Peter Hughes on digital infrastructure in 2026
Financial markets are entering a phase where digital infrastructure is no longer an experiment or a differentiator. It is becoming core to how capital is formed, valued, transferred, distributed, and safeguarded. Tokenisation, stable digital money, and interoperable market infrastructure are converging to reshape liquidity, valuation, and access across public and private markets. The institutions that succeed will be those that move decisively from proof of concept to a cohesive, scaled, trusted execution.
Tokenised money market funds move into the mainstream
Tokenised money market funds have moved beyond concept. They are now a practical solution for investors and institutions. We have seen firsthand how these products combine the reliability of traditional cash with blockchain’s advantages to offer stability, efficiency, and transparency.
For asset managers and allocators, tokenised formats open the door to faster settlements and broader access, all within regulatory boundaries. These structures serve as the foundation for innovative liquidity models as intraday capital movement and real-time reporting become essential.
More frequent valuation and liquidity through tokenised fund formats
Tokenisation is reshaping how assets are valued and traded, shifting us from infrequent snapshots to real-time, data-driven insights. This change not only enhances price discovery but also enables the development of secondary market activity alongside traditional subscription and redemption cycles.
Tokenised formats also facilitate peer-to-peer transferability, fractional ownership, and faster settlement, empowering investors to manage liquidity more proactively without heightening operational risk. With these advances, we are unlocking access to previously inaccessible asset classes, supporting capital efficiency, and unlocking liquidity.
Building interoperability across stablecoin and fiat currencies
A critical enabler of digital markets at scale is interoperability: the ability to move value seamlessly between tokenised assets, stablecoins, and traditional fiat currencies. In 2026, digital money will transform settlement and cross-border transactions, enhancing speed and transparency.
Rather than replacing existing systems, interoperability connects them, bridging on-chain and off-chain worlds while keeping compliance and resilience strong. As we span these worlds, we are cultivating more efficient capital markets and driving the next phase of digital asset adoption.
The Apex Digital 3.0 marketplace
The launch of Apex Digital 3.0 represents a significant milestone in delivering the kind of connected market infrastructure that clients are increasingly seeking. Apex Digital 3.0 has been carefully engineered to bridge traditional and blockchain-based finance at scale, supporting tokenised issuance, administration, custody, settlement, and reporting within a single, integrated ecosystem.
By combining institutional-grade governance with scalable digital architecture, we are empowering our clients to participate in tokenised markets without compromising on compliance, transparency, or control. This is also good news for families looking to transfer wealth through incremental distribution, removing the settlement and liquidity constraints that have historically limited access.
Looking ahead to 2026, our expansive distribution networks will be pivotal in helping asset managers grow their assets. By seamlessly connecting innovative products with a diverse investor base, we will accelerate access and engagement, supporting asset managers as they navigate a rapidly evolving capital markets landscape and capitalise on new opportunities for growth.
2026 will be defined by execution
Tokenisation, digital cash, and interoperable infrastructure are no longer distant ideas, they’re quickly becoming the operating model for global financial markets. Our focus remains on enabling our clients to adopt these capabilities safely and at scale, enhancing liquidity, and efficiency.
The infrastructure we are building today will define how capital moves tomorrow; 2026 will be the year when this vision becomes reality on a truly global scale.
