Digital Assets: The New Frontier for Asset Managers

BX Digital and Future of Finance jointly hosted a roundtable to address a pressing question: “How can tokenisation reshape the future of asset management?” The discussion brought together leading voices from across the industry, aiming to move beyond abstract potential and focus on the practical steps needed for adoption.

Tokenisation promises significant benefits for asset managers: cost reduction, new distribution channels, personalisation of portfolios, and access to new investor segments. Yet, many of these advantages remain theoretical. As long as tokenised funds are issued merely as digital “twins” of traditional products, their impact remains limited. To unlock the full value, asset managers must embrace “native” tokens issued on open platforms with common standards.

The roundtable featured insights from experts including Rana Bhugoowan (Northern Trust), Shruti Deb (Investment Association), Hansjorg Hettich (Multichain Asset Managers Association), Justin King (SCRYPT Digital Investments), Laurent Kssis (Issuance Swiss), Dr Ian Hunt (Independent Fund Adviser), John Wallis (BBH Innovation and New Ventures), Stephen Whyman (Digital Assets and Finance), and Claudio Tognella (BX Digital).

Key Takeaways:

• Tokenisation can dramatically lower costs in asset management and rebuild trust with investors.
• “Native” tokens on open, standardised platforms are essential for scalability and systemic change.
• Asset managers face inertia, misaligned incentives, and shrinking budgets – but these challenges can be overcome through collaboration.
• Exchanges such as BX Digital have a pivotal role to play by providing liquidity, clearing services, and access to new asset classes.
• The time to act is now: delaying adoption risks losing competitiveness as new players seize the opportunity.

Conclusion: Tokenisation will not transform asset management by itself. Success depends on tangible implementation, clear incentives, and collective commitment to building the necessary ecosystem. Only then can the industry move beyond incremental change and realise the full potential of digital assets.