Two strong product distribution trends in the coming years will involve the development of digital-asset funds, and the development of funds that enable retail investors to access non-listed assets such as private equity.
Demand among fund management firms for cryptocurrency funds is revealed within this issue by a Funds Europe/Calastone survey. Fund firms think that the ability to provide regulated cryptocurrency funds to investors is important, our research shows, which implies a growing need for services around these funds.
Digital assets are not just about cryptocurrencies, however. Tokens, for example, could provide a more efficient ‘front end’ for fund managers and their clients to access traditional assets, potentially meaning rapid gains in distribution efficiencies.
The same tokens could be used to access non-listed assets such as private equity. Access to private assets for retail investors is of growing importance, anyway, regardless of the buzz around digital. This month’s issue of Funds Europe also delves into this topic.
Nick Fitzpatrick, Group Editor, Funds Europe
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