British fund manager Schroders has opened a new global digital assets centre of excellence in Singapore.

Led by Marita McGinley, the global head of digital asset strategy, the centre will be staffed by specialists focused on fostering thought leadership and establishing best practices in collaboration with policymakers and industry partners.

The centre’s primary objectives include exploring tokenisation to improve digital components within Schroders’ core operations and capitalising on opportunities such as tokenised funds and collateral management.

It will also focus on developing a scalable operating model with reusable digital components like data and smart contracts.

This approach aims to enhance value and efficiency for clients while expanding investment opportunities, according to the company.

Schroders Asia Client Group head Gopi Mirchandani said: “The launch of the global digital assets centre of excellence is the culmination of significant efforts by teams across Schroders and marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to drive the evolution of asset management through digital innovation.:

Schroders stated that it envisions a transformative potential for the asset management industry through composable finance, where traditional investment components can be converted into programmable smart contracts and tokens.

This strategy will allow for efficient portfolio construction and rebalancing, offering clients greater personalisation.

Additionally, the centre will engage with stakeholders in the financial ecosystem to shape policies that promote innovation and compliance, participating in industry standards and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Schroders’ commitment to driving innovation is further highlighted by its involvement in the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Project Guardian, a collaborative effort to enhance financial market liquidity and efficiency through asset tokenisation.

Schroders Group chief financial officer said: “Digital assets are transforming asset management in a tale of two halves – through the existing financial ecosystem, and the new digitally native ecosystem.

“Through engaging regulators, cross-industry collaboration and building capabilities, our digital assets centre of excellence will navigate these two halves, of digital assets and technology in the existing world, while continuing to explore opportunities for Schroders in the new one.”

Last month, Schroders reshuffled its client group team, appointing four new senior executives, including Karine Szenberg as executive vice chair and Matt Oomen as global head of client group.

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