UBS Launches Ethereum-Based Tokenized Fund “uMINT”

UBS, the world’s largest private bank, has taken a major step into digital finance by launching the UBS USD Money Market Investment Fund Token, or “uMINT.” Built on the Ethereum blockchain, this new tokenized fund combines traditional banking with digital asset innovation, marking an important move for UBS in the financial industry.

Could this be a major turning point? Let’s explore.

Meeting Growing Demand with uMINT

Announced on November 1, uMINT reflects UBS’s dedication to meeting the growing interest in digital assets, especially through tokenized investments. This new fund provides UBS clients with a secure and straightforward option for managing their cash investments, all within a low-risk framework.

According to Thomas Kaegi, Co-Head of UBS Asset Management in Asia Pacific, more investors are eager to explore digital assets, prompting UBS to work closely with regulators and partners worldwide to create a safe and innovative solution.

A Milestone for Digital Finance!

This move has generated excitement in the digital finance world. Crypto commentator Mario Nawfal’s Roundtable celebrated the launch, calling it “like putting Ethereum into traditional finance.” 

With UBS and other major banks adopting blockchain, confidence is growing that tokenized assets could soon become more mainstream.

UBS’s Broader Strategy for Digital Assets

uMINT is just one part of UBS’s digital finance plan. Recently, the bank launched UBS Tokenize, an internal service for managing digital assets. In October 2023, UBS trialed a tokenized money market fund on Ethereum to test UBS Tokenize’s capabilities for handling all steps of an asset’s lifecycle, from issuing to managing, making digital finance simpler and more accessible for clients.

UBS has also joined Singapore’s Project Guardian, a government-backed initiative focused on exploring digital finance solutions.

Ethereum Leading in Real-World Asset Tokenization

Ethereum is fast becoming a top platform for real-world asset tokenization, currently holding over $3 billion in tokenized assets. Excluding private credit, assets on Ethereum’s blockchain are valued at around $3.9 billion, with U.S. Treasury debt making up the largest share.

In the past month, tokenized assets on Ethereum have grown by nearly 4%. BlackRock’s $BUIDL, backed by U.S. Treasuries, leads with over $523 million in value, followed by Franklin Templeton’s $FOBXX at around $408 million.

Ethereum’s role in digital finance is rapidly expanding, positioning it as a major platform for tokenizing real-world assets.