Introduction to Digital Capital Markets
Here, we aim to introduce some of the basics of digital assets relevant to financial markets…
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An introduction to Digital Capital Markets
The potential benefits of new digital solutions are driving an evolution of capital markets. Digitalisation is broad, with many innovative technologies having the potential to build on current processes and create efficiencies. At NatWest, we’re taking a customer-centric approach to our digitalisation journey, focusing on three pillars to transform our business: to develop digital products with tangible benefits, to shape market thinking and to help our customers educate themselves.
These new digital technologies possess capabilities that stem from decentralised finance and have the potential to help address key challenges in capital markets globally:
- Automation through smart contracts can reduce the manual processes which are often prone to inefficiencies.
- The accessibility of data can provide unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability; this is particularly important for ESG bonds where the reporting on achieving ESG objectives has proven to be a challenge.
- Digital assets could reduce the complexity of traditional issuances, helping to lower barriers to entry to a wider customer base.
We’re seeking to robustly challenge the preconceptions of the technology by piloting the applicability of digital assets, looking to find the specific value that we can bring to the market and to our customers. Through our strategic partnerships (see our case studies for more information) and looking towards regulatory sandboxes, we are committed to proactively helping to shape the digital asset ecosystem and to support our customers on this development.
Digital Capital Markets are the future of finance
We take a closer look at how Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) could radically reshape the relationship between those in need of capital and those who provide it.
Is your treasury ready for digital assets?
The world of digital assets is vast and identifying how your treasury might be affected, or where to even start, can be daunting. Here are some key considerations to start developing your approach.
Digital currencies: what are they and why do we need them?
If you consider how we use it, most of the money today could already be classified as ‘digital money’, so what do we actually mean when we talk about digital currencies – and where can they provide the most value for companies, investors, and the markets more broadly?
Banking on the blockchain: how digital assets can transform the industry
We take a closer look at how this fast-growing space at the intersection of finance and technology could transform the banking industry.
