FundsDLT, a Luxembourg-based blockchain platform, was named European Digital Asset Servicer of the Year at the Funds Europe Awards 2024 held in November. CEO Olivier Portenseigne discusses the platform and key industry trends with Piyasi Mitra.
? Save the Date: We’re excited to announce that the Funds Europe Awards will return bigger than ever on Thursday, 20th November 2025. Keep a look out for more news!
FundsDLT, a blockchain-based platform founded in 2016 by the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and Fundsquare, has been a trailblazer in digital asset servicing for the fund industry. After pioneering the first blockchain-driven fund subscription in 2017, it was acquired by Deutsche Börse in 2023 and now operates within Clearstream’s Funds Services, with support from stakeholders like Credit Suisse and UBS Asset Management.
The judges chose the platform for its approach to digital asset servicing and its commitment to advancing the field. The firm’s roadmap for 2023-2024 received a commendation from the judges, who appreciated its focus on sustained innovation and development in digital asset services. FundsDLT’s strong submission and consistent track record of accomplishments and dedication to driving growth and progress in the sector helped it to stand out among its peers.
How is Web3 helping the asset management industry evolve?
Web3 is transforming the asset management industry by enabling significant cost reductions through the mutualisation of redundant activities across intermediaries. Automation and real-time processing minimise operational inefficiencies, leading to streamlined fund distribution processes. Additionally, transparency is improved by using a shared infrastructure that grants asset managers unprecedented access to investor data. This insight enables the development of personalised products and tailored investment experiences. Furthermore, Web3 enhances accessibility, allowing investors anywhere to connect with products more easily. This shift also facilitates the emergence of new, digital, and cost-efficient distribution channels, broadening market reach and inclusivity.
Do you think Luxembourg could emerge as an EU leader in the field of digital assets?
Luxembourg is well-equipped to establish itself as a leader in the digital asset space within the EU. As the world’s second-largest fund centre, the country benefits from a robust ecosystem and a pioneering regulatory environment. Luxembourg has proactively passed multiple blockchain laws to strengthen its regulatory framework, ensuring it stays ahead of innovation in digital assets. With the necessary tools already in place, including a sophisticated financial infrastructure and forward-thinking policies, Luxembourg is better positioned than most countries globally to foster the adoption and development of digital assets, ensuring its role as a trailblazer in the industry.
After years of tokenisation experiments, where do you think we stand now?
Tokenisation has transitioned from experimental to practical application, with multiple blockchain-based use cases now live. These include products such as tokenised money market funds and private market funds, as well as market innovations aimed at reducing entry barriers. Distribution models are also evolving, exemplified by B2B2C collaborations, which leverage public blockchain technology to penetrate new channels. The industry is moving toward industrialisation, but widespread adoption requires ongoing consultancy, education, and the demonstration of commercial success. It’s vital to acknowledge that this transformation challenges deeply entrenched operating models, necessitating careful and deliberate change.
Finally, what makes your firm stand out?
FundsDLT stands out by delivering a unique platform designed to meet the diverse needs of both buy- and sell-side stakeholders, fostering the adoption of innovative solutions. Our platform supports a range of products, including MMFs, private markets, and mutual funds, across jurisdictions in Europe and Asia. By simplifying and automating distribution operating models, FundsDLT achieves cost reductions of up to 70%, enabling new models to emerge that benefit final investors. This commitment to operational efficiency, technological advancement, and global scalability positions FundsDLT as a key enabler of transformation within the asset management industry.
