Thursday,14 November 2024

Libeara on democratising access to asset tokenisation

5 min read

Interviewed By Foo Boon Ping

Aaron Gwak, founder and CEO of Libeara, discussed how his SC Ventures-backed platform is advancing asset tokenisation, sharing its approach to bridging traditional finance with blockchain technology, bringing real-world assets like government bonds and treasury funds to a wider audience with an emphasis on security, compliance, and accessibility.

As asset tokenisation gains traction within the digital finance space, Libeara is focused on widening its application to a larger user base. Founded by Aaron Gwak under SC Ventures, Libeara is on a mission to use blockchain to make traditionally high-barrier assets accessible to a broader spectrum of investors, from institutional players to retail participants. With support from regulatory developments like the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) recent announcement to advance asset tokenisation, Libeara provides a unique model for securely tokenising, managing real-world assets, and creating new pathways for diverse market needs.

Libeara’s mission for accessible and secure tokenisation

Libeara’s foundation lies in its mission to simplify access, for those eligible, to high-value, traditionally exclusive assets through tokenisation. With over two decades in capital markets, Gwak has shaped Libeara to focus on closing the gap between real-world assets and their digital representations. “Our goal at Libeara is to ensure that the distance between assets and tokens is minimised,” Gwak explained, highlighting a commitment to making tokenised assets accessible, secure, and legally sound.

Libeara has provided technology to enable products like the Delta Wellington Ultra Short Treasury On-Chain Fund for FundBridge Capital and Wellington Management, providing exposure to US Treasuries in tokenised form. This fund targets crypto-native investors who value transparency and traceability in their holdings while seeking the security and regulatory protections associated with high-grade assets. Libeara’s approach is to provide the tech that helps tokenise assets within a framework that assures investors of the integrity and value of their tokens, aligning with the vision for tokenisation scalability and commercial viability. 

Bridging DeFi and TradFi for diverse investor needs

The Delta platform is positioned to serve both crypto-native and traditional finance investors, each of which has specific needs. For decentralised finance (DeFi) and on-chain investors, tokenised assets offer a way to keep investments entirely within the blockchain ecosystem. “For on-chain investors, the ability to keep assets within the cryptographic world ensures consistency and traceability,” said Gwak. By tokenising assets like US Treasury funds, Libeara enables these investors to maintain blockchain-native holdings with regulatory safeguards.

In contrast, traditional finance (TradFi) investors seek familiar, structured environments and compliance. Libeara provides this bridge by ensuring tokenised products on its platform adhere to securities regulations, blending blockchain’s benefits with expected security measures. This approach helps close the gap between DeFi and TradFi, making tokenisation accessible across a wide investor base. Libeara’s efforts align with regulators, such as MAS, which support a framework that both encourages innovation and provides structured, compliant asset offerings.

Tailored solutions for institutional and retail investors

Libeara’s technology supports the specific needs of both institutional and accredited investors. For institutional clients, including accredited and crypto-native funds, the tokenised funds offer secure exposure to assets like US Treasuries. “We see the on-chain universe as an important market for institutional investors,” said Gwak, noting that institutions benefit from a blockchain-native investment with a compliant framework.

Retail investors, who often face access barriers to high-quality assets due to minimum investment thresholds or geographical restrictions, find an entry point with Libeara. In regions where financial barriers are more pronounced, tokenisation’s ability to fractionalise assets enables smaller-denomination investments, democratising access to assets that would otherwise be unavailable. In collaboration with emerging market governments, Libeara is piloting programmes allowing local citizens to affordably invest in their own country’s government bonds—an example of how tokenisation can be a tool for financial inclusion.

Ensuring integrity in tokenised assets

A strong technological foundation is essential for Libeara’s asset tokenisation approach. Gwak shared that Libeara initially chose Ethereum’s public blockchain, leveraging its maturity and developer ecosystem to provide security and scalability. “Tokenisation is simple, but doing it with a full legal framework is challenging,” he noted, underscoring Libeara’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of tokenised assets.

The  Delta Master Trust structure adds layers of protection, including trustee oversight and mechanisms to replace fund managers or issue paper certificates in case of technological failures. These safeguards provide confidence to investors, bridging the digital and traditional financial worlds with a reliable governance model. This commitment to security and investor protection differentiates Libeara and aligns with regulators’ goal to build a secure, scalable tokenisation ecosystem.

Navigating regulatory challenges and compliance

Operating in a regulated space, Libeara emphasises strict adherence to securities laws and works closely with regulatory bodies, including MAS, to ensure compliance. Gwak expressed that Singapore’s regulatory framework, which balances innovation with rigorous standards, has been pivotal for Libeara. “The spirit of securities regulation has always revolved around investor education and protection,” he explained, noting that MAS’s recent push to support the commercial viability of tokenisation is instrumental for platforms like Libeara.

Libeara also engages with counterparties in international markets, such as Hong Kong, where it has tested offerings in regulatory sandbox environments. These global initiatives underscore Libeara’s commitment to maintaining high compliance standards, meeting regulatory expectations, and making tokenised assets globally accessible. By navigating these complex regulatory landscapes, Libeara aims to ensure secure and compliant tokenisation.

Shaping the future of tokenised finance

Looking ahead, Gwak envisions a future where asset tokenisation significantly enhances accessibility and transparency in the financial sector, akin to how exchange traded funds (ETFs) opened up new investment opportunities. Libeara aims to continue expanding its technology scope, catering to both crypto-native and traditional market participants within a compliant framework. With MAS’s supportive regulatory stance on tokenisation, Libeara is poised to lead in this evolving market by focusing on security, regulatory compliance, and innovation.

“Our approach is cautious and compliance-driven, but we are excited about the potential for tokenisation to reshape the investment landscape,” Gwak remarked. As MAS and global regulatory bodies continue to support tokenisation, Libeara’s commitment to investor protection and accessibility highlights its role in building a more inclusive and efficient financial future.


Keywords: Blockchain, Asset Tokenisation, Decentralised Finance, Traditional Finance, Treasury Funds, Investor Protection, Financial Inclusion, Fractionalisation, Scalability, Global Market, Tokenisation Ecosystem
Institutions: Libeara, SC Ventures, FundBridge Capital, Wellington Management, Monetary Authority Of Singapore
Country: Singapore, Hong Kong
Region: Southeast Asia
People : Aaron Gwak
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