Ondo Network Launches as High-Performance Execution Layer, Abandoning Independent Blockchain Plan

Ondo Finance pivots from independent chain to execution layer network, prioritizing CEX-level speed for RWA trading while maintaining non-custodial settlement and ONDO governance utility.

Woofun AI reports that Ondo Finance has launched the Ondo Network, a high-performance execution layer designed to merge centralized exchange trading speeds with blockchain security. CEO Ian De Bode confirmed the company is abandoning its previous plan to build a full independent blockchain, citing user feedback that execution efficiency, not settlement, is the primary market bottleneck. The new architecture separates execution, verification, and settlement, using secure hardware to isolate the execution environment while preserving self-custody and verifiable transactions. Ondo Perps serves as the inaugural application, enabling 24/7 perpetual trading of stocks and commodities with tokenized real assets as collateral. The network aims to support future high-performance applications like spot trading and lending. The ONDO token retains its role as the governance and incentive mechanism for the ecosystem and verification nodes.