Blockchain and tokenization: Transforming asset management on behalf of clients

The asset management industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the advance of technology. As investors demand greater transparency, efficiency, and access, asset managers are seeking innovative solutions to meet these expectations. The transformative technology of blockchain – and asset tokenization – have the potential to reshape the foundations of how investment products are structured, traded, and serviced. At Janus Henderson, these technologies are more than theoretical. They are central to our innovation strategy, helping clients prepare for a brighter future.

What is blockchain?

Blockchain is often described as a distributed ledger technology, but what does that really mean? At its essence, a blockchain is a shared, decentralized database that records transactions in a way that is transparent, secure, and permanent. Unlike traditional databases, which are controlled by a central entity, public blockchains are maintained by a network of participants – sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands – who collectively validate and record every change.

Think of a blockchain then as a global ledger where every entry is verified by the network’s participants and permanently recorded. This means that once a transaction is recorded, it cannot be altered or erased, creating an undisputable audit trail.

Three core features distinguish blockchain from traditional databases:

• Trustless transactions: Given its transparency and process of verification, blockchain enables secure, peer-to-peer exchanges without having to rely on intermediaries, such as banks or clearing houses. The consensus mechanism ensures that all participants agree on the validity of each transaction.
• Immutability: Once data is added to the blockchain, it cannot be changed. Each new block of data is linked to the previous one, creating a chain that is tamper-proof and fully auditable.
• Composability: Blockchains can host programmable applications, known as smart contracts, which automatically execute transactions when predefined conditions are met. This opens the door to a wide range of financial innovations.

The evolution of financial markets reflects this technological progression. Not long ago, ownership of securities was tracked on paper, with physical certificates moving between market participants. The shift to electronic record-keeping brought efficiency, but many manual processes and intermediaries remain. Blockchain represents the next leap forward, promising to eliminate friction and unlock new possibilities.

Why is blockchain important?

Despite decades of digitization, the financial system is still riddled with inefficiencies. Settlement, custody, and reconciliation often involve multiple parties, each maintaining their own records and introducing delays, costs, and operational risks. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), for example, processes over US$7 trillion in transactions daily, yet DTCC participants still rely on significant manual intervention.

Blockchain offers a solution by providing a single, shared source of truth. Transactions can be settled instantly, securely, and with full transparency. The risk of errors, fraud, and duplication is dramatically reduced. The DTCC’s 2023 acquisition of the tokenization technology firm Securrency (later rebranded DTCC Digital Assets), and its plans to enable blockchain-based settlement for its participants underscore the industry’s recognition of blockchain’s transformative potential. This is not a distant vision – it is a wave that is already building momentum and has the potential to crash on those in the industry who are unprepared.

What is tokenization?

Tokenization is the process of representing real-world assets – such as equities, bonds, real estate, or even collectibles – as digital tokens on a blockchain. Unlike traditional systems that rely on identifiers like CUSIPs or ISINs, which in turn rely on centralized record-keeping, tokens are unique, immutable, and can be transferred seamlessly between parties. A token can track not just the general identity of an asset, but its specific ownership and transaction history. This eliminates significant risk in accounting for ownership across dispersed systems.

A token is more than just a digital certificate; it is a programmable, self-contained representation of ownership. For example, a tokenized share of a fund can be bought, sold, or pledged as collateral, all with the assurance that the transaction is recorded on a tamper-proof ledger. Tokenization is not limited to financial assets – everything from art to wine to Pokémon cards have been tokenized, enabling fractional ownership, easier transfer, and enhanced liquidity.

Why is tokenization important in asset management?

For asset managers and their clients, tokenization offers the potential to revolutionize how investment products are created, distributed, and serviced:

• Potential for disintermediation: By enabling direct, peer-to-peer transactions, tokenization can reduce and simplify the need for custodians, transfer agents, and other middlemen.
• Cost reduction: With fewer manual processes and reconciliations, operational costs can be significantly lowered, benefiting both managers and investors – and ultimately potentially leading to higher returns.
• Transparency and auditability: Every transaction is recorded on the blockchain, providing a real-time, immutable audit trail.
• Access and liquidity: Tokenization can enable fractional ownership and 24/7 trading, opening new markets and investor segments.
• Programmability:  Blockchains support programmable logic, enabling asset owners to embed rules and behaviors directly into tokenized assets. This allows for advanced use cases such as deploying tokens as collateral in lending protocols or automating algorithmic investing across assets.

However, the full benefits of tokenization depend on achieving a critical mass of participants. Today, most tokenized products are still in the proof-of-concept stage, and the network effect – the point at which enough users are on the system to make it truly valuable – has yet to be fully realized. There are also challenges around information exchange, regulation, and market readiness, creating a J-curve in adoption: slow at first, but with the potential for rapid acceleration as the ecosystem matures.

What is Janus Henderson doing on behalf of clients?

Janus Henderson has taken a forward-thinking approach to blockchain and tokenization, guided by its Disruptive Financial Technology (DFT) strategy. Rather than simply tokenizing existing products for traditional investors, Janus Henderson is focusing on serving the growing pool of ‘on-chain’ capital – investors who already operate in the digital asset ecosystem and are seeking institutional-grade products.

The firm has launched tokenized versions of its flagship strategies: one investing in AAA-rated Collateralized Loan Obligations and another in U.S. Treasuries. These have been made available to ‘on-chain’ investors through partnerships with leading technology providers like Centrifuge. These products are not just digital wrappers; they are natively integrated into the blockchain ecosystem. This allows for seamless subscription and redemption using stablecoins and providing underlying collateral for major decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms.

Janus Henderson’s approach is unique in several ways:

• Focus on real-world assets: While many in the industry are experimenting with bringing cryptocurrency to mainstream investors, Janus Henderson is bringing traditional investment products onto the blockchain, bridging the gap between legacy finance and the digital future.
• Partnerships with leading platforms: By collaborating with technology leaders like Centrifuge and engaging with major decentralized blockchain governance systems, Janus Henderson can leverage best-in-class infrastructure and tap into a rapidly growing ecosystem.
• Client readiness: The firm is not just building products; it is actively helping clients understand and prepare for the coming wave of tokenization, offering educational resources and hands-on support for setting up wallet infrastructure and engaging with on-chain investments. This proactive approach ensures clients are not only informed but empowered to participate in the evolving digital landscape.

Challenges amid opportunities

Despite the promise, challenges remain. Information exchange between platforms, regulatory uncertainty, and the need for robust infrastructure are all hurdles to widespread adoption. Janus Henderson is acutely aware of these issues and is investing strategically – balancing the need to be at the forefront of innovation with the realities of current market demand.

Our readiness to help clients experiment with tokenized products, set up wallet infrastructure, and understand the mechanics of blockchain-based investing should position us as a leader in this space and help clients navigate change. In addition, most investors are unlikely to adopt a fully decentralized model and will want to realize the benefits of tokenization while still working with trusted financial counterparties. This means that understanding the benefits the traditional financial system brings is critical to understanding how this technology wave will form.

Looking ahead, Janus Henderson is exploring additional tokenized products. We are excited to have worked with Centrifuge and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) to soon launch the first licensed tokenized S&P 500 fund and are in active discussions with institutional investors about new use cases. The focus remains on delivering practical solutions that address real client needs, while staying agile in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Transformative potential

Blockchain and tokenization are set to transform asset management, offering unprecedented efficiency, transparency, and access. Janus Henderson’s proactive strategy – focused on real-world applications, ‘on-chain’ investors, and collaborative innovation – demonstrates how asset managers can lead in this new era. As the industry moves from experimentation to adoption, we hope to be able to help clients capture the best opportunities ahead and position for a brighter investment future.