Citi opens new route into private markets with tokenized share offering

The structure is based on depositary receipts, a longstanding financial product that allows investors to gain exposure to shares through a bank-issued security. Citi has adapted that model for private companies and recorded the securities on blockchain infrastructure operated by Swiss market operator SIX.

The result is a digital version of a traditional financial instrument. Investors own the depositary receipt rather than the underlying shares directly, while Citi acts as both issuer and custodian.

The bank argued the approach could make private-market investing simpler and more transparent than some existing structures, which often rely on special-purpose vehicles and multiple intermediaries.

The launch is part of a larger effort by major financial institutions to tokenize traditional assets.

Tokenization refers to representing real-world assets such as stocks, bonds or bank deposits as digital tokens that can move across blockchain networks.

Supporters say tokenized assets could eventually reduce settlement times, lower costs and allow markets to operate around the clock.

Citi has been among the banks pushing that transition. Earlier this month, Citi joined several of the largest U.S. banks in announcing plans to develop a shared tokenized deposit network through The Clearing House by mid-2027. The system would convert traditional bank deposits into blockchain-based tokens while keeping funds inside the regulated banking system.