Solana is doubling down on its quest for institutional legitimacy with the launch of the Solana Research Institute (SRI). Based in Switzerland, the new body is designed to act as a primary resource for European financial firms navigating the complex intersection of public blockchains and strict regulatory frameworks like Europe’s MiCA and the US GENIUS Act.
While the 2025 launch of the Solana Policy Institute in Washington targeted lawmakers, the SRI is aimed squarely at practitioners. Led by Angus Scott, a former executive at the settlement giant Euroclear, the institute is debuting with a 60-page guide focused on the operational and risk considerations that have historically kept banks cautious about public chains.
“The shift in institutional participation over the last 12 months has been significant,” Scott noted, citing engagement from heavyweights like State Street and the DTCC.
Solana enters this arena with impressive stats, including $650 billion in stablecoin transfer volume in February 2026. However, it still faces stiff competition:
- Ethereum: Remains the liquidity king with over $165 billion in stablecoins and roughly $44 billion in DeFi TVL.
- Canton Network: The permissioned rival claims over $6 trillion in tokenized assets, appealing to firms that prioritize absolute privacy over public transparency.
According to Jito Foundation, the conversation has moved past simple viability. Institutions are now demanding determinism and pre-trade privacy. While Solana offers the speed, SRI’s primary challenge will be proving that public infrastructure can meet the “best execution” standards required by regulated entities.
