FINSEC secures regulatory approval to launch Zimbabwe’s first asset tokenisation market

STAFF WRITER The Financial Securities Exchange (FINSEC) has been granted regulatory approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SECZim) to operate an Asset Tokenisation Market under the Commission’s regulatory sandbox framework, marking a major milestone in the modernisation of Zimbabwe’s capital markets. The approval positions FINSEC as the first regulated market operator in Zimbabwe to offer a formal, supervised platform for the tokenisation of real-world assets, beginning with property and potentially expanding into other productive asset classes over time. Asset tokenisation is the process of converting rights or economic interests in physical assets into digital tokens that can be issued, held, traded, and settled on a regulated digital market infrastructure. Unlike cryptocurrencies, asset tokens are fully backed by identifiable underlying assets and are issued within established legal, custodial, and regulatory frameworks. According to FINSEC, the newly approved Tokenised Asset Market Infrastructure is designed to unlock liquidity from traditionally illiquid assets, lower barriers to investment through fractional ownership, and broaden participation in capital markets for both local and diaspora investors. “This approval by SECZim represents a critical step forward for Zimbabwe’s financial markets,” said FINSEC CEO Mr Collen Tapfumaneyi. “Asset tokenisation allows us to bring real economic assets—such as property and livestock—into a regulated digital marketplace where they can be transparently issued, traded, and settled, with strong investor protections in place,” he added. What the Asset Tokenisation Platform Entails Under the approved framework, FINSEC will operate a regulated platform that supports the full lifecycle of tokenised assets, including origination, due diligence, issuance, trading, settlement, custody, and reporting. FINSEC will utilise a secure, blockchain-enabled platform to record all token issuances and transactions, providing immutable audit trails, integrated compliance checks, and robust custodial controls. The platform will leverage smart contracts and programmable compliance to automate regulatory requirements while preserving strong investor protections and regulatory supervision. This approach enables real-time oversight by the regulator and allows market participants to operate with confidence in a transparent, tamper-resistant digital infrastructure. Focus on Real Assets and Investor Protection The first asset classes approved for tokenisation include income-generating and development property. Each tokenised offering will be backed by verifiable assets, independent valuations, insurance cover where applicable, and trustee or custodian oversight. Key features of the FINSEC tokenisation model include: • Fractional ownership, allowing investors to participate with lower minimum investment amounts • Transparent disclosures and regular performance reporting • Regulated secondary trading to provide liquidity • Escrow-based settlement and segregation of investor funds • Full KYC, AML, and investor suitability controls SECZim’s sandbox approval enables FINSEC to pilot these innovations under close regulatory supervision, ensuring that risks are identified and mitigated before broader market rollout. Expanding Access to Capital and Investment Opportunities For asset owners and issuers—such as property developers, farmers, and agribusiness operators—the platform offers an alternative capital-raising channel that complements traditional bank financing. For investors, it provides access to asset-backed investment opportunities that were previously out of reach due to high capital requirements or illiquidity. Market analysts view the approval as a significant step toward deepening Zimbabwe’s capital markets and channeling savings into productive sectors of the economy. The approval for FINSEC to operate an Asset Tokenisation Market signals regulators’ commitment to fostering responsible financial innovation while maintaining market integrity, investor protection, and financial stability. FINSEC is expected to launch its first pilot tokenised asset offerings in in due course, following finalisation of issuer on-boarding and investor education initiatives under the sandbox framework.

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FINSEC secures regulatory approval to launch Zimbabwe’s first asset tokenisation market

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