TBA to offer pilot access for tokenized deposit capabilities following Vantage Bank launch

(AUSTIN, TEXAS) – The Texas Bankers Association (TBA) announced that it will offer TBA member banks the opportunity to explore tokenized deposit capabilities through pilot access in its Innovation Magnet program, enabled by Vantage Bank’s phased rollout of its platform. This development reflects a growing shift in how community banks can leverage on-chain infrastructure to improve settlement speed, enhance liquidity management, and introduce new treasury and payments capabilities.

Vantage Bank’s initiative integrates tokenized deposits functionality into a single interoperable system that operates within the regulated banking environment. The platform is designed to help community and regional banks maintain control of customer relationships and deposits while offering faster, programmable financial tools that compete with rising demand for instant and embedded finance options.

“TBA is focused on enabling community banks to evaluate emerging technologies through a practical, structured lens where real benefits can be realized,” said Chris Furlow, President & CEO, Texas Bankers Association. “As tokenized deposits and on-chain settlement begin to influence how businesses move money, our goal is to ensure Texas banks have access to the right partners, education, and testing environments to turn these advancements into competitive advantages.”

Through TBA’s Innovation Magnet — the Association’s platform for member-driven innovation implementation — member banks will have access to exclusive pilot opportunities, including limited-time discounted participation for early adopters. These pilots will be focused on exploring real-world use cases, implementation pathways, and customer-level outcomes, all within a compliant and community bank–controlled environment.

“Initially, we were tracking deposits moving outside traditional banking. Now we’re watching something different: tokenized deposits moving between traditional banks—from those without on-chain solutions to those offering them.” said Rich Perez, TBA Vice President of Innovation.

“Through Innovation Magnet, we’re ensuring our members can participate in consortium models that keep deposits in the banking system while delivering the 24/7/365 settlement capabilities their customers expect. The real question for your members is participation: being part of this infrastructure shift, or watching competitors define it.”

As one of the first Texas-based financial institutions to operationalize tokenized deposits at scale, Vantage Bank has demonstrated that community banks can lead in shaping digital asset infrastructure, not just observe it. “Our partnership with the Texas Bankers Association enables member banks to leverage tokenized deposits and stablecoins through a controlled, bank‑grade architecture. By abstracting the complexity and mitigating operational risk, we’re helping institutions adopt digital assets safely and with real functional clarity,” said Shawn Main, Chief Business Architect at Vantage Bank.

TBA plans to use its Innovation Magnet network to continue convening bank leaders, technology providers, and regulators around the practical adoption of emerging digital rails. “Partnering with the Texas Bankers Association reflects our shared commitment to advancing secure, practical digital asset solutions for community and regional banks. This initiative helps Texas institutions stay resilient, responsive to customer needs, and prepared for the future of financial services.” said Jeff Sinnott, Chief Executive Officer at Vantage Bank.

Details of the pilot program enrollment will be released to TBA members in the coming weeks.

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