The world of finance is undergoing a transformative shift, and one recent milestone underscores the growing momentum behind blockchain-based financial instruments. In a landmark achievement, the first tokenised bond issued through Bitfinex Securities has successfully raised $5.2 million in USDt, marking a pivotal moment in the convergence of traditional finance and digital asset innovation.
This groundbreaking issuance—known as ALT2612—was conducted by ALTERNATIVE, a Luxembourg-based securitisation fund managed by Mikro Kapital, a leading name in the microfinancing sector. The bond represents not only one of the world’s earliest tokenised bonds but also the first in the microcredit industry, setting a new precedent for how capital can be mobilised efficiently and transparently across global markets.
A New Era in Microfinance and Capital Raising
ALT2612 is a 36-month fixed-income instrument offering a 10% annual coupon, fully denominated in Tether’s USD-pegged stablecoin (USDt). Its successful closure reflects strong investor confidence in both the issuing entity and the underlying technology enabling this new form of fundraising.
Mikro Kapital brings decades of experience in conventional bond markets and manages a diversified lending portfolio spanning 300,000 borrowers across 14 emerging-market countries, with total assets exceeding 1 billion euros. By leveraging blockchain technology through Bitfinex Securities, Mikro Kapital has taken a bold step toward modernising access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs worldwide.
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Why Tokenisation Matters
Tokenising financial assets like bonds unlocks several key advantages:
- Faster settlement times compared to traditional clearing systems
- Greater liquidity through peer-to-peer trading capabilities
- Lower issuance costs due to automated compliance and reduced intermediaries
- Enhanced transparency via immutable ledger records
The ALT2612 bond was issued on the Liquid Network, a Bitcoin sidechain specifically designed for regulated asset tokenisation. This infrastructure allows for critical features such as transfer restrictions, whitelist enforcement, and KYC/AML compliance, ensuring that issuers meet regulatory standards while still empowering investors with self-custody options.
Investors can now hold, withdraw, or trade their tokenised securities securely—without relying solely on centralised platforms. This balance between regulation and decentralisation is proving essential for institutional adoption.
Strategic Collaboration Driving Innovation
Earlier in 2023, Mikro Kapital and Bitfinex Securities formalised a strategic partnership to explore broader applications of asset tokenisation in microfinance. This includes integrating USDt and EURt (Euro-backed Tether) into lending and investment operations, aiming to streamline cross-border transactions and reduce dependency on volatile local currencies.
Jesse Knutson, Head of Operations at Bitfinex Securities, hailed the issuance as a proof of concept that validates the platform’s capabilities:
“This successful issuance demonstrates what’s possible when innovation meets real-world financial needs. Our collaboration with Mikro Kapital proves that tokenised securities can deliver value today—not just in theory, but in practice.”
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether and CTO of Bitfinex Securities, emphasized the broader implications:
“This isn’t just about raising funds—it’s about bridging two worlds: traditional finance and crypto-native investors. We’re building bridges based on trust, compliance, and high-quality assets. Mikro Kapital’s vision aligns perfectly with our mission to expand the utility of digital currencies in impactful sectors.”
Vincenzo Trani, President and Founder of Mikro Kapital, credited Bitfinex Securities’ technical support and investor network for the bond’s success:
“Being pioneers in bringing cryptocurrency to microfinance allows us to respond faster and more efficiently to the needs of small entrepreneurs who drive local economies.”
Regulatory Compliance Meets Technological Innovation
One of the most significant aspects of this issuance is its adherence to regulatory frameworks. Bitfinex Securities operates under licenses granted by the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and El Salvador’s Digital Asset regime, making it one of the first globally compliant platforms for tokenised securities.
These dual jurisdictions provide a robust legal foundation for cross-border offerings while maintaining alignment with international financial standards. For investors, this means greater assurance regarding asset ownership, custody rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Core Keywords Driving Visibility:
- Tokenised bond
- USDt
- Bitfinex Securities
- Microfinancing
- Asset tokenisation
- Stablecoin investment
- Liquid Network
- Blockchain finance
These terms naturally reflect user search intent around digital securities, crypto-backed bonds, and fintech innovation—ensuring strong SEO performance without compromising readability.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a tokenised bond?
A: A tokenised bond is a digital representation of a traditional debt instrument issued on a blockchain. It provides the same economic rights—such as interest payments and principal repayment—but with added benefits like faster settlement, programmable features, and improved liquidity.
Q: How does USDt differ from traditional fiat currency in bond issuances?
A: USDt (Tether) is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. When used in bond issuances, it enables instant cross-border payments, reduces counterparty risk, and allows for seamless integration with blockchain-based smart contracts.
Q: Is investing in tokenised securities safe?
A: Yes, when issued through regulated platforms like Bitfinex Securities. These offerings comply with KYC/AML protocols, enforce investor whitelisting, and operate within licensed frameworks to protect participants.
Q: Can I trade tokenised bonds peer-to-peer?
A: On compatible networks like Liquid, accredited investors can transfer or trade tokenised securities directly, provided they meet eligibility requirements enforced through cryptographic whitelists.
Q: Why use blockchain for microfinance bonds?
A: Blockchain increases efficiency, reduces operational costs, enhances transparency, and opens access to a global pool of investors—critical advantages for scaling impact-driven finance initiatives.
Q: What role does Tether play in this ecosystem?
A: As a widely adopted stablecoin issuer, Tether provides the digital dollar infrastructure that enables frictionless funding, settlement, and yield generation across borders—especially valuable in regions with limited banking access.
The Road Ahead
The success of ALT2612 signals growing demand for hybrid financial products that combine the reliability of traditional securities with the agility of blockchain technology. With plans for future tokenised issuances already underway, Mikro Kapital and Bitfinex Securities are positioned to lead further innovation in inclusive finance.
As more institutions recognise the potential of asset tokenisation, we can expect increased adoption across private equity, real estate, commodities, and beyond. The fusion of regulated finance and decentralised infrastructure is no longer futuristic—it’s happening now.
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