Regulated Start with Big Ambitions
iSTOX launched in 2017 with a bold vision of regulated tokenized securities. Built under Singapore’s MAS oversight, it offered issuance, custody, and secondary trading of digital bonds, equities, and structured assets. The focus was accredited investors, not the open retail market.
Origins and Visibility Today
The platform completed its regulatory sandbox in 2020 and went live soon after. In mid-2021, it rebranded to ADDX. Since then, its exchange presence faded. Tracking tools now mark it as untracked with no visible volume or active markets, suggesting either deliberate data withholding or simple inactivity.
How It Functioned
Accredited investors accessed tokenized private equity funds, bonds, and other securities with lowered minimum investments. After issuance, trades settled on-chain. iSTOX was never a retail exchange - it targeted professionals and institutions.
Regulation and Funding
Operating under a MAS license, it gained backing from Singapore Exchange, Temasek-linked funds, Japanese sovereign capital, and the Development Bank of Japan. By 2021, after raising new funding, the platform pivoted under the ADDX brand to expand globally.
Current Status in 2025
No listings, no trading volume, and no reserves are visible. On-chain data shows zero activity for any tokens. Community channels remain quiet, and the public exchange aspect is effectively dead.
Strengths It Once Offered
Several advantages once set iSTOX apart:
- Regulated infrastructure under MAS approval
- Access to tokenized securities not open to retail users
- Efficient blockchain-based settlement
- Partnerships with strong financial institutions
Weak Points and Downsides
Despite its strengths, several flaws limited its adoption:
- No retail trading function
- Untracked exchange activity, meaning no liquidity
- No proof-of-reserves or transparent audits
- Rebranding reduced visibility for original users
Status as of Mid-2025
Today, iSTOX operates mainly as ADDX, serving institutions and accredited investors. For retail traders, there is no access and no market activity. Public tools show it as inactive, confirming its exit from the exchange scene.
Lessons for Users
The story of iSTOX highlights key differences from normal exchanges:
- It was built for accredited investors, not the public
- Lack of trading pairs equals no retail liquidity
- Trust came from regulation, not from open market participation
- Traders seeking active markets should pick platforms with transparent data
Final Thoughts
iSTOX pioneered regulated token issuance, backed by strong institutions, and offered early access to private markets through tokenization. That model still exists under ADDX but with no retail element. For individual traders, it offers no liquidity or active markets. Platforms with transparent reserves and open trading remain the safer choice.