Palau Launches Blockchain Solution for Savings Bonds

The government of Palau unveiled a prototype system for issuing and managing blockchain-based savings bonds. This solution will enable fundraising for the country’s infrastructure projects, providing local citizens with a new way to invest in government securities.

The authorities of Palau introduced Palau Invest, a DLT solution for issuing and managing government savings bonds. The initiative is designed to raise funds for public infrastructure projects, including road construction, housing development, and small business support.

The Palau Invest prototype was created with the help of FinTech company Soramitsu and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). Palau’s savings bonds will be issued on the Hyperledger Iroha 2 blockchain through the SORA v3 Hub Chain platform. Soramitsu developed the blockchain and will continue to provide technical support for the project once it’s fully launched. 

Currently, the Palau Invest platform is in the public demonstration phase. In the near future, the Ministry of Finance of Palau plans to develop criteria for issuing savings bonds. Once approved by the government, the DLT network will officially operate, allowing citizens to purchase government bonds through a dedicated mobile app. 

According to Surangel Whipps, President of Palau, the initiative is intended not only to improve the country’s infrastructure but also to stimulate growth in other sectors of the local economy. Kaleb Udui, Palau’s Minister of Finance, also noted that the launch of Palau Invest will expand access to various financial instruments and provide more citizens with the opportunity to invest in the country’s development. 

The authorities of Palau allocated approximately 200 million yen (~$1.3 million) to create the prototype blockchain platform for government bonds. Last year, the country launched a dollar-pegged stablecoin for domestic use in partnership with Ripple.