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DigiFT and Hines Partner to Revolutionize Real Estate Access

In a landmark move, DigiFT, a regulated digital asset exchange, has partnered with Hines, a leading global real estate investment manager, marking a significant advancement in the world of institutional-grade real estate investment. This collaboration explores innovative ways to facilitate online tokenization and distribution for accredited investors, enabling them to access a wealth of investment opportunities through an indirect investment in a Hines-managed real estate portfolio valued at over $6 billion.

Breaking Down Barriers

Traditionally, accessing private real estate investments has been challenging for individual investors due to the high minimum investment thresholds and operational complexities. By tokenizing real estate portfolios, DigiFT and Hines are effectively lowering those barriers, making high-quality, institutional-grade assets more accessible to a wider audience. This initiative promises to reshape the landscape of real estate investment, offering efficient and secure access to a market that has typically favored well-heeled institutional investors.

The Role of Innovation

According to Paul Ferraro, Global Head of Private Wealth Solutions at Hines, the collaboration reflects Hines’ commitment to innovation in investment strategies and distribution methods. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong governance and investor protections while expanding global access. By utilizing DigiFT's regulated digital infrastructure, Hines can offer an innovative solution that allows for direct tokenized representation tied to their substantial global real estate portfolio.

“Access is key,” states Ferraro, “and through partnerships like this, we can provide institutional-grade solutions to individual investors across different regions, adapting to their evolving needs.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the collaboration, reflecting a keen awareness of the changing expectations among today’s investors.

Evolving Investor Expectations

A pivotal aspect of this collaboration is acknowledging the shifting dynamics of investor preferences. Recent trends show that investors are increasingly looking for opportunities that not only offer potential income and diversification but also align with their evolving expectations of efficiency and accessibility. The global private real estate market alone is estimated to be valued at $1.48 trillion as of September 2025, indicating a robust demand for alternative investment strategies.

Hao Zhan, Head of Asia for Hines’ Private Wealth Solutions, remarks on the increasing acceptance of technology-enabled platforms in real estate. “In Asia, we're seeing a growing appetite for innovative channels,” he notes, highlighting the role that platforms like DigiFT play in modernizing how investors engage with real estate opportunities.

Compliant Digital Infrastructure

DigiFT’s regulated infrastructure is designed explicitly for asset managers, ensuring that traditional fund structures and governance remain intact while facilitating digital issuance and tracking of asset ownership. This structure not only streamlines the investment process for accredited and institutional investors but also sets the groundwork for compliant secondary market transactions in the future.

Henry Zhang, Founder and Group CEO of DigiFT, emphasizes the larger trend within institutional markets towards embracing tokenization. “Our partnership with Hines is indicative of a broader movement, ensuring that the way strategies are distributed, administered, and accessed aligns with today's interconnected financial landscape.” This perspective underscores the synergy between institutional investment management and innovative digital platforms aimed at enhancing market access.

Conclusion

The collaboration between DigiFT and Hines is a game-changing step forward in making institutional-grade real estate investment more accessible. It not only reflects the future of real estate investment but also signals a progressive shift in how investors can participate in private markets. The emphasis on efficiency, security, and regulatory compliance further assures investors that their interests are front and center in this evolving financial ecosystem. As the world of real estate investment continues to shift towards innovation, the partnership between these two entities sets a standard for others to follow.

For more information on DigiFT and their innovative approaches to real estate tokenization, visit DigiFT. To explore Hines and their extensive portfolio, check out Hines.