Plume Network, a layer-2 blockchain focused on bringing real-world assets (RWAs) on-chain, has achieved a significant milestone by securing registration as a transfer agent with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This move positions Plume to bridge the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi), enabling the compliant on-chain management of tokenized securities.
The SEC's approval allows Plume to maintain shareholder registers, record ownership transfers, and manage corporate actions directly on the blockchain. This replicates and automates the traditional back-office functions of transfer agents, linking cap tables and reporting directly to SEC and Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) systems. The DTCC is responsible for settling securities transactions. Plume's system connects with SEC and DTCC infrastructure, bridging Wall Street's oversight with Web3 automation.
Plume's registration marks a crucial step toward integrating traditional finance with decentralized systems, granting the network regulatory standing to manage tokenized securities under U.S. law. CEO of Plume, Chris Yin, stated that this registration positions Plume as an ideal solution to bridge DeFi's speed with TradFi's safeguards. Yin also stated that the crypto industry has long been searching for a bridge that combines the speed of DeFi with the security of traditional finance, and with this license, Plume is at the center of that search.
This development has garnered attention, with Plume's native token, PLUME, experiencing a price increase of 24% and a 211% surge in trading volume following the announcement.
Plume's roadmap includes launching Nest protocol vaults in Q1 2026, enabling fund managers to create vaults backed by regulated financial instruments. Users can deposit stablecoins into these vaults to earn yield from real-world assets in a permissionless manner. This initiative aims to attract SEC-registered investment funds (40 Act funds), representing over $39 trillion in the U.S. asset management industry. While challenges like asset custody persist, Plume anticipates regulatory clarity by 2027 as the SEC proposes new rules.
The company has already facilitated over $62 million in tokenized assets through Nest Credit, its institutional-focused fixed-income vault. Plume has also attracted interest from 40 Act funds and is actively seeking additional licenses.
Plume's collaboration with regulatory bodies has been instrumental in its progress. The firm has contributed to discussions surrounding the SEC's proposed GENIUS Act and engaged in dialogues with SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, who has advocated for a more flexible regulatory framework for real-world asset tokenization projects.
Plume Network is a modular blockchain designed to bring real-world assets on-chain. It is building an Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible ecosystem that allows RWAs to seamlessly integrate into decentralized finance. Plume allows users to swap, lend, borrow, and earn yields on RWAs, making them as accessible as other digital assets.
With initial product offerings expected in early 2026 and ongoing regulatory alignment, Plume is well-positioned to capitalize on the $39 trillion 40 Act fund sector. Plume's focus on institutional-grade solutions suggests that tokenized securities could become a cornerstone of the next-generation financial infrastructure, bridging the gap between blockchain efficiency and traditional regulatory standards.
