UK Financial Conduct Authority Unveils DLT Guidance and Direct-to-Fund Trading Model

According to the UK Financial Conduct Authority, asset managers can use blockchain-based fund registers and onchain subscription processes under existing rules, while an optional Direct to Fund model aims to streamline subscriptions and redemptions.

Summary

The UK Financial Conduct Authority said asset managers may use distributed ledger technology, including blockchain-based fund registers, for fund tokenization under the existing regulatory framework. It also introduced an optional Direct to Fund, or D2F, model intended to improve subscription and redemption efficiency. The guidance gives tokenized funds a clearer regulatory path for recordkeeping and investor processing without requiring a separate experimental regime, as part of the UK asset management digital assets roadmap.

Terms & Concepts
  • Distributed ledger technology: A shared digital record system that stores and synchronizes data across multiple participants, often used to improve transparency, automation, and recordkeeping.
  • Fund tokenization: The use of blockchain-based digital units or records to represent interests in investment funds, typically to improve administration, recordkeeping, and operational efficiency.
  • Direct to Fund: An optional dealing model that allows interactions directly with a fund structure, designed here to improve subscription and redemption processes.