The Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT®) recently launched an institutional-grade Decentralized Verifier Network (DVN) on LayerZero, empowering entities with trusted verification across blockchain networks.
The FCAT DVN is one of over 60 independent verifiers available to applications built on LayerZero and validates messages across seven major networks: Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Polygon, Avalanche, and Solana. DVNs collectively attest to the integrity of cross-chain messages between networks, while individual applications on the protocol (known as “OApps”) determine which and how many DVNs to use.
Designed within FCAT’s Blockchain Incubator, the DVN reflects the team’s broader effort to build secure, decentralized blockchain infrastructure.
FCAT’s blockchain team researches emerging trends, prototypes secure and modular on-chain infrastructure, and builds meaningful connections with ecosystem leaders like LayerZero.
By combining deep technical inquiry with hands‑on development and cross‑industry collaboration, FCAT helps connect traditional finance and crypto, laying the groundwork for the next‑generation of blockchain technology.
The FCAT DVN helps bring institutional controls on-chain.
The FCAT DVN introduces message validation for institutions with elevated requirements. Operating on top of LayerZero’s neutral messaging infrastructure, it enables applications to diversify their security stacks with a solution built to meet institutional standards. The DVN offers robust operational controls, high resiliency, and dependable cross-chain verification.
“As interoperability pushes the blockchain industry forward, infrastructure plays a critical role,” said Jason Ward, Head of FCAT Blockchain & Crypto. “The FCAT DVN was purpose‑built for that role, reinforcing LayerZero’s modular security model with resilient, independent validation that strengthens the integrity of cross‑chain messaging. In turn, builders gain trusted and scalable verification that preserves the benefits of LayerZero’s open, permissionless architecture."
“Institutions need tools that match the rigor of traditional finance,” said Bryan Pellegrino, Co-Founder and CEO of LayerZero Labs. “FCAT’s DVN shows cross-chain infrastructure can be predictable, auditable, and fully controllable. By embedding verification and compliance directly into the network, FCAT provides a clear blueprint for how institutions can engage safely at scale.”
The FCAT DVN offers three core capabilities:
The FCAT DVN is currently active, with ongoing usage by Ondo Finance.
Ondo Finance is the first organization to leverage the newly-announced DVN. Through LayerZero’s neutral interoperability infrastructure and FCAT’s verification capabilities, Ondo strengthens its technology with institutional-grade verification across cross-chain messages.
“Ondo is excited to be the first to adopt the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology’s DVN for tokenized assets. The lines between TradFi and on-chain infrastructure continue to blur, and we look forward to working with industry leaders to further this trend,” said Ian De Bode, President of Ondo Finance.
The FCAT DVN helps strengthen network security and broadens participation through multiple factors:
- Network resilience: The DVN expands the optionality for verifiers, improving decentralization and systemic robustness.
- Developer choice: Applications can select verifiers based on their needs and preferences.
- Institutional readiness: Institutions gain a clear path to deploy cross-chain solutions with strong operational governance controls.
“We’re taking a positive next step in evolving the ecosystem,” Ward said. “As institutions move toward tokenization and multichain deployments, the need for trusted verification becomes increasingly essential.”
Interested in learning more about FCAT’s work on-chain? Explore our blockchain research and our recent interview with Brian Pellegrino of LayerZero Labs.
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This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide investment or any other advice and should not be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any security or other assets. The opinions provided are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT) or its affiliates. FCAT does not assume any duty to update any of the information. FCAT and any other third parties are independent entities and not affiliated. Mentioning them does not suggest a recommendation or endorsement by FCAT. Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of FMR LLC or its affiliated companies.
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