London-based cryptocurrency custodian Copper is expanding institutional access to the Hedera blockchain via a partnership announced on Tuesday. In particular, Copper will provide custody and staking services for Hedera’s 
 HBAR -2.62%
 token and operate an on-ramp into the Hedera DeFi ecosystem.

Hedera, a public, decentralized network that uses a bespoke algorithm known as a “hashgraph,” is particularly focused on the emerging world of asset tokenization. Earlier this year blockchain firms Archax and Ownera issued a BlackRock Treasury fund on Hedera — though without BlackRock’s direct involvement. 

"Institutional investors now have a streamlined and secure path into the Hedera ecosystem thanks to Copper's integration,” Shayne Higdon, co-founder and CEO of the HBAR Foundation, told The Block in an email.