The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published new guidelines for asset managers on using distributed ledger technology (DLT) within the regulator’s existing rules.
The guidance will help asset managers to unlock the benefits of fund tokenisation.
It also includes new rules to 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.
The FCA has worked closely with the 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, added: “This milestone represents a meaningful advance in the UK’s approach to innovating fund 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 policy statement also sets out how fund tokenisation could develop over time as part of the FCA’s roadmap for digital assets.
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