by In a significant step towards enhancing blockchain adoption in the financial sector, DBS Bank, Singapore’s largest banking institution, has announced the launch of tokenized structured notes on the Ethereum blockchain. This groundbreaking initiative aims to democratize access to complex financial instruments that were traditionally reserved for high-net-worth individuals and private clients.
Understanding Tokenized Structured Notes
Tokenized structured notes are innovative financial products that blend traditional finance with blockchain technology. By tokenizing these notes, DBS Bank has made it possible for investors to access structured products with lower minimum investment thresholds. Traditionally, structured notes required a minimum investment of $100,000, which limited participation primarily to wealthy investors. However, with the new tokenized offerings, DBS has broken down these barriers, allowing investments to start from just $1,000.
Accessing Tokenized Products Through Local Exchanges
DBS Bank will make these tokenized structured notes available through local Singapore exchanges such as ADDX, DigiFT, and HydraX. This marks a pivotal moment in the bank’s strategy to expand its blockchain initiatives and reach a broader audience of accredited and institutional investors.
The Debut Product: Crypto-Linked Participation Note
The first product to be launched is a crypto-linked participation note. This unique note is designed to pay out in cash when digital asset prices rise while simultaneously limiting downside exposure. This feature appeals to investors who are looking for innovative ways to include digital assets in their portfolios, especially in a volatile market.
Growing Demand for Advanced Investment Strategies
There is a notable surge in demand for tokenized structured notes as more investors seek to incorporate advanced investment strategies into their digital asset portfolios. In the first half of 2025, DBS clients executed over $1 billion in trades involving these instruments, with trade volumes witnessing a staggering growth of almost 60% from Q1 to Q2 of 2025. This trend highlights the eagerness of professional and institutional investors to explore new avenues in the cryptocurrency space.
Supporting Family Offices and Professional Investors
DBS Bank’s initiative is particularly beneficial for family offices and professional investors, which have seen rapid growth in Singapore. The number of single-family offices in the city-state reached over 2,000 in 2024, marking a remarkable year-on-year increase of 43%. By providing access to tokenized structured notes, DBS is positioning itself as a key player in catering to this growing segment of sophisticated investors.
Singapore’s Role as a Hub for Tokenized Finance
This move aligns with Singapore’s ambitions to solidify its status as a global hub for tokenized finance. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has been proactively advancing industry initiatives through Project Guardian, which explores the potential of tokenization across various asset classes, including fixed income, foreign exchange, and funds. DBS has been at the forefront of these initiatives, often utilizing permissioned blockchains for pilot projects before transitioning to public chains.
Future Plans for Tokenization of Traditional Notes
While the initial focus is on crypto-linked notes, DBS Bank has plans to expand its tokenization efforts to include more traditional equity- and credit-linked notes. Li Zhen, head of foreign exchange and digital assets at DBS, remarked, “Asset tokenization is the next frontier of financial markets infrastructure. Our first tokenized product addresses the growing institutional appetite for digital assets. With this initiative, a broader segment of investors can now tap our digital asset ecosystem to build exposure to the asset class.”
Conclusion: A New Era for Investors
The launch of tokenized structured notes by DBS Bank on the Ethereum blockchain marks a significant milestone in the integration of traditional finance and digital assets. As more financial institutions recognize the benefits of tokenization, we can expect to see a broader range of investment opportunities emerge, catering to a diverse group of investors. This evolution in the financial landscape emphasizes the importance of staying informed about the latest developments in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Investors looking to dive deeper into the world of cryptocurrency should explore various resources, including guides on how to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets. For more information on cryptocurrency trading platforms, check out our reviews of top exchanges like Kraken, Binance, and eToro.
Meta Description: Discover how DBS Bank is transforming investor access by launching tokenized structured notes on Ethereum, breaking down barriers for accredited and institutional investors in Singapore’s dynamic cryptocurrency market.
