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Hamilton Lane, Sygnum, and Apex Group: Transforming Private Markets Through Tokenization 

Use Cases Tokenization


Hamilton Lane, in collaboration with Sygnum Bank (Sygnum) and Apex Group (Apex), is revolutionizing access to private markets through the launch of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) share classes within Hamilton Lane’s Global Private Assets Fund (GPA). This groundbreaking initiative simplifies investing in private markets, reduces barriers to entry, and enhances transparency, marking a significant leap forward in future finance. 

Fund information

Unlocking Private Market Opportunities Through Tokenization 

Hamilton Lane, a leading global private markets investment firm with over 32 years of experience and more than $900 billion (as of September 30, 2024) in assets under management and supervision, has partnered with Sygnum and Apex Group to bring private market assets on-chain. By leveraging blockchain technology, this initiative redefines how investors access the traditionally robust returns and diversification potential of private markets.  

Key Collaborators: 

  • Hamilton Lane: Designed the GPA fund to provide diversified exposure to private equity and private credit with flexibility for investors. 
  • Apex Group: Delivered fund administration and acted as transfer agent, managing the on-chain share register through Sygnum’s regulated tokenization platform, Desygnate. 
  • Sygnum Bank: Provided tokenization expertise and Banking Services through its regulated Desygnate platform, ensuring a seamless digital investment process. 

Addressing Traditional Barriers in Private Market Investing 

Private markets have historically been accessible only via high minimum investment requirements and extended lockup periods. Hamilton Lane’s DLT-share class addresses these challenges with: 

  • Diversified Exposure: A single allocation that provides exposure to direct private equity, direct private credit, and secondary investments.  
  • Monthly Liquidity: Flexible subscription and redemption options. 
  • Lower Minimum Investment: Reduced to CHF 1,000, significantly lowering the barrier to entry. 

The introduction of DLT share classes takes these benefits further by offering a fully digital, streamlined investment process. 

How DLT Share Classes Enhance Accessibility 

Launched in February 2024, the DLT share classes provide direct access to private market assets. This setup simplifies the process, reduces costs, and introduces blockchain-enabled benefits such as: 

  • Simplified Subscription Process

The subscription process is simplified through entirely digital onboarding via Sygnum’s e-banking platform. Investors benefit from automated documentation, making the process efficient and user-friendly. Compared to traditional workflows, this approach requires fewer steps and enables faster completion, ensuring a seamless investment experience. 

  • Automated Capital Flow

The capital flow is fully automated, ensuring both security and efficiency. Subscription funds are securely held in escrow until tokens are minted, while redemptions are processed by burning tokens and automatically transferring proceeds to investors. This approach reduces administrative burdens and improves process speed. 

  • Enhanced Transparency

The real-time visibility into investments is supported by blockchain’s immutability. Built on Polygon blockchain, Sygnum’s Desygnate platform ensures secure and reliable operations. 

A Collaborative Vision for Future Finance 

This initiative reflects the combined expertise of three leaders: Hamilton Lane pioneers advancements in fund design, broadening access to private markets, with Sygnum  delivering cutting-edge tokenization and digital asset banking services, while Apex Group ensures seamless fund administration and operational excellence Together, we’ve created a robust framework that complies with regulatory requirements while offering a superior investor experience. 

A New Era of Private Market Investing

Hamilton Lane’s GPA fund with DLT-registered shares provides a compelling entry point into private markets for a broader audience. The initiative delivers: 

Leading the Transformation of Private Markets

By combining blockchain technology with traditional investment structures, Hamilton Lane, Sygnum, and Apex Group are setting a benchmark for the future of private market investing. This collaboration not only democratizes access to private markets but also establishes a streamlined, inclusive, and efficient investment model. 

Together we are leading the evolution of private markets, paving the way for broader adoption of tokenization and digital asset technology across global financial markets. 

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