Google Cloud Launches Neutral Layer 1 Blockchain GCUL for Financial Infrastructure

Google Cloud has unveiled its Layer 1 blockchain, the Google Cloud Universal Ledger (GCUL), targeting cross-border payments, asset tokenization, and financial automation. Built on Google's existing infrastructure, GCUL emphasizes neutrality to avoid conflicts of interest—critical for adoption by firms like Stripe or Circle that may hesitate to build on competitors' chains.

The platform features Python-based smart contracts, lowering barriers for traditional finance developers already fluent in the language. Early real-world testing suggests GCUL could reshape 24/7 capital markets and on-chain commercial banking. "Neutral infrastructure is non-negotiable for institutional adoption," notes Google's Web3 strategy lead Rich Widmann, positioning GCUL as Switzerland-like foundational tech.