DBS to Launch Tokenized Gold for Retail Investors in 2026

Singapore-based DBS Bank plans to introduce tokenized gold trading for retail customers in the second half of 2026, marking another step in the growing adoption of blockchain-based real-world assets.

The new product, called DBS Physical Gold Tokens, will allow retail investors to gain exposure to physical gold through the bank’s digital banking platform. DBS is also exploring the possibility of listing the tokens on its DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx), which currently serves accredited investors and institutional clients.

Each Token Backed by Physical Gold

According to the bank, every token will represent one gram of physical gold stored in a dedicated DBS vault in Singapore. The bank will manage the entire process internally, including tokenization, issuance, distribution, and custody.

DBS said the product will be supported by its existing bank-grade infrastructure, aiming to provide secure access to physical gold ownership through blockchain technology.

Growing Demand for Real-World Asset Tokenization

The launch reflects increasing interest in tokenized real-world assets across the financial sector. DBS noted that physical gold holdings among its wealthy clients have more than doubled over the past three years.

The bank has already expanded its blockchain initiatives through tokenized financial products. In 2025, it tokenized structured notes on Ethereum and listed both Franklin Templeton’s tokenized money market fund token, sgBENJI, and Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin.

Retail Access to Physical Gold

James Tan, head of investment product and advisory at DBS, said retail investors have traditionally accessed gold mainly through funds, while direct physical gold ownership was largely limited to wealthier and institutional clients. He said tokenization will help broaden access and allow more investors to own physical gold in a secure and practical way.