Asset managers will find it easier to unlock the benefits of fund tokenisation, following the publication of new guidance by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The guidance sets out how firms can use distributed ledger technology (DLT) within the regulator’s existing rules.
New rules will also make fund dealing more efficient, including an optional Direct to Fund (D2F) model. This enables investors to deal directly with the fund, whether traditional or tokenised.
Tokenisation is a way of representing an asset, or ownership of an asset, using distributed ledger technology. Tokenisation has the potential to lower costs and open up investment opportunities to a wider audience.
The FCA has worked closely with industry to develop this guidance and rules to support innovation and improve efficiency for asset managers.
Simon Walls, executive director of markets at the FCA said:
“Tokenisation has the potential to play an important role in asset management, and its adoption will be driven by firms and investors. We have focused on delivering what the market has asked for: a clear, practical framework that provides confidence in how fund tokenisation can operate within our rules, both now and into the future.”
John Allan, director, innovation and operations unit and director, Engine at the Investment Association, said:
“This milestone represents a meaningful advance in the UK’s approach to innovating funds market infrastructure. Working in collaboration with the investment management industry, the FCA has produced detailed guidance that provides confidence around public‑chain models where the right controls are in place, and the use of digital cash tools for operational needs. Alongside wider work on wholesale digital market infrastructure, this guidance and the increased optionality provided by D2F gives firms a stronger foundation to align innovation ambitions with long‑term operating choices.”
The UK is a leading asset management hub, with around 2,600 firms managing £16.5 trillion of assets for UK and global clients. Supporting growth and innovation in the sector is a core part of the FCA’s strategy.
The policy statement also sets out how fund tokenisation could develop over time as part of the FCA’s roadmap for digital assets.
Amarjit Singh, EY UK&I Digital Assets Leader, comments: “It’s positive to see the FCA move from consultation to action, setting out guidance on the practical adoption of fund tokenisation for the UK asset management industry. As demand continues to grow, tokenisation has the potential to open up investing to a wider audience, reduce costs and enable financial products to be structured and distributed more effectively.
“Globally, the pace of innovation is accelerating. Jurisdictions such as the US and Singapore are moving quickly, and the UK must do the same to maintain competitiveness. Clear regulatory principles are an important step forward. However, real market movement requires close collaboration between Government and industry to address the operational realities, including accounting, tax, prudential treatment, and control frameworks. These are complex topics, and as the technology itself continues to move at lightening pace, progress will ultimately be defined by how effectively the ecosystem works together to implement fund tokenisation in practice.”
