Matrixport Teams Up with HKUST to Advance RWA Tokenisation Research

Matrixport, a global leader in cryptocurrency financial services, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Institute for Finance Research to advance research in digital assets and real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation. The collaboration is anchored by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and it aims to address key challenges in fintech ecosystems while supporting the sustainable growth of tokenised finance both locally and globally [1].

The research will focus on XAUm, a physical gold-backed token issued by Matrixdock, Matrixport’s RWA tokenisation platform. The two institutions will jointly explore the global adoption and distribution of tokenised gold products, with particular attention to user behaviour, market access mechanisms, and channel strategies. The initiative also seeks to evaluate the role of gold-based RWA assets in portfolio construction, macroeconomic hedging, and financial system resilience, offering insights that bridge digital and traditional finance [1].

In addition, the partnership will investigate on-chain RWA data analytics and visualisation, examining asset flows, transaction architectures, and decentralised lending behaviours. The goal is to uncover structural dynamics between blockchain-based systems and traditional finance. This includes developing intelligent monitoring systems, optimising market dynamics tracking models, and innovating risk modelling frameworks to enhance institutional investors’ understanding of digital asset markets and improve risk management strategies [1].

John Ge, CEO of Matrixport, highlighted the significance of RWA tokenisation in addressing fundamental issues of asset transparency and liquidity. He noted that the collaboration represents more than just a convergence of industry and academic expertise; it reflects a broader integration of industry, academia, and research to shape the future of tokenised finance. The partnership is expected to set a new benchmark in the RWA sector and drive innovation in Hong Kong’s financial ecosystem [1].

Bo Tang, Head of the HKUST Institute for Finance Research, stated that tokenisation is redefining traditional financial operations. The collaboration aims to leverage academic and industry strengths to explore how blockchain can enhance liquidity, transparency, and accessibility. The research will combine academic rigor with practical guidance to contribute to the development of the RWA market and foster a more open and inclusive digital financial ecosystem [1].

Matrixport is a pioneer in the RWA tokenisation space. Through its platform Matrixdock, it was the first in Asia to launch a tokenised U.S. Treasury product—STBT—and later introduced XAUm in late 2024. XAUm has since become one of the top three gold tokens by on-chain adoption globally. As the research collaboration with HKUST Institute for Finance Research progresses, XAUm is expected to serve as a benchmark for tokenised gold products and a reference model for the tokenisation of other precious metals [1].

Founded in 2019, Matrixport offers a comprehensive range of crypto financial services, including trading, investment, lending, custody, and RWA. With $6 billion in AUM, the firm provides tailored solutions designed for optimal capital efficiency and sustainable returns. It holds multiple regulatory licenses across Hong Kong, the U.S., the U.K., Switzerland, and Singapore, and is recognized as a fintech unicorn by leading industry rankings [1].

Matrixdock, Matrixport’s dedicated RWA platform, has already made notable contributions in the tokenisation space. It introduced the first tokenised short-term treasury bill product in Asia and received the Ecosystem Excellence TADS Award in 2023. In 2024, it launched XAUm, a tokenised gold product backed by 99.99% purity gold and linked to LBMA-accredited gold [1].

The HKUST Institute for Finance Research is committed to addressing critical economic and social issues through interdisciplinary collaboration. Its research themes include technological innovations, environmental and social responsibility, wealth management, and macro-finance and geo-economics. The institute aims to create an international platform that fosters communication, supports cutting-edge research, and informs industry and policy decisions [1].

The collaboration between Matrixport and the HKUST Institute for Finance Research underscores the growing importance of RWA tokenisation in reshaping global finance. By combining academic insights with industry innovation, the partnership aims to drive sustainable growth and lay the foundation for a more integrated financial future [1].

Source: [1] Matrixport and the HKUST Institute for Finance Research Forge Strategic Partnership To Drive RWA Tokenisation (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/689daa59cd503f0cdaa22643/)