DBS marks new milestones for its asset digitalisation strategy
Singapore, 12 Aug 2021 - DBS today marked steady progress in executing on its asset digitalisation strategy, announcing a series of milestones achieved across its franchise:
• DBS Vickers (DBSV), the brokerage arm of DBS Bank, has received in-principle approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Payment Services Act (PS Act) to provide digital payment token services as a major payment institution. DBSV is one of the first few financial institutions to obtain such an approval. DBSV is working through the necessary follow-ups with a view towards meeting MAS’ requirements for a licence.
Once licensed, DBSV, as a member of DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx), will be able to directly support asset managers and companies to trade in digital payment tokens through DDEx.
• From 16 August (Monday), DDEx will operate round-the-clock
[1]
. This will enable DDEx’s members to trade on the exchange at any time, enhancing their ability to seize opportunities and manage risks arising from changes in cryptocurrency spot prices. The exchange first operated only during Asian trading hours to allow for processes and protocols to be finetuned.
DDEx has gained good traction since its launch. Around 400 investors
[2]
have been onboarded to trade on DDEx as at end-June 2021. DDEx recorded close to SGD 180 million in total trading value in Q2 2021, more than five times the value traded in the previous quarter. DBS has over SGD 130 million in digital assets in its custodial services. At the same time, DBS is building up its pipeline of potential Security Token Offerings (STOs) – DDEx listed its inaugural STO in June in the form of an SGD 15 million digital bond.
Eng-Kwok Seat Moey, Group Head of Capital Markets at DBS, said, “We are pleased to have made steady progress on our digital asset ecosystem in the six months since we launched the DDEx last year, and this shows in our trading and custody activity. We have seen keen interest among asset managers and corporates for access to digital payment token services, and with DBSV receiving in-principle approval under the PS Act, we are well-placed to meet this growing demand. This could add to DDEx’s volumes in the coming months, and, coupled with DDEx going operational round the-clock, help accelerate growth for DDEx. We are confident of doubling our investor base by the end of the year. This bodes well for our ability to provide integrated solutions across the digital asset value chain notably in the form of STOs, leveraging DBS’ expertise in deal origination to tokenisation, listing, distribution, trading and custody. This will contribute to Singapore’s ambitions to be a digital asset hub in Asia.”
Earlier this month, DBS was honoured as the Global and Asia-Pacific winner for Most Innovative in Digital Banking by Financial Times publication The Banker, in its 2021 Innovation in Digital Banking Awards. In its award citation, The Banker noted that the DBS Digital Exchange testifies to DBS’ innovative spirit and the bank’s ability to stay ahead of its peers in adopting emerging technologies that are reshaping the banking industry.”
[1]
DDEx will undergo a daily system refresh from 7am to 8am Singapore Time to reconcile all trades from the previous session.
[2]
DDEx is a members-only exchange for Institutional Investors and Accredited Investors.
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About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 18 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “
World’s Best Bank
” by Euromoney, “
Global Bank of the Year
” by The Banker and “
Best Bank in the World
” by Global Finance. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “
World’s Best Digital Bank
” by Euromoney and the world’s “
Most Innovative in Digital Banking
” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “
Safest Bank in Asia
” award by Global Finance for 12 consecutive years from 2009 to 2020.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the Asian way. It has also established a SGD 50 million foundation to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit
www.dbs.com
.
DBS Bank Ltd | 12 Marina Boulevard, DBS Asia Central @ Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3,
Singapore 018982 | Co. Reg. No. 196800306E
Tel: 65.6878 8888 | www.dbs.com
