CMB International, DigiFT, and Plume Launch Asia’s First Regulated On-Chain Money Market Fund

In a landmark achievement for the financial industry, CMB International Asset Management (CMBI AM), DigiFT, and Plume have jointly launched the first blockchain-based money market fund to receive dual regulatory approval from authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore. This groundbreaking initiative signals a significant step forward in integrating traditional finance with blockchain technology while maintaining compliance with stringent regulatory standards. 

The fund, tokenized by CMBI AM—a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Merchants Bank—represents a USD-denominated money market fund deployed across multiple public blockchains, including Plume’s infrastructure. By leveraging blockchain technology, the fund aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in fund management, streamlining processes such as settlement and reporting. This innovative approach offers investors a secure and accessible way to participate in money market investments, bridging the gap between decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional financial systems.

CMB International is a leading investment bank headquartered in Hong Kong, specializing in asset management, securities trading, and investment banking services. DigiFT, based in Singapore, is a blockchain-powered financial technology company focused on DeFi solutions for institutional investors. Plume, also headquartered in Singapore, provides blockchain-based tools and services to facilitate secure and efficient financial transactions. Together, these entities have created a blueprint for next-generation capital markets.

The fund is distributed via DigiFT, a licensed trading platform regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), with technical integration provided by OnChain, a technology service provider specializing in Real World Assets (RWA) solutions. This collaboration connects two of Asia's most prominent financial hubs, establishing a compliant framework for cross-border investments that can reach diverse investor groups.

The dual regulatory approval from Hong Kong and Singapore highlights the increasing recognition of blockchain technology in traditional financial markets. Both jurisdictions are working to position themselves as global hubs for digital assets, with Hong Kong recently introducing a licensing framework for stablecoin issuers and Singapore fostering innovation through fintech-friendly policies.

Plume emphasized the significance of this achievement as evidence that regulated, institutional-grade financial products can thrive on public blockchain networks. The company envisions a future where regulated assets exist on public blockchains, accessible globally without compromising compliance or investor protection. This milestone sets the stage for cross-border recognition, multi-chain deployment, seamless fiat and stablecoin transfers, and on-chain liquidity management.

The launch comes amid growing interest in blockchain-based financial products worldwide. Over the past year, major financial institutions have increasingly explored tokenized assets and blockchain-based funds to improve efficiency and reduce costs. For instance, JPMorgan Chase launched its blockchain collateral settlement platform, while BlackRock expressed interest in tokenized securities. These developments reflect growing confidence in blockchain technology’s ability to enhance transparency and operational efficiency in financial markets.