• The firms will seek to support greater operational efficiency and reduce costs associated with the international distribution of funds for professional investors looking to enter private markets

• The partnership capitalises on existing appetite for tokenised funds while also reinforcing collaborative commitment to providing a broader set of investors with access to private markets

London, 11 November 2024 – Leading global private markets investment management firm Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE) announced today its partnership with Allfunds Blockchain, the digital innovation arm of Allfunds, as the firms seek to further expand access to private markets for investors across Europe.

The firms intend to expand access to certain Hamilton Lane funds by offering tokenized versions via the Allfunds Blockchain platform. In collaboration with Apex Group, which will serve as the transfer agent, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to streamlined fund operations and increased investor access to performance opportunities within the private markets.

Digital assets, and specifically tokenization via blockchain, offer numerous benefits and have seen rising adoption as awareness increases. The technology provides certain key advantages over more traditional structures for investing in private markets, giving investors greater optionality and flexibility, improving efficiency through tools like fractionalization, and simplifying administration to increase transparency.

Bringing together Hamilton Lane, Allfunds Blockchain and Apex Group, companies which have been early movers in the digital asset space, is intended to lay the groundwork for offering private markets solutions to a broader range of investors across key markets including Spain, Italy and other regions in Europe.

Victor Jung, Head of Digital Assets at Hamilton Lane, commented: “At Hamilton Lane we are keenly focused on utilizing technology to expand access to private markets, and this partnership is another important step in that direction. Together with AllFunds Blockchain, we aim to alleviate some of the barriers to entry for investors looking to access the historically strong returns that private markets can offer by providing more transparency, seamless operations and a solution that we believe is cheaper, better and faster.”                                                                         

Rubén Nieto, Managing Director of Allfunds Blockchain, said: “We are delighted to partner with Hamilton Lane and Apex Group for this exciting project. Hamilton Lane’s expertise in private markets and pioneering approach to tokenisation aligns perfectly with Allfunds Blockchain’s commitment to advancing fund industry digitalisation. This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to delivering efficiencies and enhancing services for investors.”

Bruce Jackson, CFA, Chief of Digital Asset Funds and Business with Apex Group, said:

“Congratulations to Hamilton Lane, and Allfunds Blockchain for helping remove the hurdles faced by regulated entities who are eager to engage in the digital share class and tokenized fund ecosystem. Apex Group continues to meet its goal of increasing access within digital account structures for our clients’ managed fund strategies.  We will also continue to improve our operating model for the distribution of traditional and alternative asset funds using a blockchain platform to enhance subscription,  administration, and transfer agency processes.”