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Tag: tokenized

  • Southeast Asia’s First Tokenized Gold Fund: OCBC Launches GOLDX Token on Ethereum and Solana Blockchains

    Southeast Asia’s First Tokenized Gold Fund: OCBC Launches GOLDX Token on Ethereum and Solana Blockchains

    OCBC, in collaboration with its asset management arm, Lion Global Investors, and digital asset exchange DigiFT, have recently introduced the OCBC-LionGlobal Physical Gold Fund Token (GOLDX token). Notably, this is Southeast Asia’s first tokenised physical gold fund that is accessible on a public blockchain. The GOLDX token is issued on two different blockchains – Ethereum and Solana.

    Investing in GOLDX Tokens

    The new DigiFT platform allows various institutional investors, such as banks, hedge funds, and asset managers, as well as accredited corporate investors, to subscribe to the GOLDX token. They can do this using either stablecoins or fiat currencies. As per the statement, these tokens will be directly delivered to the investors’ blockchain wallets. They can then be redeemed for either stablecoins or fiat currencies.

    Regulatory Framework and Assurance

    The issuance of the GOLDX token is regulated, and the process is anchored by three entities which are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), namely OCBC, Lion Global Investors, and DigiFT. Together, these entities provide strong governance, institutional-grade risk management controls, and transparent, verifiable asset backing. Thus, investors can be assured of the safety of their investment while still reaping the benefits of the efficiency and interoperability that are inherent to public-blockchain-based RWAs.

    Exposure to Gold Fund Performance

    The GOLDX token provides regulated, on-chain exposure to the LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold Fund (Underlying Fund) that is managed by Lion Global Investors. Amid the ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, the Underlying Fund has shown immense growth, with S$669.4 million (US$525.9 million) in assets under management as of 16 April 2026, only four months after its inception.

    OCBC’s Role in the GOLDX Token

    OCBC was the originator of the GOLDX token’s issuance and led its structuring, shaping the product architecture and commercial framework. The bank collaborated with DigiFT to facilitate the tokenisation and digital distribution of the token. Simultaneously, Lion Global Investors supplied the necessary investment framework and governance for the Underlying Fund.

    Prospective Demand

    The GOLDX token is anticipated to attract significant demand from participants within the Web3 ecosystem, including family offices and high-net-worth individuals operating within decentralized, blockchain-based environments. This group possesses considerable capital in stablecoins in Asia, much of which is currently unutilised.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the GOLDX token?
    The GOLDX token is Southeast Asia’s first tokenised physical gold fund available on a public blockchain. It is issued on both the Ethereum and Solana blockchains.

    Who can invest in the GOLDX token?
    The DigiFT platform allows various institutional investors, such as banks, hedge funds, asset managers, as well as accredited corporate investors to subscribe to the GOLDX token using either stablecoins or fiat currencies.

    How is the issuance of the GOLDX token regulated?
    The issuance of the GOLDX token is regulated by three entities which are governed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): OCBC, Lion Global Investors, and DigiFT. This ensures strong governance and transparency, offering assurance to investors.

  • DBS and Franklin Templeton Pioneer Singapore’s First Tokenized Retail Fund: A Leap towards Digital Finance

    DBS and Franklin Templeton Pioneer Singapore’s First Tokenized Retail Fund: A Leap towards Digital Finance

    Singapore has made a bold move towards mainstream digital finance through the launch of its first tokenized retail fund. The innovative initiative, the result of a collaboration between Franklin Templeton and DBS Bank, offers a US dollar short-term money market strategy recorded on a blockchain register. With a minimum requirement of just US$20, it’s anticipated to be available to retail customers in the first quarter of 2026.

    Market Approval and Distribution

    The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has granted its approval for the fund, known as the Franklin Onchain US Dollar Short-Term Money Market Fund. This endorsement ushers in a regulated, low-volatility cash vehicle on blockchain rails. The process of tokenization allows for fractional ownership, expedited record-keeping, and near real-time transparency, all while maintaining the familiar economic structure of a money market fund.

    For now, the fund is accessible through DBS relationship managers for wealth clients and accredited investors, with plans for a broader retail rollout in 2026. The low minimum requirement of US$20 significantly reduces the barrier to entry compared to traditional share classes, making high-quality, short-duration U.S. dollar assets more accessible to a wider range of investors.

    The Importance of Tokenization

    The adoption of an on-chain share register provides investors with increased transparency, including daily yield accrual and real-time fund data. It also results in improved operational efficiency in the subscription, transfer, and redemption processes. The blockchain’s tamper-resistant ledger further enhances auditability throughout the investment lifecycle.

    The tokenized model follows closely in the footsteps of Franklin Templeton’s Luxembourg-domiciled US Dollar Short Term Money Market Fund, a strategy boasting over 30 years of performance history. The key benefits? Liquidity, capital stability, and competitive cash yields, now amplified by the speed and transparency offered by blockchain technology.

    Powered by Proprietary Technology

    The Benji Technology Platform, Franklin Templeton’s proprietary solution, drives the fund’s blockchain-integrated record-keeping and administration. This technology stack is also available as a white-label infrastructure for banks and asset managers looking to tokenize securities or support fully on-chain money market funds across a variety of use cases, including retail, wealth, institutional, and collateral.

    Reducing Entry Barriers through Digital Innovation

    DBS Bank, known for its digital leadership and financial robustness, targets this investment opportunity at the mass-affluent and retail segments. Franklin Templeton, having been involved in digital assets since 2018, has demonstrated its commitment to advancing the tokenization of financial assets by launching the first fully tokenized UCITS fund in 2024.

    Future Expectations

    For investors, the core economics remain the same as in a traditional cash fund, but the added advantage of blockchain registry provides faster settlement, better transparency, and potential integration with programmable finance. The retail launch timeline, secondary-market transfer mechanisms, and tokenization adoption rate by other banks and asset managers will be key milestones to watch.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the tokenized fund?
    Participating in the fund allows investors to take advantage of enhanced transparency, faster record-keeping, and near real-time transparency while preserving the familiar economics of a money market fund.

    Who currently has access to the fund?
    The fund is immediately available to DBS Bank’s wealth clients and accredited investors, with a broader retail rollout planned for 2026.

    What is the minimum investment requirement for the fund?
    The minimum requirement to participate in the fund is just US$20, significantly reducing the barrier to entry compared to traditional share classes.