Reto Marx: Tokenisation Evolves Infrastructure for Digital Wealth

Reto Marx Details Digital Asset Infrastructure at Singapore Forum

Tokenisation functions as an evolution of financial infrastructure rather than a total replacement of the existing financial system, according to Reto Marx, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore at Sygnum, Hubbis reported. Speaking on the final panel at the Hubbis Digital Wealth Forum Singapore 2026, Marx outlined the work required to bridge traditional and digital markets, emphasizing the need for reliable interoperability, distribution scale, and comprehensive education within wealth management frameworks.

The Bottom Line:

Tokenisation alters how financial assets are issued, held, administered, and transferred without replacing the foundational financial system.
Lower operational costs are not guaranteed across the board today, particularly where market distribution remains limited.
Interoperability and the use of digital assets as collateral are critical prerequisites for unlocking deeper liquidity.

Sygnum CEO Explains Tokenisation Infrastructure Boundaries

Marx described Sygnum’s operational scope as a digital asset banking group that combines regulated banking, institutional-grade custody, trading, tokenisation, security, risk management, and regulatory compliance. He distinguished tokenised debt, equities, and deposits from cryptocurrencies and separate protocols, noting that technology changes the mechanism of financial activities rather than creating an entirely new asset class. Hubbis reported that Marx cited Fidelity’s recently launched tokenised money market offering as a practical example of bridging access between traditional and digital markets.

Institutional portfolios still require rigorous risk management, diversification, and performance frameworks when incorporating digital assets alongside traditional securities. Marx cautioned that operational efficiencies do not automatically translate to lower costs today. Depending on transaction specifics, conventional issuance methods can remain faster or cheaper, primarily because digital debt distribution has not yet reached the scale necessary to realize full liquidity benefits.

Reto Marx: Tokenisation Evolves Infrastructure for Digital Wealth — Photo: nsyfc.org

Building Interoperable Ecosystems Across Global Financial Hubs

Financial providers frequently operate within closed ecosystems, which restricts the movement of assets and limits the utility of digital financial infrastructure. Marx linked future industry development directly to enhanced interoperability and the capability to deploy digital assets as collateral across distinct financial applications. Sygnum operates across licensed jurisdictions including Switzerland, Singapore, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Abu Dhabi, providing a ready-made institutional shelf for banks and external asset managers.

Sygnum’s infrastructure model allows financial intermediaries to integrate digital assets into client portfolios within approximately six months, bypassing the two-to-three-year timeline required for internal software development. Marx noted that Asia serves as a critical proving ground for digital finance due to high regional digital literacy and supportive regulatory frameworks, offering institutions a practical environment to test technologies prior to wider adoption.

Human Judgment Remains Essential for Digital Asset Management

Comprehensive digital asset management demands strict governance and specialized investment expertise that go far beyond single-product fintech applications or basic exchange platforms. While digital rails enable leaner organizations through automation, Marx maintained that finance will not become a completely automated domain devoid of human judgment.

Connecting traditional wealth management services with digital asset infrastructure requires a holistic advisory approach that preserves client relationships while upgrading underlying administrative rails. The ongoing evolution of regulatory frameworks alongside technological capabilities will determine how effectively the financial services industry bridges separate systems into a coherent ecosystem.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and market analysis purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always consult with a certified financial professional before making investment decisions.

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