Hg Exchange launched this week with asset-backed securities trading in whisky, becoming the first exchange in Southeast Asia with the offering.
Five whiskey-related stocks were actively traded via the blockchain-based exchange for the first time yesterday, according to a statement, with total volumes valued at £700,000 ($956,000).
Hg Exchange’s (HGX) is a private exchange that not only offers whiskey-related securities, but also other financial securities such as private equity, venture capital funds and real estate.
Its founding partners include Asia-focused financial firms PhillipCapital and PrimePartners, as well as private technology platform Fundnel and blockchain platform Zilliqa.
Whiskey request
Asian demand for fine whiskeys has grown in recent years alongside a persistent accumulation of wealth. There was a more noticeable surge in the area in the mid-2010s after the release of the Japanese TV series “Massan” and then a popular drama about a whiskey distiller, sparking widespread demand.
The strongest returns on HGX’s first day of trading came from Port Ellen, which posted gains of over 30% yesterday.
“We are delighted with the favorable reception given to this whiskey-based product [asset-backed securities] of accredited investors in Singapore, Asia and around the world,” said Gerald Ong, Vice President and Executive Director of PrimePartners Corporate Finance Holdings.
