21X and Zühlke form a strategic partnership to accelerate institutional adoption of tokenized securities trading. Zühlke will provide consulting and technical integration services for 21X’s licensed DLT trading and settlement system, supporting client onboarding and system optimisation. The collaboration focuses on European financial institutions, expanding market reach and developing proof-of-concept programmes for on-chain trading use cases.
21X, a Frankfurt-based pioneer and the first licensed distributed ledger technology trading and settlement system (DLT TSS) operator in Europe, announces a strategic partnership with Zühlke, a global innovation and transformation firm. This alliance aims to accelerate the adoption of tokenized securities trading within the institutional sector, offering new opportunities for banks, brokers, custodians, and other financial market participants.
The partnership combines 21X’s advanced blockchain-based trading infrastructure with Zühlke’s expertise in financial technology and digital asset ecosystems. Zühlke will act as an official implementation partner of 21X, delivering consulting and technical integration services to ease client onboarding and improve the trading experience on the platform.
Zühlke supports 21X clients by developing IT architecture and integrating order management and accounting systems, ensuring streamlined processes for on-chain securities trading. Furthermore, clients of Zühlke will gain the ability to admit distributed ledger technology (DLT) financial instruments for trading directly on 21X’s platform, facilitating broader access to digital markets.
Expanding market reach through mutual client networks
The partnership facilitates introductions between the client bases and partners of both organisations. This network includes issuers, asset managers, market makers, and stablecoin providers. By expanding the market reach of both companies, the collaboration encourages growth in the adoption of tokenized assets.
To demonstrate the operational and strategic benefits of on-chain trading for institutional clients, 21X and Zühlke plan to develop proof-of-concept programmes. These will showcase real-world applications, customised to specific institutional use cases, providing practical insights and facilitating adoption.
The initial scope of the partnership targets companies within the European financial sector. Both 21X and Zühlke intend to evaluate global expansion opportunities as market demand and strategic considerations develop.
Leadership perspectives on the partnership
Max Heinzle, CEO of 21X, comments on the collaboration:
“Recognising the rapid onboarding demands of our institutional partners, we have strategically aligned with Zühlke to support the swift expansion of our market infrastructure ecosystem. Their deep understanding of blockchain technology, combined with their established expertise in the financial sector, provides us with the confidence that they will meet these demands effectively.”
Stefan Grasmann, Chief of Blockchain at Zühlke, adds:
“We are excited to partner with 21X and contribute to the growth of the tokenized securities market. But this is more than a collaboration; it’s a catalyst, allowing companies to effectively bridge the chasm between traditional finance and the dynamic digital asset ecosystem. Our combined expertise will provide clients with a seamless and compliant pathway to the world of on-chain trading and settlement.”
About 21X
Founded in Frankfurt, 21X is positioned as a leading financial institution in the digital transformation of capital markets. In December 2024, it secured a licence to operate its distributed ledger technology trading and settlement system, marking a significant milestone in enabling smart contract-based issuance, trading, and settlement of tokenized stocks, bonds, and funds.
The 21X platform offers institutional clients a blockchain-based exchange environment designed to streamline and digitise securities markets, making capital markets more accessible and efficient.
About Zühlke
Zühlke, established in Switzerland in 1968, operates globally as a transformation partner with a focus on engineering and innovation. The company supports clients in envisioning and building businesses fit for future markets. Its expertise spans tech strategy, business innovation, digital applications, and complex regulated industries including health and finance.
Zühlke connects strategic consulting with technical implementation and operational services to help clients adapt to changing market demands. It also runs a venture capital arm, Zühlke Ventures, which invests in HealthTech start-ups.
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