ZÜRICH, Feb. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sygnum, a global digital asset banking group; Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE), a leading global private markets investment management firm; and financial services firm Apex Group are expanding access to global private markets via new DLTⁱ-registered shares on the Polygon blockchain.

• Innovative approach aims to increase fund management efficiency and broaden investor access by automating and integrating traditionally separate functions
• First to feature new share-class will be Hamilton Lane’s Luxembourg based USD 3.8bn Global Private Assets (GPA) Fund which has an annual average performance growth of 14.6 percent since 2019
• DLT-registered share class enables significantly lower fund entry points – while retaining the full advantages of the GPA Fund’s traditional shares

Sygnum Bank, Hamilton Lane, and Apex Group today announce a cross industry project that expands global private market access to significantly larger and more diverse groups of qualified investors. Leveraging the power of the blockchain, the new DLT-registered share class automates and integrates traditionally separate fund management functions, increasing both accessibility and efficiency. The first fund to feature the new share class will be Hamilton Lane’s USD 3.8bn GPA Fund, which has an annual average performance growth of 14.6 percent and has outperformed the MSCI World Net Total Return Index (USD) by 4.44 percent since inception in 2019ⁱⁱ.

Leveraging Sygnum’s DLT solutions, the minimum investment has a significantly lower fund entry point than direct investments into traditional private markets’ evergreen funds. These DLT-registered shares will be available exclusively to Sygnum professional, institutional and corporate clientsⁱⁱⁱ.

The unique investment opportunity is the result of a strategic, cross-industry project underway for more than a year. Hamilton Lane, a leading global private markets investment firm with over USD 900bn in assets under management and supervision^iv, will serve as investment manager for the new offering. Apex Group, in its role as transfer agent and fund administrator (via Apex Fund Services regulated in Luxembourg), and FundRock-LRI, in its role as Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM), is leveraging Sygnum’s DLT solution to manage the on-chain share registry.

Victor Jung, Head of Digital Assets at Hamilton Lane, says “We strongly believe that tokenisation has the potential to transform the way investors gain access to the historically strong returns and performance opportunities within the private markets, and are delighted to announce this digital-native, institutional-grade offering with Sygnum and Apex. This joint initiative with the Swiss Private Wealth team underscores the region as a leading digital asset hub that we believe will serve as a catalyst for broader adoption within the banking and wealth management industry. We would like to invite the community to join us in this movement.”

Fatmire Bekiri, Sygnum Head of Tokenisation, says “The new DLT-registered share class in Hamilton Lane’s GPA Fund marks the first entry in Apex’s on-chain share register. This is a significant breakthrough in making private markets more broadly accessible and investible via DLT solutions. We are proud to join forces with other industry leaders like Hamilton Lane and Apex, and we look forward to this strategic partnership delivering a series of new and unique opportunities for investors, as well as heralding positive, blockchain-powered change for the industry.”

Bruce Jackson, CFA, Apex Group Chief of Digital Asset Funds and Business says “Hamilton Lane will raise new investor capital, while expanding direct access to their GPA Fund offering. Clients of Sygnum Bank now have access to a sophisticated alternative asset class, designed to achieve significant alpha through uncorrelated investment returns. Apex continues to meet its goal of increasing access for its clients’ alternative strategies and will continue to perfect its Framework Operating Model for the distribution of alternative asset funds using blockchain as the subscription, onboarding, operating, administration, and transfer agency platform.”

This unique investment opportunity is made possible by Sygnum’s expertise in leveraging the blockchain’s capabilities in a fully regulated environment. Novel project aspects include the “fractionalisation” of assets to enable smaller investment entry-points, streamlined compliance, the end-to-end automation of the on-chain share registry and transfer agent activities, as well as increased levels of transparency due to the open nature of DLT. This project is built on the Polygon blockchain.

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According to McKinsey^v, the +300% growth of global private markets fundraising between 2009 and 2022 was due to its consistent outperformance of public markets. However, the multi-million-dollar commitments that were typically required to participate in this high-growth market have, until now, limited private markets exposure for many in the broader investment community.

About Sygnum
Sygnum is a global digital asset banking group, founded on Swiss and Singapore heritage. We empower professional and institutional investors, banks, corporates and DLT foundations to invest in digital assets with complete trust. Our team enables this through our institutional-grade security, expert personal service and portfolio of regulated digital asset banking, asset management, tokenisation and B2B services. In Switzerland, Sygnum holds a banking licence and has CMS and Major Payment Institution Licences in Singapore. The group is also regulated in the established global financial hubs of Abu Dhabi and Luxembourg. We believe that the future has heritage. Our crypto-native team of banking, investment and digital asset technology professionals are building a trusted gateway between the traditional and digital asset economies that we call Future Finance. To learn more about how Sygnum’s mission and values are shaping this digital asset ecosystem, visit www.sygnum.com.

Sygnum media contact:
Dom Castley, Chief Marketing Officer
T: +41 58 508 21 01 
E: [email protected] 

Disclaimer: The information in this publication pertaining to Sygnum Bank AG (“Sygnum”) is for general information purposes only, as per date of publication and should not be considered exhaustive. This publication does not consider the financial situation of any natural or legal person, nor does it provide any tax, legal or investment advice. This publication does not constitute any advice or recommendation, an offer or invitation by or on behalf of Sygnum to purchase or sell any assets. When making an investment decision, you should either conduct your own research and analysis or seek advice from an expert. No elements of precontractual or contractual relationship are intended. While the information is believed to be from accurate and reliable sources, Sygnum makes no representation or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy of the information and Sygnum expressly disclaims any and all liability that may be based on such information, omissions, or errors thereof. If nothing is indicated to the contrary, all figures are unaudited. Any statements contained in this publication attributed to a third party represent Sygnum’s interpretation of the data, information and/or opinions provided by that third party either publicly or through a subscription service, and such use and interpretation have not been reviewed by the third party. Sygnum reserves the right to amend or replace the information, in part or entirely, at any time, and without any obligation to notify the recipient of such amendment / replacement or to provide the recipient with access to the information. Simultaneously, there is no obligation of Sygnum to inform recipients of information, if before provided information later becomes outdated, inaccurate or obsolete, unless otherwise provided by applicable law. The information provided is not intended for use by or distributed to any individual or legal entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to the law or regulatory provisions or in which Sygnum does not hold the necessary registration, approval authorization or license. Except as otherwise provided by Sygnum, it is not allowed to modify, copy, distribute or reproduce, display, license, or otherwise use any content for commercial purposes.

The information herein refers to products and services of Sygnum and therefore constitutes advertising according to Art. 68 of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”). Nonetheless, this document contains only general material and does not consider the financial situation of any natural or legal person, nor does it provide any tax, legal or investment advice. In particular, this publication does not constitute (i) any advice or recommendation, an offer or invitation by or on behalf of Sygnum to purchase or sell any assets; (ii) an inducement or incitement to participate in any product, offering or investment; (iii) a prospectus or key information document according to Swiss laws and regulations; nor shall it be construed as such. Where applicable, the full offering documentation of the products mentioned in this publication (such as for example the prospectus, offering memorandum, key information document (Basisinformationsblatt) may be obtained free of charge at Sygnum Bank AG, Uetlibergstrasse 134a, 8045 Zurich, Switzerland and/or by contacting us at https://www.sygnum.com/contact/. Some of the products mentioned in this publication might not qualify as units of a collective investment scheme according to the relevant provisions of the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (“CISA”), as amended, and are not licensed thereunder. Therefore, neither such products nor the issuer is governed by the CISA nor approved by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (“FINMA”). Accordingly, for such products investors do not have the benefit of the specific investor protection provided under the CISA. These materials and this publication are for distribution only under such circumstances as may be permitted by applicable laws. They are not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject Sygnum or its partners to any registration, licensing or other legal requirement within such jurisdiction.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no action has been or will be taken by Sygnum or its partners that would permit a public offering or a distribution of the products or possession or distribution of any offering material in relation to the products in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. No offers, sales, resales or deliveries of any products or distribution of any offering material relating to any products may be made in or from any jurisdiction except in circumstances which will result in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and which will not impose any obligation on Sygnum. Where applicable, if and to the extent Sygnum has registered its prospectus with a prospectus evaluation body or a regulatory authority, further reference regarding the applicable selling and transfer restrictions is made to such prospectus.

These materials may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements include, for example, the terms “believes”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “will” or “should” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Without prejudice to any requirements under applicable laws and regulations, Sygnum and each of the participating authorized participants expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in these materials to reflect any change in expectations thereof or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such forward-looking statement is based, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

These materials are not a complete statement of the markets and developments referred to herein. Where applicable, some figures may refer to past performances or simulated past performances and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Some figures may be forecasts only and forecasts are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investment decisions should always be taken in a portfolio context and make allowance for your personal situation and consequent risk appetite and risk tolerance. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information contained in these materials or its accuracy or completeness. None of the participating authorized offerors, authorized participants, or distributors or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in these materials (or whether any information has been omitted from them) or any other information relating to Sygnum or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of these materials or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

About Hamilton Lane
Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE) is one of the largest private markets investment firms globally, providing innovative solutions to institutional and private wealth investors around the world. Dedicated exclusively to private markets investing for more than 30 years, the firm currently employs nearly 700 professionals operating in offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Hamilton Lane has approximately $903 billion in assets under management and supervision, composed of $120 billion in discretionary assets and nearly $783 billion in non- discretionary assets, as of December 31, 2023. Hamilton Lane specializes in building flexible investment programs that provide clients access to the full spectrum of private markets strategies, sectors and geographies. For more information, please visit www.hamiltonlane.com or follow Hamilton Lane on LinkedIn.

Hamilton Lane media contact:
Immy Ransom,
Marketing and Communications Manager Europe
[email protected]

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Forward-Looking Statements: Some of the statements in this release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan” and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements discuss management’s current expectations and projections relating to our financial position, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. All forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause actual results to be materially different. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements in the context of the risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of Hamilton Lane’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 and subsequent reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date hereof. Hamilton Lane undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events, except as otherwise required by law.

About Apex Group
Apex Group Ltd., established in Bermuda in 2003, is a global financial services provider. With over 112 offices worldwide and 12,000+ employees in 45 countries, Apex Group delivers an expansive range of services to asset managers, financial institutions, private clients and family offices. The Group has continually improved and evolved its capabilities to offer a single-source solution through establishing the broadest range of services in the industry; including fund raising solutions, fund administration, digital onboarding and bank accounts, depositary, custody, super ManCo, corporate services and a pioneering ESG Ratings and Advisory solution. Apex Group’s purpose is to be more than just a financial services provider and is committed to driving positive change to address three core areas; the Environment and Climate Change, Women’s Empowerment and Economic Independence, Education and Social Mobility.

Apex Group media contact:
Chanel Townsend,
Head of Media Relations
[email protected]

Disclaimer: The material presented herein is for information purposes only. The views expressed herein are subject to change based on market and other conditions and factors. The opinions expressed herein reflect general perspectives and information and are not tailored to specific requirements, circumstances and / or investment philosophies. The information presented herein does not take into account any particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. It does not constitute investment research or investment, legal, or tax advice and it should not be relied on as such. It does not constitute any binding contractual arrangement or commitment of any kind. Apex is not, by virtue of providing the material presented herein or otherwise, undertaking to manage money or act as your fiduciary. You acknowledge and agree that the material presented herein is not intended to and does not, and shall not, serve as the primary basis of any investment decision. You should evaluate and assess this material independently in light of those circumstances. We encourage you to consult your tax or financial advisor. All material, including information from or attributed to Apex, has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. However, Apex makes no warranty of the accuracy or completeness of the information and Apex does not assume any responsibility for its accuracy, efficacy or use. Any information provided herein and obtained by Apex from third parties has not been reviewed for accuracy.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, this information is provided “as is” at your sole risk and neither Apex nor any of its affiliates or third party provider makes any guarantee, representation, or warranty of any kind regarding such information. Apex and its affiliates and third party providers disclaim any warranty and all liability, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, for any losses, liabilities, damages, expenses or costs, either direct, indirect, consequential, special or punitive, arising from or in connection with your access to and/or use of the information herein. Neither Apex nor any of its affiliated or third party providers shall have any liability, monetary or otherwise, to you or any other person or entity in the event the information presented herein produces incorrect, invalid or detrimental result. No permission is granted to modify any material herein, in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of Apex, which may be withheld in Apex’s sole discretion. Corporate Services and Private Client services are provided by Apex Financial Services (Jersey) Limited (registered in Jersey No. 92185) and some of its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates which are licensed and regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission for the conduct of Trust Company Business &/or Fund Services Business. Registered office: 12 Castle Street, St Helier, Jersey JE2 3RT. Apex Financial Services is a trading name of Apex Financial Services (Corporate) Limited which is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission for the conduct of Trust Company Business and Fund Services Business, and as a permit holder pursuant to the Collective Investment Funds (Jersey) Law 1988. Apex Group Ltd., Vallis Building, 4th Floor, 58 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM11, Bermuda

ⁱ Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) stores data on decentralised databases; blockchain a common type of DLT
ⁱⁱ Global Private Assets Fund | Hamilton Lane
ⁱⁱⁱ Sygnum operates solely on a reverse solicitation basis outside Switzerland
^iv As of December 31, 2023
^v McKinsey and Company: Global Private Markets review 2023

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