What is Ondo (ONDO)?

By CMC AI
29 September 2025 08:50PM (UTC+0)

TLDR

Ondo (ONDO) is a decentralized finance protocol focused on institutional-grade asset tokenization, using blockchain to bridge traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi).

  1. Governance & DAO: ONDO token holders govern the Ondo DAO, controlling lending protocols like Flux Finance and tokenized asset policies.

  2. Real-World Assets (RWAs): Specializes in tokenizing assets like U.S. Treasuries, ETFs, and stocks, enabling 24/7 liquidity and global access.

  3. Institutional Infrastructure: Built Ondo Chain, a compliant blockchain for RWAs, and partners with JPMorgan, BlackRock, and Ripple.

Deep Dive

1. Purpose & Value Proposition

Ondo aims to democratize access to institutional financial products by tokenizing real-world assets. Its flagship products include OUSG (tokenized short-term U.S. Treasuries) and USDY (yield-bearing stablecoin). These allow non-U.S. investors to access traditionally restricted yields while combining TradFi stability with DeFi’s transparency and efficiency (Ondo Foundation).

2. Technology & Architecture

  • Ondo Chain: A Cosmos SDK-based Layer 1 blockchain designed for institutional compliance. It supports cross-chain settlements (e.g., JPMorgan’s Kinexys via Chainlink) and integrates permissioned validators for regulatory adherence.
  • Flux Finance: A decentralized lending protocol governed by ONDO holders, enabling borrowing against tokenized securities like U.S. bonds.

3. Ecosystem & Partnerships

Ondo collaborates with TradFi giants (e.g., BlackRock, Morgan Stanley) and blockchain leaders (e.g., Solana, XRP Ledger). Recent milestones include:
- Tokenizing 100+ U.S. stocks/ETFs via Ondo Global Markets.
- Partnering with Ripple to launch tokenized Treasuries on XRPL.
- Acquiring SEC-regulated broker-dealer Oasis Pro to expand compliant offerings.

Conclusion

Ondo is redefining capital markets by merging TradFi’s asset base with DeFi’s accessibility. Its governance model, RWA focus, and institutional-grade infrastructure position it as a leader in tokenization. Will Ondo’s compliance-first approach accelerate mainstream adoption of blockchain in traditional finance?

CMC AI can make mistakes. Not financial advice.