CF Benchmarks launches CFB Oracle to deliver its pricing indices to blockchain applications

CF Benchmarks, the index provider whose data underpins BlackRock's bitcoin exchange-traded fund and CME Group's crypto futures, is extending its market data to blockchain networks. The company, which is owned by Kraken parent Payward, has introduced a service called CFB Oracle.

The oracle gives blockchain applications access to the firm's benchmarks covering cryptocurrencies, stocks, bonds, commodities and currencies. The aim is to let developers building investment products on blockchains draw on the same pricing infrastructure that large financial institutions already use, as more financial firms look to offer traditional products through decentralized finance.

The company gave two examples of why such data matters. A blockchain-based fund holding tokenized stocks needs reliable prices to value its portfolio, while a lending platform that accepts tokenized bonds as collateral needs them to work out how much users can borrow and when positions should be liquidated. CF Benchmarks says its indices are already used by products representing more than $120 billion in assets.

Developers can use the benchmarks to build products such as onchain index funds, tokenized portfolios and derivatives without creating their own pricing systems. CFB Oracle is available on Ethereum, HyperEVM and Robinhood Chain, with plans to add other compatible networks. According to the company, the data is digitally signed so applications can verify that prices came from CF Benchmarks and have not been altered. Each index is published at the same frequency for all customers, rather than offering faster access for a fee.

Payward plans to use the oracle itself. The Kraken parent intends to rely on CFB Oracle for pricing data in an upcoming U.S. perpetual futures offering powered by Hyperliquid. That product is still awaiting regulatory approval.

The launch places CF Benchmarks in competition with established oracle providers such as Chainlink and Pyth, which already supply market data to decentralized trading and lending platforms. CFB Oracle will not issue funds or handle trades; its role is limited to supplying the reference prices that such products need to operate.