The collaboration between SDX, BEKB and Aktionariat proved the concept of tokenization of private shares on a private blockchain providing a bank custody solution for investors.
Zürich, 12. December 2023
SIX Digital Exchange (SDX) has successfully integrated shares of Aktionariat AG into its regulated blockchain-based Central Securities Depository. Berner Kantonalbank (BEKB) played a pivotal role, serving as the issuer agent and custodian in this initiative.
This achievement proves the concept of the adaptability of Ethereum blockchain-issued shares, showcasing their transformation from ledger-based securities to regulated, intermediated, and bankable assets.
The collaboration between SDX, BEKB and Aktionariat AG is in line with Aktionariat’s vision to connect traditional and decentralized finance. Share tokens can now be held in the same way as such as listed shares, ETFs and structured products.
«With this transaction, the involved players from traditional finance world are proving that they are open to the integration of assets that were originally issued on an open, permissionless blockchain. An important step towards building a bridge between decentralized finance and traditional finance» - Nicola Plain, CEO of Aktionariat AG
The solution ensures secure bank custody and allows Aktionariat shareholders to deposit their share tokens at BEKB in the future. Anyone who doesn't want to take on the responsibility of self-custody can therefore delegate the safekeeping of their shares.
This functionality will be extended to other issuers on the Aktionariat platform in the future.
«The success of this initiative paves the way for the future collaborations with BEKB, Aktionariat, and their respective customer bases. It aligns seamlessly with SDX’s strategy to engage with private market ecosystem partners and the Swiss SME investor community» - Alexander Kech, Head of Digital Securities at SDX.
About SDX
SIX Digital Exchange (SDX) is the first fully regulated financial market infrastructure (FMI) for the issuance, trading, settlement, and custody of digital assets. SDX is licensed by Switzerland’s financial market regulator, FINMA, to operate as a stock exchange and central security depository (CSD) on distributed ledger technology (DLT). As part of the SIX Group, SDX is subject to the Group’s high quality and security standards covered under Swiss law.
About Aktionariat
Capital and people are probably the most valuable resources a company has. That is why Aktionariat not only offers a simple and modern solution for raising fresh equity, but also enables small and medium-sized companies to manage their shareholders, automatically keep the associated share register up to date and conduct digital votings in the course of corporate events. All this is possible thanks to the innovative Swiss DLT law, tokenized shares, and the fully digital all-in-one management platform.
About Berner Kantonalbank
As a classic Swiss cantonal bank with around 470,000 customers, over 1,200 employees and around 80 locations, BEKB is a universal bank with strong roots in the Bern and Solothurn regions. Customers enjoy a wide range of products and services. With its credit and asset management business, it makes an important contribution to the independent development of the cantons of Berne and Solothurn and plays an essential economic and social role. Through its new marketplace SME|X, the company makes it easy to buy and sell digital stock.
