DBS will launch tokenised physical gold for customers in Singapore, with retail access expected through DBS digibank in the second half of 2026.
The DBS Physical Gold Tokens will allow customers to access, hold and trade gold-backed tokens through a single platform.
The bank described the service as a way to widen retail access to physical gold, which has traditionally been more readily available to institutional and accredited investors.
Each token will be backed by one gram of physical gold held by DBS in a dedicated vault in Singapore. Customers will also have the option to redeem their tokens for physical gold.
DBS is exploring plans to list the token on DBS Digital Exchange for accredited investors and institutional partners, with further details to be announced later.
The offering is intended to make physical gold investment more accessible by allowing customers to buy smaller fractions of the asset in token form.
Transactions are expected to be available around the clock, with near-instant settlement supported by blockchain technology.
DBS will tokenise, issue, distribute and manage the gold tokens in-house.
Li Zhen, Head of Foreign Exchange, Precious Metals and Digital Assets, Global Financial Markets at DBS, said,
“Our ability to deliver DBS Physical Gold Token is built on DBS’ fully in-sourced, end-to-end institutional capability – physical vaulting, tokenisation engine, digital custody and digitised distribution.
Through the secure and compliant deployment, underpinned by robust risk management and governance, we are able to minimise operational friction and streamline physical gold access and management for our clients.”
The launch adds to DBS’ existing gold investment products in Singapore, which include funds and physical bullion.
James Tan, Group Head of Investment Product and Advisory at DBS, said,
“While our retail investors have been able to buy gold funds, access to physical gold has been largely available to only institutional and accredited investors.
DBS has offered physical gold investments to wealth clients since 2013, and we are now leveraging tokenisation to broaden access, enabling more retail customers to invest in gold in a safe and meaningful way.”
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by halalstock via Magnific
