Hex Trust Adds Institutional Custody for Tokenized Uranium on Etherlink

Digital asset custody provider Hex Trust has expanded its institutional custody services to include xU3O8, a tokenized uranium asset issued on the Etherlink blockchain, a layer 2 solution built on Tezos. This integration allows institutional clients to securely hold and manage tokenized uranium, which represents physical uranium (U3O8), the refined product of mined uranium ore. xU3O8 is supported by uranium trading firm Curzon and is listed on the UK-regulated exchange Archax, offering a transparent and accessible alternative for investing in a historically restricted commodity [1].

The move is part of Hex Trust’s broader strategy to tokenize real-world assets (RWA) and bring them onto blockchain networks. The firm has partnered with Trilitech, Etherlink’s developer and the research and development hub for Tezos, to facilitate the integration and connect institutional clients to xU3O8 and other Etherlink-based assets [2]. Giorgia Pellizzari, head of custody at Hex Trust, noted that tokenized commodities like uranium are gaining traction as more real-world assets move onto the blockchain, reflecting growing institutional interest in digital representations of physical commodities [3].

Uranium, traditionally a complex and opaque asset class, has faced challenges related to regulatory restrictions, limited liquidity, and lack of pricing transparency. Ben Elvidge, head of commercial applications at Trilitech, described uranium as a “perfect fit” for tokenization, emphasizing how blockchain technology can improve market access and price discovery for the asset [4]. Hex Trust’s role as a licensed custodian is considered a critical factor in enabling institutional investors to engage with tokenized uranium in a secure and compliant manner.

The xU3O8 token is part of a broader effort to tokenize physical commodities and integrate them into the digital asset ecosystem. Earlier this year, Uranium.io, the first decentralized application for uranium trading, launched on Tezos in collaboration with Curzon and Archax. The platform aims to lower entry barriers for retail investors, who previously had limited exposure to uranium through ETFs or over-the-counter markets requiring large minimum investments [5].

Hex Trust’s expansion into uranium custody reflects a growing trend in the tokenization of real-world assets. The firm is licensed in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and Italy, and received in-principle approval for a major payment institution license in Singapore last year, highlighting its focus on regulatory compliance and institutional-grade services [6]. By offering secure custody for tokenized uranium, Hex Trust is positioning itself at the intersection of institutional finance and blockchain innovation, helping to bridge the gap between traditional commodity markets and digital infrastructure.

Sources:

[1] Cointelegraph (https://cointelegraph.com/news/hex-trust-adds-institutional-custody-tokenized-uranium-tezos-etherlink)

[2] AInvest (https://www.ainvest.com/news/hex-trust-expands-custody-tokenized-uranium-etherlink-2508/)

[3] FinanceFeeds (https://financefeeds.com/hex-trust-integrates-etherlink-adds-custody-for-tokenized-uranium-asset-xu3o8/)

[4] The Asset (https://www.theasset.com/article/54645/hex-trust-enables-xu3o8-tokenized-uranium-custody)

[6] MPost (https://mpost.io/re-expands-institutional-offerings-on-avalanche-with-new-reinsurance-yield-products-and-rewards/)