FCA sets out fund tokenisation guidance
30 April 2026 UK
Image: KohXD/stock.adobe.com
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published new guidance that sets out how firms can use distributed ledger technology (DLT) within the regulator’s existing rules.
The Authority says the new rules intend to make it easier for asset managers to unlock the benefits of fund tokenisation.
The guidance will also make fund dealing more efficient, including an optional Direct to Fund (D2F) model, which 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.
The policy statement also sets out how fund tokenisation could develop over time as part of the FCA’s roadmap for digital assets.
The FCA says tokenisation has the potential to lower costs and open up investment opportunities to a wider audience.
Simon Walls, executive director of markets at the FCA, notes: “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, adds: “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 Authority says the new rules intend to make it easier for asset managers to unlock the benefits of fund tokenisation.
The guidance will also make fund dealing more efficient, including an optional Direct to Fund (D2F) model, which 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.
The policy statement also sets out how fund tokenisation could develop over time as part of the FCA’s roadmap for digital assets.
The FCA says tokenisation has the potential to lower costs and open up investment opportunities to a wider audience.
Simon Walls, executive director of markets at the FCA, notes: “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, adds: “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.”
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