A proof-of-concept digital platform for tokenised promissory notes has been celebrated as a prime example of utilizing blockchain technology for the public good. This initiative, known as ‘Project Promissa,’ is the result of collaboration between the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub, World Bank, and Swiss National Bank (SNB), with the aim of enhancing the efficiency and transparency of financial instruments.
Promissory notes, which involve commitments to pay a specified sum of money over time, are predominantly paper-based within multilateral development banks (MDBs) like the World Bank. The traditional paper-based approach has been deemed cumbersome, necessitating constant reconciliation efforts. The volume of promissory notes issued by member countries is substantial, prompting the need for a more streamlined process.

‘Project Promissa’ has paved the way for a proof-of-concept platform based on distributed ledger technology (DLT). The platform’s successful testing with central banks, finance ministries, and MDBs has demonstrated its technical feasibility and potential for significant cost savings. By digitizing promissory notes, the platform aims to automate manual processes and reduce operational expenses for various financial institutions.
Tokenisation, the process of creating digital representations of assets on a blockchain, plays a crucial role in the Project Promissa initiative. This approach enables more efficient management of promissory notes from issuance to payment, offering a digital solution to modernize the existing paper-based processes.
Following the project’s success, stakeholders are now exploring the operationalization of the solution. This entails meeting additional functional and compliance requirements, addressing legal aspects, and establishing a suitable governance model for the tokenisation of promissory notes in different jurisdictions.
Experts in the field, including Morten Bech from the BIS Innovation Hub, emphasize the significance of blockchain technology in enhancing financial processes for public benefit. The transition from paper-based promissory notes to digital solutions marks a pivotal step in modernizing financial operations and improving efficiency across various institutions.

By embracing blockchain technology, ‘Project Promissa’ demonstrates how innovative solutions can drive progress in the financial sector. The collaboration between international organizations and central banks showcases a forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology for the greater good.
Furthermore, recent projects like ‘Project Meridian FX,’ which focuses on enabling cross-border FX transactions through DLT, highlight the industry’s ongoing efforts to enhance financial infrastructure and reduce settlement risks. Initiatives such as these underscore the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize traditional financial processes and promote greater efficiency and transparency.
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