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Saved February 14, 2026
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JPMorgan has shifted its tokenized deposits to Coinbase's Base blockchain, responding to institutional demand for a bank deposit product on public chains. Unlike traditional stablecoins, these deposits are digital claims on bank funds and can bear interest, positioning JPMorgan to compete in the growing crypto market.
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JPMorgan is making significant moves in the crypto space by introducing its tokenized dollars, known as JPM Coin (JPMD), on Coinbase’s Base blockchain. This shift from a private blockchain to a public one reflects growing demand from institutional clients for more flexible payment options. Unlike traditional stablecoins, JPM Coin is directly linked to existing bank funds and can earn interest, a feature restricted for stablecoin issuers under the GENIUS Act. This new offering is aimed at addressing the needs of clients who want to use bank deposits for transactions in the crypto world.
The bank's transition to public blockchain comes after years of groundwork, having first launched blockchain deposit accounts for institutional clients in 2019. JPMorgan's Product Head for Deposit Tokens, Basak Toprak, emphasized that the bank's move is driven by customer requests for reliable payment methods on public chains. Current options, like stablecoins and offchain bank accounts, have various risks and inefficiencies, especially for institutional players. As the crypto landscape evolves, the bank sees a clear role for its tokenized deposits, which are designed to be used as collateral or for margin payments in crypto trading.
There's an interesting dynamic at play between JPM Coin and traditional stablecoins. Both serve similar functions in payments and collateral management. Brian Foster from Coinbase referred to tokenized deposits as the "cousin of stablecoins," highlighting the interoperability challenges for bank-fixed assets. The path forward for banks like JPMorgan involves figuring out how to integrate these products beyond their existing ecosystems.
Risk management remains a central concern as JPMorgan navigates the public blockchain space. Internal governance and stringent controls over smart contracts are in place to mitigate potential risks associated with this technology. Toprak reassures that the bank retains full control over its token and infrastructure, which has been operational long enough to demonstrate stability. The bank's willingness to engage with public blockchains indicates a significant shift in how traditional financial institutions view and utilize blockchain technology.
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