The UK Investment Association (IA) and the Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS) have joined Project Guardian.
It is an international initiative led by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to explore the potential of blockchain and asset tokenisation in financial markets.
This marks the first time that domestic trade bodies focused on asset management have joined the initiative.
Project Guardian brings together regulators and industry participants to establish standards for asset tokenisation, support adoption across asset classes, and promote a sustainable digital asset ecosystem that could improve market efficiency and broaden access to investment products.
The IA, which represents the UK’s investment management industry, said its involvement reflects the growing focus on tokenised assets and fund modernisation through Distributed Ledger Technology.
It also emphasised the borderless nature of digital markets.
IMAS highlighted tokenisation’s potential to enhance cross-border access, reduce costs, and make investments more accessible, while also helping investors and managers better understand associated risks and opportunities.
Project Guardian is run by MAS in collaboration with regulators such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority and supports MAS’ broader agenda to foster responsible innovation in the financial sector.
Chris Cummings, CEO of the Investment Association, said,
“We have long advocated for fund modernisation and innovation through our Investment Fund 3.0 agenda, a vision for the tokenisation of a UK funds industry whose full value chain is operated on Distributed Ledger Technology.
We look forward to working with MAS, IMAS and all other Project Guardian participants to share market experiences and drive forward innovative regulatory developments for the benefits of investors across the globe.”
Carmen Wee, CEO of Investment Management Association of Singapore, said,
“IMAS is proud to be part of Project Guardian. Tokenization offers real potential to enhance cross-border access and efficiency while reducing costs, making investments accessible. A trusted and inclusive digital economy must be built on connectivity and cooperation.
IMAS is committed to working with our partners to build a resilient and interoperable ecosystem, one where investors and managers better understand the opportunities and risks of tokenized assets. We look forward to working closely with MAS, FCA and the IA in this exciting initiative.”
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by smth.design via Freepik
