Hanwha bets ₩30B on Digital Asset's Canton blockchain

What's the deal? Digital Asset, the New York blockchain infrastructure company behind the Canton Network, has raised about 30 billion won (roughly $20 million) in a late-stage strategic investment from Hanwha Investment & SecuritiesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. The Korean broker announced the deal on July 16.

What does the company do? Digital Asset operates the Canton Network, a financial-specific open blockchain. Its adopters include Goldman SachsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and the Depository Trust & Clearing CorporationDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → (DTCC).

Why now? The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding in April. This investment converts that early cooperation into equity within months — a quick move to lock in the relationship.

What's the endgame? Hanwha plans to join the Canton ecosystem and widen its ties to global financial institutions. The aim is to build out its digital asset platform and next-generation financial services.

In their words: "Digital Asset's Canton network infrastructure and technology will play a key role in Hanwha Investment & Securities' advancement of its digital asset platform," said Son Jong-min, executive director of Hanwha's Future Strategy Office. "We will continue to work with world-class technology companies to become digital asset securities firms."

The signal: A Korean broker backing US blockchain rails signals how traditional finance is moving from pilots to capital commitments. Digital Asset's institutional roster — Goldman Sachs, DTCC — now gains an Asian securities firm, extending Canton's reach across markets.

Read more: mk.co.kr

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