J.P. Morgan’s Onyx Rebrands as Kinexys—A Strategic Move or PR Spin?

J.P. Morgan has officially rebranded its blockchain platform from Onyx to Kinexys, a significant announcement made during the Singapore Fintech Festival by Umar Farooq, co-head of J.P. Morgan Payments. This platform is a key player in the blockchain ecosystem, having processed over $1.5 trillion in notional value since its inception. On average, Kinexys now facilitates more than $2 billion in daily transactions, showcasing a 10-fold increase in payment transactions year-over-year. This growth positions J.P. Morgan at the forefront of financial innovation, serving clients across five continents, including major corporations like Siemens and BlackRock.

What’s the Official Story?

According to J.P. Morgan, the rebranding to Kinexys reflects a commitment to building next-generation financial infrastructure and deep industry expertise. The new name, derived from “kinetic” and “connection,” symbolizes the platform’s ability to facilitate swift, efficient financial transactions. Farooq emphasized the goal of moving beyond legacy systems to foster a more interconnected financial ecosystem. “Together with our clients, we aim to move beyond the limitations of legacy technology and realize the promise of a multichain world,” he stated.

Timing of the Release Raises Questions

However, the timing of the release has raised eyebrows. Announcing the rebranding on election day in the U.S. and in Singapore has led some to speculate about the motivations behind this strategic choice. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the rebranding may have been influenced by potential copyright issues associated with the Onyx name. This context adds a layer of skepticism to J.P. Morgan’s intentions, as the dual timing could be seen as an attempt to divert media attention during a significant political event.

While J.P. Morgan presents the rebranding as a strategic enhancement of its blockchain platform, the timing and underlying reasons invite skepticism regarding the true motivations behind the change.