U.S. Regional Banks Develop Cari Network for Tokenized Deposits on ZKsync-Based Prividium

A group of regional U.S. banks is building a permissioned tokenized deposit network on Matter Labs’ ZKsync-based Prividium, aiming for a broader 2026 rollout within existing banking and FDIC insurance frameworks.

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Summary

A group of U.S. regional banks, including Huntington Bancshares, First Horizon, M&T Bank, KeyCorp and Old National Bancorp, is developing the Cari Network to move tokenized deposits instantly on blockchain rails while keeping funds inside the regulated banking system. The platform is being built on Prividium, a private permissioned blockchain developed by Matter Labs on ZKsync infrastructure, and is designed so digital tokens remain regular bank deposits on banks’ balance sheets under existing regulation and FDIC insurance. Backed by the Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America, the project will test issuance, transfers and redemption of tokenized deposits ahead of a broader 2026 rollout, as banks seek faster, round-the-clock settlement without relying on nonbank stablecoins.

Terms & Concepts
  • Tokenized deposits: Bank deposits represented as digital tokens on blockchain infrastructure while remaining liabilities of the issuing banks within the regulated banking system.
  • ZKsync: A layer-2 blockchain network that uses zero-knowledge technology to support faster and more efficient transaction processing.
  • Prividium: A private, permissioned blockchain built by Matter Labs for regulated institutions, designed to support fast and private transactions with audit access for regulators.