Alexis Nikolaou, CEO of KRESTON ITH DIGITAL ASSETS LTD, expressed the view that tokenisation has already moved from theory to practice and is transforming how investment products are issued, held, and traded.
Speaking at the Digital Assets and the Future of Finance Summit 2026, presented by ECOMMBX, Nikolaou analyzed how tokenisation is reshaping private markets by turning traditionally illiquid assets into investment products with greater accessibility, transparency, and efficiency.
During his speech, he stated: “Tokenisation is no longer a technological experiment or a future concept. The necessary infrastructure already exists, the regulatory framework is becoming increasingly clear, and the real question is no longer whether it will affect capital markets, but who will move early enough to seize the opportunities it creates.”
As he explained, tokenisation does not refer to creating a new category of assets, but rather to a more efficient way of representing existing rights through technology. He further emphasized that when tokens represent shares, bonds, units of investment funds, or other financial instruments, the existing EU capital markets regulatory framework applies, not MiCA.
He also noted: “Cyprus already has more foundations for the development of tokenisation than many realize. It has the European regulatory framework, a mature ecosystem of investment companies, payment institutions, funds, legal and audit services, as well as a strategic geographic location connecting it with Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The country does not need to create a new ecosystem; it needs to expand the one it already has.”
Nikolaou also referred to the international momentum of the market, noting that major institutions such as BlackRock, JPMorgan, and Franklin Templeton are already investing in tokenisation infrastructure, while the market is accelerating rapidly, turning assets such as real estate, private investment funds, and bonds into more accessible and flexible investment options.
In conclusion, he emphasized: “Tokenisation is already reshaping global capital markets. Cyprus has the regulation, expertise, infrastructure, and geographic position to meaningfully participate in this transition. However, the advantage will belong to organizations and professionals who gain expertise early and contribute to shaping the next generation of financial infrastructures.”
