Banks Can Now Process Digital Asset Payments With Icon's New Framework

Icon Solutions has launched a new reference implementation for its Icon Payments Framework (IPF). This allows banks to process payments using digital assets on distributed ledger technology (DLT). The framework is designed to work with any type of digital money or DLT network. The IPF is already used by major banks such as Citi, UBS, NatWest, and BNP Paribas for live DLT-based clearing and settlement. It helps financial institutions modernise their systems at their own pace, cutting costs and speeding up deployment. Unlike older vendor solutions, IPF avoids lock-in and gives banks the freedom to adopt new digital money services without external dependence.

The latest reference implementation demonstrates how banks can integrate digital asset payments with their existing systems. It supports all forms of digital money, including stablecoins, tokenised deposits, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Arjeh van Oijen, Head of Product Management at Icon, noted that banks should aim for a unified payments infrastructure capable of handling any payment type.

IPF’s flexibility reduces fragmentation risks as DLT adoption grows. It is the only solution that lets banks launch digital money services quickly, safely, and affordably without relying on third parties. The new implementation highlights IPF’s role in enabling faster and cheaper payments through digital assets. Banks can now adopt DLT-based systems with greater control and efficiency. This development reinforces IPF’s position as a trusted tool for modernising payments infrastructure.