Frankfurt based digital exchange startup 21X – which late last year received the first ever license to operate an EU-regulated venue for the trading and settlement of tokenized securities – and Zühlke, a global innovation and transformation partner, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the adoption of tokenized securities trading among institutional clients.
This collaboration leverages 21X’s groundbreaking DLT trading and settlement system (DLT TSS) and Zühlke’s deep expertise in financial technology and digital asset ecosystem to enable banks, brokers, financial institutions, custodians, and stablecoin providers to seamlessly integrate with 21X. Under the agreement, Zühlke will serve as an official implementation partner of 21X, providing consulting and technical integration services to facilitate client onboarding and optimization of their trading experience.
The parties said that the strategic partnership will facilitate the introduction of clients and partners across both organizations, encompassing issuers, asset managers, market makers, and stablecoin issuers, thereby expanding market reach for all involved. Zühlke is also supporting 21X clients with the IT architecture and order management and accounting systems to facilitate seamless processes for on-chain trading. Additionally, Zühlke’s clients will be able to admit DLT financial instruments for trading on the 21X platform, streamlining their access to this innovative market.
Finally, to provide a clear understanding of the operational and strategic advantages of on-chain trading for institutional clients, 21X and Zühlke will work together to create proof-of-concept programs that illustrate real-world applications tailored to specific institutional use cases.
Max Heinzle, CEO of 21X, stated,
“Recognizing the rapid onboarding demands of our institutional partners, we have strategically aligned with Zühlke to support the swift expansion of our market infrastructure ecosystem. Their deep understanding of blockchain technology, combined with their established expertise in the financial sector, provides us with the confidence that they will meet these demands effectively.”
Stefan Grasmann, Chief of Blockchain at Zühlke, said,
“We are excited to partner with 21X and contribute to the growth of the tokenized securities market. But this is more than a collaboration; it’s a catalyst, allowing companies to effectively bridge the chasm between traditional finance and the dynamic digital asset ecosystem. Our combined expertise will provide clients with a seamless and compliant pathway to the world of on-chain trading and settlement.”
The partnership will initially focus on European financial sector companies, with longer-term plans to expand globally as and where both businesses see significant market opportunities.
About 21X
21X is a Frankfurt-based financial institution at the forefront of revolutionizing capital markets through the use of blockchain technology. In December 2024, 21X secured a license to operate its groundbreaking distributed ledger technology trading and settlement system (DLT TSS) a milestone that places the company as a leader in the transition to digital finance. The company is ideally positioned to enable smart contract-based issuance, trading and settlement of tokenized stocks, bonds and funds.
About Zühlke
Zühlke is a global transformation partner, with engineering and innovation in our DNA. We’re trusted to help clients envision and build their businesses for the future – to run smarter today while adapting for tomorrow’s markets, customers, and communities. Our multidisciplinary teams specialise in tech strategy and business innovation, digital solutions and applications, and device and systems engineering. We excel in complex, regulated spaces including health and finance, connecting strategy, tech implementation, and operational services to help clients become more effective, resilient businesses. Founded in Switzerland in 1968, Zühlke is owned by its partners and located across Europe and Asia. Our venture capital arm, Zühlke Ventures, provides start-up financing in HealthTech.
