Deutsche Bank Launches Project Dama 2 to Address Blockchain Regulatory Issues
Deutsche Bank AG is addressing regulatory challenges for institutions utilizing public blockchain networks, particularly concerning unintentional transactions with sanctioned entities or criminals.
In November, Deutsche Bank launched a test version of Project Dama 2, an asset-servicing pilot that uses a Layer 2 solution to facilitate cheaper and efficient transactions on public blockchains.
The bank has integrated this Layer 2 platform with the Ethereum network, a leading blockchain for crypto commercial activity. Boon-Hiong Chan, the bank's Asia-Pacific industry applied innovation lead, noted significant risks for regulated banks using public blockchains, including transaction validation transparency, potential payments to sanctioned entities, and risks from sudden hard forks disrupting the ledger. Chan stated that using two chains could mitigate many regulatory concerns.
Deutsche Bank Experiments with Project Dama 2
Project Dama 2 is part of the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Project Guardian, involving 24 financial institutions exploring blockchain technology for asset tokenization.
Deutsche Bank supports blockchain as a solution to margin compression in financial services but questions remain about banks' engagement with the crypto ecosystem. The Dama 2 platform, developed with Memento Blockchain Pte and Interop Labs, utilizes ZKsync technology and aims for a minimum viable product launch next year, pending regulatory approval.
Chan indicated that the Layer 2 component would enable banking institutions to explore public blockchains more freely and create tailored validator lists for processing digital-asset transactions. This system could grant regulators "super admin rights" for monitoring fund movements, reducing dependency on Layer 1 for detailed transaction records.
Additionally, Deutsche Bank has established partnerships in the crypto space. Recently, Crypto.com partnered with Deutsche Bank to enhance its global operations, leveraging the bank’s corporate banking expertise for payroll, vendor payments, and treasury management.