Mr. Nazarov had a meeting with Paul Atkins from the SEC about the steps involved in the compliant issuance and trading of real-world assets on public blockchains. Unlike previous conversations, which were rather vague, this one zoomed in on practical realities, available technologies, and possible legal frameworks for blockchains. Nazarov thinks it’s possible for regulated tokenized assets to exist by mid-2026.
The discussion no longer centered on the inclusion of blockchain in finance. That discussion is over. The attention is on building a framework that complies with financial regulations.
Chainlink’s Tools Are Already Built for Compliance
Chainlink has spent the past few years building the backend to support compliance at the protocol level. One of its key offerings is the Automated Compliance Engine (ACE). This tool lets developers bake in requirements like KYC, AML checks, and regional restrictions directly into smart contracts.
ACE supports the ERC-3643 token standard. This format lets token creators enforce regulatory policies without requiring extra oversight from external systems. For example, if a token is only allowed to be held by investors in a certain country, the contract can automatically block access outside that region.
Chainlink’s legal and engineering teams have already presented these systems to the SEC. They’ve walked through how blockchains can replace much of the current paperwork-driven system for issuing and trading securities. Their approach would give regulators access to records while reducing the need for constant manual checks.
While finance is the main focus, the underlying ideas apply to other sectors as well. Take mobile gaming and digital entertainment. As apps start integrating blockchain features, users will want reliable information and transparency. In the casino industry, information from the GamesHub casino apps guide is one example of how users are being given better tools to make informed choices and understand the advantages and disadvantages of the platforms they are using. This is especially paramount in an environment where crypto payments are becoming more common.
The SEC Opens the Door to Public Blockchain Infrastructure
One of the key takeaways from recent SEC comments is that public blockchains are no longer off-limits in regulatory conversations. In the past, many agencies and institutions assumed that only private ledgers could meet legal requirements. Now, that view is shifting.
The SEC has issued new guidance for transfer agents, the firms that handle official shareholder records, saying they can use distributed ledger technology as long as it supports things like audit trails, record immutability, and permission controls. Chainlink’s systems meet those benchmarks.
The company has also pitched a concept called a “unified golden record.” It refers to a single, verified history of an asset’s ownership and activity, accessible to all relevant parties. This setup reduces the risk of disputes and improves transparency for everyone involved. By providing a clear and immutable timeline, this system helps to streamline transactions and build trust among participants. It also ensures that all stakeholders are working with the same accurate information, minimizing errors and misunderstandings.
Interoperability Plays a Big Role
Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) is another important piece of this rollout. It allows assets to move between blockchain networks without breaking their compliance rules. That means an asset can be created on one chain and later transferred to another, while still following the same regulatory requirements.
This flexibility is important for financial firms that don’t want to be stuck on a single platform. It also helps global institutions meet the different legal requirements of various regions.
When used together, ACE and CCIP let developers build compliant tokens that can work across different systems and markets. Institutions can meet their obligations without locking themselves into one blockchain, which has been a barrier for adoption in the past.
What to Expect Over the Next Year
Sergey Nazarov believes that by mid-2026, we’ll see major financial institutions issuing tokenized assets with full compliance baked into the process. This wouldn’t be a test or a limited trial. These would be real securities, real investment products, and real trading environments.
Chainlink has laid the groundwork by developing the tech, engaging with regulators, and working alongside enterprise blockchain groups and policy networks like the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance. These collaborations give the project legitimacy and show regulators how traditional finance can work with new tools.
The SEC has been taking slow, measured steps toward clarity on these topics. That approach may be frustrating to some in crypto, but it’s helping build a framework that can last. Sudden rule changes or rushed laws would only make adoption harder. The gradual progress happening now is based on actual use cases and working code.
Tokenization May Soon Be Standard Practice
If Chainlink and regulators stay aligned, financial firms could soon start issuing tokenized versions of traditional assets, including bonds, stocks, and real estate, as part of regular operations. This model could replace many back-end processes that rely on outdated systems and paperwork.
The benefit isn’t just about speed. Automating compliance reduces costs, lowers error rates, and improves record-keeping. Investors get more transparency. Institutions get better tools. Regulators get more visibility without having to manage everything manually.
Chainlink’s approach doesn’t require institutions to take big risks. It offers a way to build on existing rules while introducing new efficiencies. That’s why the mid-2026 target doesn’t seem unrealistic. The systems are already in motion.
Conclusion
The recent meeting between Chainlink and the SEC wasn’t about pitching an idea. It was about reviewing solutions that are already being tested and deployed. Chainlink has built tools that meet regulatory standards and has been working directly with lawmakers and agencies to show how they work in real-world situations.
Mid-2026 is now being discussed as a likely point where tokenized, regulated assets could become a part of daily financial activity. If that happens, it will be because companies like Chainlink put in the work early, built the tools properly, and worked openly with regulators to get it done.
