Today the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) opened a four-week consultation on delaying the launch of its blockchain settlement system by a year to April 2022. Back in March, the ASX said it would get feedback about pushing back the go-live because of the impact of COVID-19.
Share registrar Computershare, which has stated many times that it has antitrust concerns about the CHESS system encroaching on other businesses, is trying to lobby for a two year delay. The development of the CHESS platform triggered perhaps the first blockchain antitrust complaint.
“We are approaching an important and exciting phase of the project, involving close collaboration between ASX and CHESS users, as they test their systems and begin operational readiness activities,” said ASX Deputy CEO Peter Hiom. “In developing the revised implementation plan, ASX has been very mindful of the challenges the industry faces during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
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