Aussie custodians’ role pivotal in tokenised securities boom

Australian custodians are well positioned to play a major role in building safe, scalable infrastructure as 10% of global market turnover is expected to involve digital assets and tokenised securities by 2030, the new paper claims.

The white paper released by Australian Custodial Services Association (ACSA) in its 30^th anniversary revealed that Australian custodians oversaw A$5.6 trillion in assets under custody and A$6.6 trillion under administration as of June 2025, operating across more than 100 markets and processing over 12.5 million trades annually.

ACSA Chair Sally Surgeon said custodians have long been central to the country’s investment sector and are now actively shaping the future.

“Over the past three decades, custodians have become the trusted backbone of Australia’s world-class superannuation and investment ecosystem,” Surgeon said.

“As we look to the future, our members are not just adapting to change – they are pioneering the platforms, partnerships and innovations that will define the next era of investment services.”

The paper has praised the evolution of custodians from being back-office operators to indispensable strategic partners, and becoming deeply embedded in clients’ operating models and front-office decision making.

ACSA CEO David Travers said the sector is being reshaped by technology, data, and rising client expectations.

“This paper makes clear that the custodians of tomorrow will deliver real-time insights, seamless digital experiences and leadership in emerging asset classes – all while safeguarding assets and maintaining the resilience that regulators and clients rightly demand,” Travers said.

“The Australian custodial services industry has proved highly adaptable over the last 30 years and is well placed. The combination of technological advancement, industry collaboration), and a focus on client outcomes will help ensure Australian custodians remain global leaders in a rapidly digitising financial landscape.”

The paper was informed by senior leaders of ACSA member organisations including BNP Paribas, Citi, Clearstream, HSBC, J.P. Morgan, Northern Trust and State Street.