Company Interview / Wisr's $250M bet on tokenisation

Key points:

Wisr (ASX:WZR) leads a tokenisation pilot to modernise asset marketsProject Acacia showcases digitisation of real-world assets using ABS transactionsExpected benefits include lower costs, enhanced liquidity, and greater transparencyImplementation across the sector likely to take several years

Wisr introduces a groundbreaking pilot in tokenisation, aiming to simplify and streamline access to capital markets in Australia. Andrew Goodwin from Wisr views this as an innovative move, highlighting that, while tokenisation is well established globally, it remains a novel concept in the local market. The recent launch of the smart ABS pilot forms part of a broader Reserve Bank and Digital Finance CRC initiative, with Project Acacia testing the development of wholesale tokenised asset markets in Australia.

Goodwin points to the $250 million Wisr Freedom Trust ABS transaction as a case study in this pilot, underpinned by a warehouse of personal and secured vehicle loans originated by Wisr (ASX:WZR). The goal, from Goodwin’s perspective, is to demonstrate how real-world assets such as personal loans can be digitised, promising a future of standardisation and efficiency akin to global shipping containers. Key benefits reportedly include lower costs, improved liquidity through fractionalisation, and enhanced transparency using blockchain-backed digital ledgers.

Results from the pilot are expected in Q1, but Goodwin notes broad-based implementation may take several years. He says growing government and institutional focus signals promising momentum for tokenisation within Australia’s financial infrastructure.