Dubai’s QCDT Fund Bridges TradFi & DeFi, Signaling New Era for Tokenized Assets

Dubai, UAE – November 12, 2025 – A groundbreaking collaboration between Qatar National Bank (QNB), Standard Chartered, and blockchain infrastructure providers DMZ Finance and Mantle Network has yielded the launch of QCDT, a tokenized money market fund operating within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The fund, officially approved by the DFSA, represents a significant step toward bridging the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and the rapidly evolving decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape.

QCDT aims to provide investors with a regulated, accessible, and liquid avenue for participating in short-term, high-quality money market instruments. The fund invests in dollar-equivalent assets, including U.S. Treasury bills and repurchase agreements, and distributes yields directly to token holders. What sets QCDT apart is its tokenization, leveraging blockchain technology to enhance speed, transparency, and efficiency compared to traditional money market funds.

A Convergence of TradFi Giants and Blockchain Innovation

QNB serves as the fund’s investment manager and lead originator, bringing its extensive experience in asset management and regional financial expertise. Standard Chartered provides robust custody services, ensuring the security and integrity of the underlying assets. DMZ Finance supplies the tokenization infrastructure, transforming traditional assets into digital tokens that can be seamlessly traded and managed on the blockchain. Mantle Network, a Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, provides the underlying infrastructure for efficient and cost-effective transactions.

“This collaboration is a testament to the increasing recognition of the benefits of blockchain technology within the financial industry,” explained a source close to the development. “By bringing together established financial institutions and innovative blockchain providers, we're creating a new paradigm for asset management.”

Beyond the Hype: Examining the Competitive Landscape

QCDT enters a growing, yet nascent, market for tokenized money market funds. BlackRock’s BUIDL and Franklin Templeton’s BENJI are among the leading competitors. While BUIDL has rapidly gained traction, surpassing $2.9 billion in assets under management, and BENJI boasts a first-mover advantage, QCDT differentiates itself through its strong backing from regional financial powerhouses and its focus on serving the Middle Eastern and global investor base.

“The competitive landscape is intensifying, but there's ample room for innovation and growth,” noted an industry analyst. “Investors are increasingly seeking exposure to digital assets, and tokenized money market funds offer a relatively low-risk entry point.”

The Technology Under the Hood: Mantle Network’s Role

Mantle Network’s Layer-2 scaling solution plays a critical role in ensuring the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of QCDT. By offloading transactions from the Ethereum mainnet, Mantle Network significantly reduces gas fees and transaction times, making QCDT more accessible to a wider range of investors. The network’s modular architecture and robust security features further enhance its appeal to institutional investors.

“Mantle Network is committed to providing a secure and scalable infrastructure for the next generation of financial applications,” stated a spokesperson for the network. “Our partnership with QNB and Standard Chartered demonstrates our commitment to bridging the gap between TradFi and DeFi.”

Institutional Adoption and Regulatory Considerations

The launch of QCDT is expected to accelerate institutional adoption of tokenized assets. By providing a regulated and compliant investment vehicle, the fund addresses many of the concerns that have previously hindered institutional participation in the DeFi space. However, regulatory clarity remains a key challenge.

“The regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly, and it’s crucial for regulators to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting investors,” emphasized a legal expert specializing in digital assets. “Clear and consistent regulations will be essential for the long-term growth of the tokenized asset market.”

The DFSA’s approval of QCDT is a positive sign, indicating a willingness to embrace innovation. However, further regulatory guidance is needed to address issues such as custody, taxation, and cross-border transfers.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tokenized Assets

The launch of QCDT is a watershed moment for the tokenized asset market. It signals a growing recognition of the benefits of blockchain technology within the financial industry and paves the way for greater integration between TradFi and DeFi. Experts predict that tokenization will become increasingly prevalent in the years to come, transforming the way assets are managed and traded.

“Tokenization is not just about technology; it’s about unlocking value and creating new opportunities,” stated a source within QNB. “We believe that tokenized assets will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of finance.”

As the market matures, we can expect to see a wider range of tokenized assets emerge, including bonds, equities, and real estate. This will create a more liquid, transparent, and efficient financial ecosystem, benefiting investors and institutions alike. The success of QCDT and similar initiatives will depend on continued innovation, regulatory clarity, and collaboration between traditional financial institutions and blockchain providers.

Key Takeaways:

• QCDT is a pioneering tokenized money market fund backed by QNB, Standard Chartered, DMZ Finance, and Mantle Network.
• The fund aims to bridge the gap between TradFi and DeFi, offering investors a regulated and accessible avenue for participating in short-term money markets.
• Mantle Network’s Layer-2 scaling solution ensures the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of transactions.
• The launch of QCDT is expected to accelerate institutional adoption of tokenized assets.
• Regulatory clarity remains a key challenge for the long-term growth of the tokenized asset market.