ChainSafe ERC-20/CIP-56 Middleware
Translation tooling for EVM-style token workflows and Canton.
ChainSafe’s ERC-20/CIP-56 middleware translates supported EVM-style requests and signatures into Canton token workflows. It enables specific wallet and application integrations through a middleware and relayer design rather than adding native EVM execution to Canton.
Background
The Canton Network is the premier institutional privacy ledger, but its native Daml architecture creates a silo for EVM-native projects. ChainSafe built the ERC-20/CIP-56 Middleware to bridge this gap, translating EVM commands into native Canton calls so institutions can tap into $10T+ tokenization opportunities without having to rebuild from scratch.
Key Benefits
- Translation of supported EVM-style requests and signatures
- Integration with specified Canton token workflows
- Published middleware code
- Explicit wallet, application and relayer requirements
Why Canton
Canton is emerging as the premier privacy ledger for large financial institutions and tokenized assets, but it has historically been siloed away from the broader EVM ecosystem. This middleware was built specifically to bridge that gap. By bringing Ethereum interoperability to Canton, institutions can now access Canton-resident liquidity, tokenized securities, and institutional settlement rails while maintaining their trusted Ethereum-based security rules and infrastructure.
What Makes It Unique
Unlike traditional wrappers or standard bridges, this middleware functions as a high-fidelity translation layer. Rather than forcing users to adopt a new wallet or retrain staff on a new virtual machine, it translates EVM commands into native Canton calls in real time. This means users can send CIP-56 tokens, check balances, and approve transfers exactly as they would an ERC-20 token on Ethereum.
What's Included
Integration model
The middleware maps supported token operations to Canton workflows. Integration requires the relevant application, wallet and relayer components; compatibility is not automatic for every ERC-20 application.
Operator assumptions
The published design includes a dedicated relayer and partner integration. Review operator responsibilities, supported methods and failure handling rather than treating it as a universally trustless bridge.
Developer resources
The repository and technical article provide the implementation context. Follow the current README for setup and compatibility.
Official Resources
Behind the Scenes
The architecture centers on the API Translation Layer, which intercepts standard EVM/MetaMask signatures and translates them into native Daml smart contract calls for the Canton Network in real time. Concurrently, a dedicated Relayer Server acts as a secure, isolated bridge for specific tokens. It handles the cross-chain logic by securely locking ERC-20 assets on the Ethereum Mainnet and natively minting equivalent CIP-56 assets on Canton, ensuring absolute 1:1 asset integrity across both networks.
Impact
By removing the barrier of learning Daml and overhauling existing EVM infrastructure, the middleware provides a critical on-ramp for the $10 trillion tokenization wave to enter the Canton ecosystem. It allows institutions that manage money market funds, tokenized treasuries, and stablecoins on Ethereum to instantly mirror their liquidity on Canton.
Created and maintained by ChainSafe Systems, a leading Web3 infrastructure firm and recognized Supervalidator on the Canton Network.