Schroders has taken a stake in an asset manager that focuses on blockchain technology and digital assets.
The investment manager has invested in Forteus, the asset management arm of the swiss-based Numeus Group, a diversified digital asset investment firm.
Forteus offers a range of investment solutions in digital assets, including customised portfolios of external managers, actively managed thematic portfolios and (over the long time) tokenisation.
Tokenisation is where a token is used as a substitute for sensitive data or cash.
In a statement this morning (July 19), Schroders said it has chosen to invest in the company in order to support its “ongoing education” and research in this sector, as well as to develop investment solutions for the benefit of clients.
Schroders’ clients will be given access to Forteus’ products “where appropriate”.
Chief executive officer at Schroders, Peter Harrison, said: “Blockchain will be a catalyst for fundamental change within asset management, financial services at large, and many other industries more broadly. It not only has the potential to transform the efficiency of existing solutions but will drive the democratisation of private assets.
“It represents a new frontier of technological and financial innovation.”
Chief executive officer of Numeus Group, Nobel Gulati, said the acquisition will ensure investors who have struggled to access robust investment opportunities in this asset class will now be served.
Together, we will build upon Numeus’ expertise in digital assets, technology and quantitative research combined with Schroders’ leading brand, vast capabilities in asset management and global distribution.”
sally.hickey@ft.com
