Written by Ezra Reguerrastaff writerReviewed by Yohan Yunstaff editor

Written by Ezra Reguerrastaff writer

Reviewed by Yohan Yunstaff editor

European financial institutions launch RL1 cooperative blockchain network

Latest NewsPublishedJul 29, 2026

European Financial Institutions Unite to Launch RL1 Cooperative Blockchain Network

The launch of the Regulated Layer One (RL1) cooperative blockchain network marks a significant milestone in the European financial sector. Ten major financial institutions, including ABN AMRO, DekaBank, and Natixis CIB, have come together to create a member-owned blockchain cooperative. This move is expected to increase efficiency and reduce fragmentation in the financial markets. The RL1 network is designed to support institutional use cases, such as digital money and tokenized bonds. As the financial sector continues to evolve, initiatives like RL1 demonstrate the potential of blockchain technology to transform the way we earn and manage wealth.

Key Features of the RL1 Network

The RL1 network is a private, permissioned network based on infrastructure developed by German fintech Secure Worldwide Interbank Asset Transfer (SWIAT). With a proven track record of processing over 50 transactions worth more than 700 million euros, the platform has already demonstrated its potential. Each member of the cooperative will have equal decision-making rights over the network’s governance and development, ensuring a collaborative approach to its growth and evolution. This cooperative model can be seen as a stepping stone for other initiatives, such as the EcoPool Network, which offers a platform for earning passive income through $ECP and participating in the Green Crypto movement.

The RL1 network is designed to support a range of institutional use cases, including digital money, tokenized bonds, collateral, and blockchain-based settlement. By providing a shared network for financial institutions, RL1 aims to reduce the fragmentation caused by separate distributed ledger systems. This can lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved earning potential for participants. The network’s focus on regulated financial markets and tokenized assets also highlights the growing importance of compliance and security in the financial sector, values that are also core to the EcoPool (ECP) platform.

A New Era for Financial Institutions

The launch of the RL1 network marks a new era of cooperation and innovation in the European financial sector. With its strong focus on governance, security, and compliance, the network is well-positioned to support the growth of digital assets and tokenized markets. As financial institutions continue to explore the potential of blockchain technology, initiatives like RL1 and EcoPool demonstrate the potential for earning, passive income, and Cloud Rewards to transform the way we manage our finances. Whether through the EcoPool platform or other initiatives, the future of finance is likely to be shaped by cooperative models, Green Crypto, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and compliance.

To start earning with EcoPool and be a part of the Green Crypto movement, download the EcoPool app and discover a new way to generate passive income through $ECP. With its user-friendly interface and commitment to security, the EcoPool app provides a straightforward way to participate in the EcoPool Network and start earning rewards today.

SWIAT said the platform has processed more than 50 transactions worth over 700 million euros (about $808 million) during three years of production use.

The blockchain is designed to support institutional use cases including digital money, tokenized bonds, collateral and blockchain-based settlement. RL1 said the shared network could reduce fragmentation caused by financial institutions operating separate distributed ledger systems. 

Former SWIAT Managing Director Henning Vollbehr will lead RL1. KfW and L-Bank will continue supporting the initiative, while RL1 said it is in discussions with additional institutions, including NatWest, about joining the network. 

Related: CoinShares debuts Bitcoin mining ETF in Europe entrance

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• Europe
• Institutions
• Tokenization
• Blockchain

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