What is Citi's new tokenised private shares marketplace?

Citi is launching a blockchain-based marketplace that allows investors to buy tokenised depositary receipts linked to private company shares. The platform is designed to provide exposure to pre-IPO companies through digital assets issued by Citi.

How does Citi's tokenised private shares platform work?

The platform uses tokenised depositary receipts that represent ownership interests in private companies. These digital assets can be held and managed alongside traditional investments, creating a more integrated investment experience.

Who can invest through Citi's tokenised marketplace?

The marketplace will initially be available to non-US investors. Citi plans to expand access to US investors at a later stage, subject to regulatory and operational requirements.

Why is Citi using blockchain for private company shares?

Citi believes blockchain technology can make private market investing more transparent and efficient. The bank argues that tokenised assets may offer a clearer alternative to special-purpose vehicles, which are commonly used to access private companies but can be complex and opaque.

What are tokenised depositary receipts?

Tokenised depositary receipts are blockchain-based digital assets issued by a financial institution that represent ownership interests in underlying shares. In Citi's case, they provide exposure to private company equity through a regulated structure.

Why are investors interested in private companies before IPOs?

Many companies are staying private for longer and generating a significant portion of their growth before listing on public exchanges. Investors increasingly want access to these earlier growth stages rather than waiting for an IPO.

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Citi launches tokenised private shares marketplace

Written by Brie CarterPublished Jun 12, 2026, 3:24 AM

Citigroup is launching a blockchain-based marketplace for private company shares, giving institutional and wealthy investors a new way to gain exposure to pre-IPO firms through tokenised assets.

The platform will offer tokenised depositary receipts issued by Citi that represent ownership interests in private companies, with access initially limited to foreign investors before expanding to the United States.

“The initiative allows investors to invest in private company shares right next to their Apple stock,”

Said Citi digital asset executive, Artem Korenyuk.

Citi said tokenised depositary receipts could provide a more transparent alternative to special-purpose vehicles, which have become a common route for investors seeking access to private companies before they go public.

The marketplace infrastructure will be operated by SIX Digital Exchange, a subsidiary of Swiss stock exchange operator SIX Group, while Citi is already in discussions with several large private companies about listing their shares on the platform.

The launch comes as interest in private markets continues to grow, with PitchBook data cited by the American Investment Council showing private equity outperformed the S&P 500 across five-, 10-, 15- and 20-year investment periods.

Demand for private company exposure has intensified ahead of major listings, with reports indicating retail investors have submitted more than $70 billion in orders for SpaceX's upcoming initial public offering as investors seek access to high-growth companies before and after they reach public markets.