New institutional DeFi platform Sentora launches through IntoTheBlock, Trident merger

Sentora, a new institutional DeFi platform, has officially launched following the merger of IntoTheBlock and Trident Digital. The combined entity debuts with $25 million in Series A funding, led by New Form Capital with participation from Tribe Capital, Ripple, and others. The initiative brings together more than $3 billion in prior institutional DeFi deployments under one brand aimed at servicing growing demand for regulated, risk-managed access to decentralized finance. The merger unites IntoTheBlock’s on-chain analytics and risk management technology with Trident’s experience in structured liquidity programs. Sentora will offer a full-stack solution that includes yield strategies, structured lending, capital formation, and real-time risk dashboards. Designed with a “compliant-first” approach, the platform integrates KYC and AML processes as regulatory frameworks increasingly pressure institutional players to meet higher standards. Sentora emerges as MiCA regulations begin to reshape Europe’s crypto market and global institutions expand digital asset exposure. Anthony DeMartino, CEO of Sentora and co-founder of Trident Digital, described the platform as a response to rising institutional expectations. “DeFi is the future of finance, but that future must be built with the needs of institutions in mind,” he said in a statement. Jesús Rodríguez, CTO and former CEO of IntoTheBlock, noted that Sentora reflects a natural evolution of their data-driven ethos. The merger comes amid broader shifts in decentralized finance. Meanwhile, DeFi’s total value locked (TVL) hovers around $100 billion. Sentora’s emphasis on risk dashboards and structured liquidity tools is positioned as a counterpoint to concerns around DeFi exploits, particularly as traditional financial institutions seek safer entry points into the sector. The competitive landscape is evolving alongside these trends. Solutions like Aave Arc, Maple Finance, and BlackRock’s BUIDL fund have already targeted regulated on-chain products. Sentora’s offering aims to differentiate by combining robust risk management and compliance protocols with a unified institutional-grade DeFi stack. Despite the momentum, regulatory clarity remains a variable globally. Sentora’s registration in the British Virgin Islands may draw scrutiny from US and EU authorities, and details on supported protocols and custody solutions have yet to be disclosed. Questions also persist regarding audit status and smart contract insurance coverage. For now, Sentora’s debut reflects the growing convergence of traditional finance and DeFi. Backed by capital and built on proven infrastructure, the platform positions itself at the intersection of compliant access and decentralized opportunity. Source: https://cryptoslate.com/new-institutional-defi-platform-sentora-launches-through-intotheblock-trident-merge/