Triggering transformation: How tokenisation is reshaping Asia’s investment universe

THE world of retail investment stands on the cusp of a new era of democratisation, and Asia is leading the way.

While the migration of financial markets to the Internet delivered investment to a wider public, the spread of that particular revolution was limited by several factors. Access was dependent on a reliable online connection, minimum buy-in limits, and the credentials required to open brokerage accounts. As a result, investment opportunities remained beyond the reach of many in Asia.

Despite significant progress in recent years, and the rapid recent advancement of the digital economy in the region, about 70 per cent of people in South-east Asia remain on the fringes of mainstream finance, or locked out completely.