[Interview] "From Speculation to Stable Investment Product⋯" Mantra Leads Paradigm Shift in Digital Assets

# Mantra Aims to Pioneer the RWA-Focused Blockchain Space John Patrick Mullin, co-founder of Mantra, recently discussed the evolving landscape of blockchain technology in an interview with Blockmedia in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. He emphasized that real-world assets (RWA) are becoming a new paradigm in the blockchain industry. However, he noted that effectively implementing this requires more than just a technological approach. It necessitates a harmonious integration with existing financial systems and adherence to each country's regulations. Mantra aims to be the first RWA-focused Layer 1 blockchain that fulfills these requirements. # From DeFi to RWA: Mantra's Evolution and Vision Mullin acknowledged that the long-term growth of blockchain technology is challenging if it doesn't connect with the existing financial system. “Creating a connection point between traditional finance and blockchain while meeting regulatory requirements is crucial to gain market trust,” he said. This sentiment underpins Mantra's strategic pivot and expansion beyond its initial business model. Launched in 2020 as a decentralized finance (DeFi) project, Mantra faced numerous challenges such as security issues, scams, hacking, and regulatory uncertainties. Despite the rapid growth of financial systems using smart contracts, the complete separation from traditional finance presented a sustainability issue. As a result, Mantra revised its business strategy to focus on a more stable, regulation-friendly approach to on-chain real-world assets. "In the beginning, we saw DeFi as the future of finance, but the realistic security and regulatory challenges were too significant,” Mullin noted. "We concluded that our technology must connect with traditional finance to ensure long-term growth. It became clear that beyond developing technology, considering regulatory and financial infrastructure was also critical." # Leading the RWA Market with Regulation-Friendly Blockchain Following this insight, Mantra developed its proprietary blockchain, Mantra Chain. This chain is designed to directly incorporate financial regulations into smart contracts, ensuring compliance with legal requirements in various countries while maintaining the flexibility needed for global market application. Mullin highlighted the unique aspects of Mantra Chain, noting that it prioritizes regulatory compliance over mere transaction speed improvements. “Mantra Chain is developed with a top priority on regulatory compliance to be effectively utilized in the global financial market. It features the flexibility to adjust its functions according to specific national laws,” he said. As part of its regulatory strategy, Mantra recently obtained brokerage, exchange, and asset management licenses from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This is a significant step in enhancing compliance and securing trust in the RWA market. Dubai, known for its clear legal framework for digital and blockchain financial services, now allows Mantra to operate more stably within the global financial market. “Acquiring the VARA license is not just a legal endorsement but a foundational step for merging blockchain-based financial services with institutional finance. Our next goal is to build trust through collaborations with more global financial institutions,” Mullin stated. # Merging Blockchain with Institutional Finance: Enhancing Efficiency and Accessibility The combination of blockchain and traditional finance is becoming a key component of the rapidly growing RWA market, attracting significant interest from global financial institutions. Major asset management firms such as BlackRock are already introducing digital asset-based products. Recent approvals of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) ETFs further accelerate the integration between institutional finance and digital assets. “Previously, the digital asset market had a strong speculative nature, but it is now becoming more stable through integration with institutional finance,” Mullin said. "Our goal is to expand investment opportunities that were previously inaccessible within traditional finance using blockchain and to enhance transaction efficiency.” Mantra is focused on creating a financial environment where users can easily invest and conduct transactions beyond merely on-chaining real-world assets. "For blockchain to be practical in everyday life, a regulatory-safe environment is essential,” Mullin emphasized. “Mantra will continue to lead financial system innovations by focusing on realizing this.”