NYSE Spent a Year Testing Avalanche Technology for Tokenization Plans
Cooper disclosed the testing during the Avalanche Summit in New York, saying the work involved examining how Avalanche could integrate with the exchange's existing systems. The evaluation extended beyond the technology itself, with NYSE also questioning Ava Labs about the project's economics and its understanding of the business requirements of a major securities exchange.
NYSE Has Not Selected Avalanche
The year-long testing does not mean that NYSE has formally selected Avalanche for its tokenization platform.
Cooper described the relationship between Ava Labs and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), NYSE's parent company, as a close working relationship. However, he stopped short of confirming Avalanche as the blockchain that will ultimately support the exchange's planned infrastructure.
ICE Head of Strategic Initiatives Michael Blaugrund also discussed the relationship during the Avalanche Summit. He said ICE was "very engaged" with the Avalanche team and that the network met many of the requirements the company was evaluating.
The distinction between testing and selection remains important. Neither ICE nor NYSE has publicly confirmed that Avalanche has been chosen for the planned platform.
NYSE Developing Tokenized Securities Infrastructure
NYSE announced plans earlier in 2026 to develop infrastructure for trading and on-chain settlement of tokenized U.S. equities and exchange-traded funds, subject to regulatory approval.
The proposed system is designed to combine the exchange's existing Pillar matching engine with blockchain-based infrastructure for post-trade settlement. The initiative is intended to support tokenized securities while maintaining the core functions of traditional market infrastructure.
The project is being developed by ICE as it evaluates how blockchain technology could be incorporated into the broader NYSE ecosystem. The exchange operator has also been examining other infrastructure providers.
In August, ICE agreed to work with tZERO as a design partner for infrastructure connected to its planned tokenized-securities marketplace. That arrangement does not establish which blockchain network will ultimately be used by the platform.
Avalanche Remains Under Evaluation
Cooper's disclosure provides a clearer view of the extent of NYSE's engagement with Avalanche, but it does not establish a deployment timetable or confirm a final technology choice.
The evaluation has included both technical considerations and the economics surrounding the project. That broader assessment reflects the requirements of integrating blockchain infrastructure with an established financial-market operator rather than simply conducting a standalone technology demonstration.
For now, Avalanche remains one of the technologies being evaluated as NYSE advances its tokenization plans. The next definitive milestone would be an announcement from NYSE or ICE identifying the blockchain infrastructure selected for the platform.
writer: Ethan Collins
Crypto Journalist
Ethan Collins reports on developments across the cryptocurrency and blockchain sector. His work covers market movements, protocol updates, regulatory changes, and emerging trends in digital assets.
He focuses on presenting complex topics in a clear and accessible manner for a broad readership.
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