FATF report cites Hedera, Ethereum, Solana as DeFi settlement layer examples

Analyst Ayman ‘AI Man’ Mufleh has called attention to a recent report from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) that lists Hedera, Ethereum, and Solana as examples of distributed ledger infrastructure underpinning decentralized finance (DeFi) settlements. Mufleh highlighted the document’s reference to these blockchains in a YouTube video, interpreting the mention as significant for Hedera’s visibility in regulatory discussions.

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Regulatory context and technical discussion

The FATF report, titled Regulatory Challenges of DeFi and dated July 2026 in the video, examines the architecture of decentralized finance systems. In a section analyzing the settlement layer of DeFi protocols, the report uses Hedera, Ethereum, and Solana to illustrate the types of blockchains that can record transactions, secure the network, and provide consensus mechanisms for higher-level applications.

However, the FATF does not single out these networks for endorsement or institutional use. The report describes them as examples of foundational distributed ledger technology, focusing on regulatory definitions rather than recommending individual platforms for global financial settlement.

The FATF report considers “foundational distributed ledger infrastructure” important at the settlement layer, citing Hedera, Ethereum, and Solana as prominent examples for recording transactions and providing consensus in DeFi applications.

The document further states that FATF standards typically do not apply to payment infrastructure such as these blockchains, unless an entity operating at that level also delivers services defined as within scope of a virtual asset service provider (VASP).

This regulatory distinction indicates that FATF’s reference pertains to technical layers of DeFi, rather than suggesting approval or outright selection of Hedera or its token, HBAR, for official purposes.

Mini dictionary: FATF (Financial Action Task Force) is an intergovernmental organization that develops policies to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and threats to the international financial system. Its recommendations help shape national regulations on cryptocurrencies and virtual assets.

HBAR and DeFi asset layer

The same report also discusses the asset layer of DeFi, grouping native tokens such as HBAR, ETH, and SOL together as part of the infrastructure supporting network operations and security. Stablecoins and other digital assets used in DeFi protocols are also mentioned within this framework.

Mufleh argues that being named in this context signifies growing recognition of Hedera by global policymakers. Nevertheless, the report language is broad and does not confirm special status for Hedera or its associated token.

FATF, headquartered in Paris, exerts significant influence over global financial regulatory standards, with its crypto-related guidance shaping the rules that countries use to tackle financial crime in the digital asset sector.

Market background and prospective catalysts

At the time Mufleh released his video, HBAR was trading between $0.06 and $0.07, having declined substantially from earlier peaks of around $0.25. He referenced potential drivers for HBAR in the future, such as possible involvement in Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) initiatives, integration with SWIFT, central bank digital currencies (CBDC), decentralized applications, prospective HBAR exchange-traded funds, and new US crypto legislation.

None of these projections are confirmed by the FATF report but are mentioned as possible developments that could affect HBAR’s standing in the coming months.

References to Hedera in the FATF study do not constitute regulatory approval or guarantee demand for HBAR; rather, these networks are grouped as technical options for facilitating DeFi activity.