pTokens are digital assets that are transparently pegged to another underlying asset. pTokens serve as a Cross-Chain token wrapper that allows users to more easily transfer value between different blockchains. Users can deposit a certain amount of the underlying asset (such as BTC or EOS) and request the equivalent pTokens that are pegged to them 1:1, such as pBTC or pEOS. Token holders can then take advantage of the Ethereum network by more easily exchanging them into ERC-20 tokens.

ArcBlock is creating a blockchain ecosystem for building decentralized applications. Their goal is to provide consumers with the framework and tools to use decentralized apps as easily as current web-based versions. ArcBlock was founded by Robert Mao and Flavien Charlton, who also created Colored Coins, Open Assets Protocol and Openchain.
ArcBlock's Open Chain Access Protocol gives developers an abstract layer for using underlying blockchains. It has a serverless computing architecture that supports various types of applications. ArcBlock is based on the Blocknet application protocol that executes smart contracts and can access external data sources. Blocknet's design and open chain access protocol provide a layer for accessing multiple blockchains.