Elemental Royalty to Distribute Dividends in Tether's Tokenized Gold
By John Nada·Feb 18, 2026·5 min read
Elemental Royalty plans to pay dividends in Tether's tokenized gold, XAUT, signaling a shift in corporate finance and investment strategies on Wall Street.
Elemental Royalty is set to innovate the dividend landscape by offering payouts in Tether’s XAUT, a tokenized gold product valued at $2.5 billion. This marks a notable shift in Wall Street's approach to incorporating digital assets, aiming to provide investors with direct ownership of physical gold through royalty investments.
The Colorado-based firm announced that investors will receive a 12 cent dividend across multiple quarterly payments, while still having the option to take distributions in cash. Elemental's CEO, David Cole, emphasized this move as a differentiation strategy, showcasing the company's commitment to growth and innovation in investment options. By allowing dividends to be paid in XAUT, Elemental Royalty is not only diversifying its dividend offerings but also establishing a new trend that could influence how companies consider asset-backed payouts.
Tether's foray into tokenized gold comes as the price of gold has surged significantly over the past year, increasing interest in alternative assets. Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, noted that this development could open up new financial models for the gold industry, which have previously been difficult to access. As competition heats up with other tokenized gold products like PAX Gold, the potential for tokenized gold to penetrate corporate finance continues to grow, reflecting broader trends in asset management and investment strategies.
The decision to pay dividends in XAUT signifies a shift not just in how precious metals can be utilized in corporate finance but also highlights the ongoing evolution of digital assets on Wall Street. As institutional interest in tokenized assets increases, the groundwork is being laid for a more integrated approach to precious metals investing, which could reshape market dynamics in the long term. This integration may provide institutions with innovative tools to manage their portfolios more effectively, especially during economic fluctuations.
With Tether's gold holdings estimated at 140 tons, stored in a secure location, the backing of a significant portion of its USDT stablecoin with gold signals a strategic pivot in the stablecoin landscape. This could potentially drive demand for tokenized gold as an alternative to traditional investments, further emphasizing the interplay between digital and physical assets in today's financial ecosystem. Investors are increasingly looking for stable and tangible backing for their assets, and Tether’s strategic shift could meet that need effectively.
Tether has also introduced the term Scudo, which represents a fraction of a troy ounce of gold and its XAUT token, further enhancing the token's utility in consumer transactions. This contrasts with the typical retail focus of cryptocurrencies, as Elemental Royalty’s new dividend structure showcases a more corporate-centric application of tokenized assets. The introduction of Scudo not only adds to the versatility of tokenized gold but also aligns with broader consumer trends favoring fractional ownership, thereby making gold investment more accessible.
As companies like Wintermute begin to support tokenized gold in over-the-counter trades, the demand for trading these assets could see robust growth. Market makers are increasingly recognizing the potential for tokenized gold amid global shifts away from traditional currencies, illustrating the evolving landscape of financial instruments available to institutional investors. The recent moves by Wintermute to execute trades in both XAUT and PAX Gold underscore the growing acceptance and demand for tokenized gold products in various financial markets.
Elemental Royalty's initiative may catalyze further adoption of such assets in corporate finance, as the forecast suggests that tokenized gold could reach a $15 billion market by year-end. This development could not only enhance liquidity in the precious metals market but also offer more diversified investment options for institutions looking to hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. The strategic timing of this initiative, as gold prices soar, places Elemental in a favorable position to attract investors seeking stability and growth through tangible assets.
The significance of Elemental's decision extends beyond simple dividend payments; it represents a broader trend towards integrating tokenized assets into traditional financial frameworks. As more firms explore similar avenues, the financial system may witness a significant transformation in how assets are viewed, valued, and transacted, particularly in the context of evolving economic landscapes and investor preferences. This integration reflects a growing recognition that traditional financial systems must adapt to the realities of digital assets, presenting opportunities for innovation in investment practices.
The introduction of dividends in tokenized gold also speaks to a potential shift in investor sentiment. As more institutional players recognize the value of tokenized assets, it could lead to a larger movement toward embracing these innovative financial tools. This could ultimately influence how companies structure their capital and interact with shareholders, paving the way for new methods of engagement that resonate with modern investor expectations.
Moreover, as the market for tokenized gold expands, it may attract new types of investors who are more accustomed to digital assets and are looking for ways to diversify their portfolios. The ability to receive dividends in a form that is both tangible and easily tradable could appeal to a demographic that values liquidity and accessibility.
In a world where economic conditions can change rapidly, the ability to offer dividends in XAUT may provide Elemental Royalty with a competitive edge. As investors increasingly seek alternatives to traditional cash dividends, companies that adapt to these preferences may find themselves better positioned to retain investor interest and loyalty. The long-term implications of such a shift could be profound, potentially leading to a re-evaluation of what constitutes a valuable asset in the eyes of investors.
With the ongoing discussions regarding the future of money and the role of digital assets in the economy, Elemental Royalty’s decision to distribute dividends in tokenized gold is a pivotal moment in the evolution of corporate finance. It signals a willingness to embrace innovation and adapt to changing market dynamics, which could ultimately influence the broader adoption of tokenized assets across various sectors. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, such initiatives may play a crucial role in shaping the future of investment strategies and corporate governance.
