DBS introduces digital investment notes in Singapore market

DBS Bank, a leading financial institution in Asia, has taken a significant step forward in the world of wealth management by launching its digital asset strategy. This initiative, which positions Singapore at the forefront of the next era in wealth management, involves the tokenisation of structured notes on the Ethereum public blockchain.

The tokenised units are identical, fully fungible, and easily tradeable, making them accessible to a wider pool of investors. By reducing the entry point from the conventional $100,000 to just US$1,000, DBS Bank is making these innovative investment products more accessible to a broader audience.

The first product in this series will be cash-settled, cryptocurrency-linked participation notes. These instruments are designed to deliver cash payouts when cryptocurrency prices rise, while incorporating mechanisms to mitigate downside exposure. This balance between potential gains and risk management is a testament to DBS Bank's commitment to aligning innovation with investor needs.

The success of this strategy is evident in the robust transaction volumes. Between the first and second quarters, transaction volumes rose nearly 60%. In the first half of 2025, DBS clients executed over US$1 billion in trades.

Besides DBS Bank itself, accredited and institutional investors can purchase tokenized structured notes from DBS Bank through selected platforms such as ADDX, DigiFT, and HydraX. Eligible investors can access these tokenised investment products through these platforms.

Singapore's vibrant investor ecosystem continues to deepen, with the number of single family offices surpassing 2,000 in 2024, a 43% year-on-year increase. This thriving environment, combined with DBS Bank's pioneering efforts in the convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology, bodes well for the future of wealth management in Singapore.

Looking ahead, DBS Bank plans to extend its tokenisation programme to include equity-linked and credit-linked notes in the future. This expansion will further broaden the range of investment opportunities available to its clients.

In conclusion, DBS Bank's digital asset strategy is a significant step forward in the world of wealth management. By making innovative investment products more accessible and by leveraging blockchain technology, DBS Bank is helping to shape the future of finance in Singapore and beyond.