Prime Trust, tZERO Partner on Digital Asset Custody, Trading

Security token trading platform tZERO is to integrate technology from Prime Trust, a digital asset finance infrastructure provider, under a new partnership. 

According to an announcement Wednesday, the integration will enable Prime Trust to manage the custody of digital securities and cryptocurrencies for its customers using tZERO, and further allows its users to trade assets on tZERO ATS, the firm’s broker-dealer subsidiary. The agreement is expected to replace tZERO’s own cryptocurrency wallet and reduces reliance on third-party clearing firms, the firms said.

“This will improve the cryptocurrency trading experience through increased buy limits, faster transaction settlement, and a seamless process of onboarding new cryptocurrencies, subject to regulatory approvals and launch,” according to the announcement. 

In other news, tZERO said its broker-dealer subsidiary ZERO ATS has filed a continuing membership application to allow it and broker-dealer affiliates to custody, clear, and settle securities transactions. The firm said it’s further working to find a way for its broker-dealer subsidiaries to directly custody digital securities without reliance on third parties, following a recent U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission statement.

On Tuesday, Overstock, which founded tZERO, announced it was converting its blockchain-focused Medici Ventures subsidiary into a fund managed by venture capital firm Pelion Venture Partners. After completion, Overstock will have a minority stake in tZERO.