DBS to launch tokenised physical gold for Singapore retail investors in 2026
The bank plans to debut the digital asset on its digibank platform for retail customers in the second half of 2026, with a subsequent listing on the DBS Digital Exchange for institutional participants.
DBS Bank is set to introduce a tokenised physical gold offering in Singapore, marking a significant expansion of its digital asset capabilities. The product will debut on DBS digibank for retail investors in the second half of 2026, with the bank subsequently planning to list the digital asset on the DBS Digital Exchange for accredited and institutional investors. This move aims to democratise access to the precious metal by leveraging blockchain technology to enable fractional ownership.
Each digital token issued through the platform will be directly backed by one gram of physical gold secured within a dedicated DBS vault in Singapore. Investors will retain the right to redeem their digital tokens for actual physical gold bullion. The bank will manage the entire lifecycle of the tokens in-house, utilising its secure bank-grade infrastructure to ensure operational integrity.
The platform is designed to operate on a 24/7 basis, employing atomic settlement to facilitate near-instant transaction clearing. By applying this technology, DBS intends to make physical gold investment more affordable and accessible to a broader base of everyday investors, moving beyond the traditional constraints of physical bullion handling and storage.
The rollout capitalises on a notable structural shift in global finance, where gold has recently surpassed US government bonds to become the world’s largest reserve asset. This transition follows years of heavy buying by central banks and a steep rise in bullion prices. According to DBS, gold prices hit a record of $5,600 per ounce earlier this year.
Data from the European Central Bank indicates that gold expanded its share of global central bank reserve assets to 27% at the end of 2025, while US Treasuries fell to 22%. James Tan, head of DBS investment product and advisory group, noted that while retail investors have previously accessed gold through funds, direct physical gold exposure has largely been limited to institutional and accredited investors.
Tan highlighted that DBS has offered physical gold investments to wealth clients since 2013. He stated that the bank is now leveraging tokenisation to broaden access, enabling more retail customers to invest in gold in a safe and meaningful way. The initiative positions the lender at the forefront of integrating traditional commodity assets with digital financial infrastructure.
