposits, are gaining traction among banks, with nearly two-thirds of banks either offering or developing such products for corporate clients [3] Company Overview - Cari, founded by Eugene Ludwig, aims to create a network for tokenized deposits specifically for regional and community banks [4][6] - The network will utilize FDIC-insured deposit tokens issued on a distributed ledger, facilitating easier transfers across different regulatory environments [5] Market Dynamics - Five design partner banks, including KeyCorp and M&T Bank, are collaborating with Cari to support a range of payment options, emphasizing the need for faster cash settlements [7] - A minimum viable product (MVP) for Cari is set to launch on March 31, with a full production launch planned for the fourth quarter [8] Technological Infrastructure - Cari is partnering with Matter Labs to develop its network on ZKSync's Prividium, a private blockchain designed to meet the compliance and security needs of regulated banks [9] - The focus is on aligning the infrastructure with the standards required for banks from the outset [9] Challenges and Opportunities - Building a successful tokenized deposit network will require collaboration among banks to create a scalable digital payments infrastructure [10][13] - The market for tokenized deposits is expected to grow significantly, driven by increased adoption and demand for interoperable platforms [17] Industry Perspectives - Experts highlight the importance of creating a network for tokenized deposits, noting that larger banks can leverage their ecosystems, while smaller institutions may benefit from initiatives like Cari [15] - The success of tokenized deposits will depend on overcoming challenges related to standardization, regulatory clarity, and operational integration [18]