Google Cloud Builds a Neutral Layer 1 Blockchain Called GCUL

Google Cloud has quietly introduced its own Layer 1 blockchain called the Google Cloud Universal Ledger, or GCUL. It’s aimed at solving real problems in cross-border payments, asset tokenization, and financial automation. Unlike one-off blockchain experiments, GCUL is being built using Google’s existing infrastructure and has already been tested in real-world scenarios.

Built to Be Used by Everyone

One of the big ideas behind GCUL is neutrality. Rich Widmann, who leads Web3 strategy at Google, pointed out something most people in finance already know. Companies don’t want to build on platforms that are tied to their competitors. A firm like Stripe probably won’t want to use Circle’s chain. GCUL is trying to avoid that kind of problem by positioning itself as a neutral option. Any company can safely and practically build on the platform without worrying about other participants.

Google dropping some details on its L1 blockchain (GCUL) over on LI

Chain will feature python based smart contracts. Aims to be neutral infra built for finance w/ “native commercial bank money on-chain”, 24/7 cap markets infra, payments and agentic capabilities. Looks like they… pic.twitter.com/cB1vlq3Oyv

— Omar (@TheOneandOmsy) August 26, 2025

Developers Won’t Need to Start From Scratch

GCUL uses Python for its smart contracts, which is a smart move. A lot of traditional finance developers already use Python for analytics and automation, so this makes it easier to plug into the system without needing to learn new blockchain coding languages. It lowers the barrier to entry and speeds things up.

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Compliance and Integration Are Baked In

GCUL operates as a permissioned network, designed for specific users. It also includes compliance tools like KYC checks and fraud detection, using Google’s existing AI systems. On top of that, the network works with a simple API and offers stable monthly billing. That’s a huge difference compared to public chains, where gas fees can jump around without warning. Test users say the setup makes it easier to move money across borders and keep things running smoothly.

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Early Results Look Promising

CME Group has already tested GCUL. Their trial focused on tokenized payments and wholesale settlements. Early results pointed to lower costs, faster clearing times, and a smoother experience overall. More testing is on the way, with a full launch expected in 2026.

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Google’s Long-Term Play

GCUL is trying to take on both legacy players like SWIFT and newer projects like Circle’s Arc or Stripe’s Tempo. Those systems often serve their own ecosystems. GCUL wants to be open to everyone. The pitch presents it as a new infrastructure layer that lets financial institutions rely on without getting locked into a single vendor’s system.

Still Some Open Questions

Not everyone’s convinced. Google runs GCUL, which raises concerns about centralization. Google says it plans to bring in other companies to run nodes eventually. People have floated names like Amazon and Microsoft, but nothing’s confirmed. Until then, some will question how neutral it really is.

A Quiet but Serious Move

GCUL doesn’t come with loud hype or flashy promises, but it’s a serious step in a new direction. It mixes cloud infrastructure with developer-friendly tools, compliance features, and support from major institutions. Whether it takes off will depend on adoption, but the shift from speculation to infrastructure is clearly underway.

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