Apex Group is preparing to acquire Globacap, the London based digital assets platform that operates a U.S. regulated broker dealer and alternative trading system, in a move that signals a wider institutional shift toward regulated tokenization frameworks. The transaction, according to people familiar with the matter, would give Apex direct access to infrastructure supervised by both FINRA and the Securities and Exchange Commission, positioning the firm to expand its tokenized fund operations inside the United States. Apex manages more than three trillion dollars in assets across its administration network, giving it a large base of clients ranging from alternative asset managers to financial institutions and family offices. The acquisition would build on Apex’s ongoing digital asset strategy, which earlier this year included taking ownership of Tokeny, a real world asset specialist focused on token issuance and compliance solutions. Observers said the integration of a regulated broker dealer could help consolidate the operational pipeline for tokenized funds from origination to secondary trading under a single institutional framework.
The deal follows an earlier attempt by Archax, a U.K. crypto exchange, to acquire Globacap’s U.S. division. That transaction did not progress, leaving room for a new bidder to move forward with negotiations. Globacap has been active in building infrastructure for digital securities, including systems for programmable ownership, compliance enforcement and automated distribution. Its regulated U.S. subsidiary has been viewed as an important bridge for firms aiming to offer tokenized instruments within established securities law. The combination with Apex would give the administrator deeper access to platforms that support issuance and secondary market access for funds seeking operational efficiency through tokenization. Analysts following institutional adoption noted that asset managers have shown growing interest in products that maintain regulatory fidelity while offering advantages in settlement, recordkeeping and investor distribution. The addition of Globacap’s capabilities could accelerate Apex’s ability to onboard more structures into tokenized formats.
Industry participants said the broader context includes rising interest from allocators seeking access to alternative strategies through digital wrappers. Apex has already tokenized portions of its fund administration portfolio, using digital securities to streamline transfer processes and expand investor reach. Tokeny, which it purchased earlier this year, had previously worked closely with Globacap, suggesting an existing technological alignment between the platforms. Combining these assets could create a more integrated system for issuers seeking tools that manage compliance requirements while improving the efficiency of capital flows. The move also reflects the increasing emphasis among institutions on regulated tokenization channels rather than speculative digital assets, with a focus on real world assets, investment products and structured financial instruments. Market observers expect that the acquisition, once finalized, will strengthen Apex’s presence in the U.S. market and contribute to the expanding ecosystem of regulated tokenized assets as investor demand for standardized digital infrastructure continues to grow.
