The Investment Association and the Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS) have announced their participation in Project Guardian, an international initiative led by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to explore the potential of blockchain and asset tokenisation.

The IA and IMAS are both the first domestic trade associations and first asset management-specific bodies to join Project Guardian in a major step to drive innovation in the investment management industry.

Project Guardian is an international, collaborative initiative between policymakers and the finance industry to enhance the liquidity and efficiency of financial markets through asset tokenisation. It aims to establish industry frameworks and standards on asset tokenisation, foster the use of tokenisation across different asset classes, and to develop a sustainable digital asset ecosystem. In turn, this has the potential to improve financial inclusion and efficiency by making tokenised assets available to a wider audience.

Run by the MAS, Project Guardian includes a number of other regulators such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK.

Chris Cummings, CEO of the Investment Association, commented:

“Tokenisation and digital markets are a huge focus area with significant growth potential for the UK investment management industry. Blockchain and tokenised assets are not constrained by borders, and the Investment Association is delighted to have been invited to join Project Guardian to drive international coordination as we design the future of the global financial system.

“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, commented:

“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.”

By fostering two-way engagement, IMAS and the IA aim to ensure that investor protection, commercial viability, and responsible innovation remain central to the development of tokenised markets.

Source: IA