Citigroup Issues Blockchain Depositary Receipts Giving Exposure to Private Company Shares

Citigroup introduced Digital Depositary Receipts on June 11, 2026. The receipts are blockchain-based securities that give investors exposure to private company shares. The receipts are issued and held by Citigroup.

Swiss market operator SIX operates the blockchain infrastructure. The first transaction involved Kaleido, a digital asset and tokenization company. Kaleido is backed by Citi Ventures and investors in Citi's wealth management business.

Citi acts as both issuer and custodian of the receipts. Investors own the depositary receipt rather than the underlying shares directly. " Citi plans to expand the Digital Depositary Receipts offering over time, including to public blockchains.

U.S. banks in announcing plans to develop a shared tokenized deposit network through The Clearing House by mid-2027. The bank said it is using blockchain technology to connect investors with private company equity through digital depositary receipts.

The structure adapts traditional depositary receipts for private markets.