Digi has introduced Digi Live, a free browser‑based streaming service that delivers the Digi24 news channel and regional stations in real time, and DigiFT has launched the DigiFT U.S. Equity Income Fund (bEQTY), the first actively managed tokenized equity fund on Ethereum. Both offerings combine traditional media and finance with blockchain technology to reach consumers and institutional investors.
Digi Live: Browser‑Based TV Streaming
Digi Live went live recently, providing a live‑streaming service that mirrors the linear broadcast of Digi24 and its local affiliates. The platform works on any web‑enabled device, giving viewers instant access to their favorite news programs without extra subscription fees for existing Digi customers.
Key benefits of Digi Live include:
- Cloud‑based delivery that captures granular viewership data.
- Potential for interactive features such as real‑time polls and on‑demand replays.
- Complementary positioning to traditional cable and satellite, not a replacement.
DigiFT Tokenized Equity Fund: Institutional Tokenization
DigiFT, a regulated on‑chain exchange for real‑world assets, announced the DigiFT U.S. Equity Income Fund (bEQTY). This fund is the first actively managed tokenized equity fund that extends tokenization beyond single assets to a professionally overseen public‑equity strategy.
Fund Highlights
- Ethereum‑based tokenization – Shares are minted as ERC‑20 tokens, enabling seamless on‑chain transfer and settlement.
- Active management – A professional investment team makes discretionary allocations across a diversified basket of U.S. equities.
- Regulated on‑chain distribution – The tokens qualify as securities and meet AML and KYC requirements for eligible investors.
- Partnership with BNY Mellon – Traditional asset‑manager expertise underpins portfolio construction and risk oversight.
Why These Initiatives Matter
Media Consumption Shifts
Romania’s broadband penetration exceeds 70 %, and mobile data usage outpaces fixed‑line connections. Broadcasters must meet audiences on smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Digi Live’s web‑based delivery aligns with European OTT trends, helping legacy broadcasters retain ad revenue and stay relevant.
Evolution of Tokenization
Early tokenization focused on single assets such as real estate or gold. DigiFT’s bEQTY demonstrates that complex, actively managed portfolios can be tokenized while maintaining regulatory compliance, joining a growing list of multi‑asset tokenized products.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Investors – Institutional investors gain a regulated, on‑chain avenue for exposure to a professionally managed U.S. equity portfolio, with near‑instant settlement and fractional ownership.
- Regulators – The fund’s compliance model offers a reference for future securities‑token offerings, showing how traditional custodial functions can integrate with blockchain.
- Media Companies – Digi Live illustrates a direct‑to‑consumer monetization path that reduces reliance on third‑party platforms.
- Fintech Ecosystem – Collaboration with BNY Mellon signals that major financial institutions are ready to support blockchain‑based distribution, accelerating infrastructure development.
Future Outlook
Digi Live’s success will hinge on innovations beyond simulcasting, such as personalized news feeds or interactive advertising. On the investment side, bEQTY’s performance will serve as a proof point for actively managed tokenized funds. Strong returns and robust secondary‑market liquidity could trigger a wave of similar products, moving tokenized assets from niche experiments to mainstream financial instruments.
Together, these launches highlight a broader convergence of traditional media and finance with blockchain and streaming technologies, positioning Digi at the intersection of two dynamic tech frontiers.
