Aviva Investors to Launch Tokenized Funds on XRPL

Aviva Investors, the asset management division of U.K.-based insurer Aviva, has announced plans to tokenize traditional fund structures using the XRP Ledger through a collaboration with blockchain technology firm Ripple. The initiative represents Aviva Investors’ initial step into tokenization as it seeks to incorporate blockchain-enabled products into its investment offerings.

Under the agreement, Ripple will assist Aviva Investors in the issuance and administration of tokenized funds on the XRP Ledger, commonly referred to as XRPL. The ledger operates as a public blockchain built to facilitate payments and financial transactions. Through this partnership, Aviva Investors aims to modernize aspects of its fund infrastructure while exploring new distribution channels enabled by digital ledger technology.

For Ripple, the arrangement represents its first partnership with a Europe-based investment manager. The company indicated that the collaboration supports its broader objective of bringing regulated financial assets onto blockchain networks. By working with an established asset manager, Ripple continues to expand its presence in institutional finance and regulated markets.

Tokenization Gains Momentum Among Asset Managers

The move reflects a broader industry trend in which asset managers are increasingly adopting tokenization to enhance operational efficiency and investor access. Tokenization involves representing ownership interests in traditional financial instruments, such as money market funds, private credit vehicles, and real estate strategies, in the form of digital tokens recorded on a blockchain.

Industry participants have suggested that this approach can streamline settlement processes, reduce administrative expenses, and expand distribution opportunities. In addition, blockchain-based fund structures can enable features such as fractional ownership and automated compliance mechanisms, which may enhance accessibility and regulatory oversight.

Several prominent global firms have already introduced tokenized investment products. Companies such as BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and Hamilton Lane have moved beyond experimental pilots and launched live, regulated tokenized offerings targeted at institutional investors. Their participation has signaled a shift toward mainstream adoption of blockchain-based financial products within established asset management frameworks.

Aviva Investors and Ripple stated that their collaboration is expected to continue through 2026 and beyond. Over this period, the firms plan to develop and refine tokenized fund structures operating on XRPL. The long-term nature of the partnership suggests a sustained commitment to integrating blockchain infrastructure into Aviva Investors’ product lineup.

The XRP Ledger, launched in 2012, has processed more than four billion transactions and supports over seven million wallets, according to data shared by Ripple. The network is maintained by approximately 120 independent validators and operates without energy-intensive mining, distinguishing it from proof-of-work blockchains.

Jill Barber, chief distribution officer at Aviva Investors, conveyed that the firm sees significant potential advantages in tokenization for investors. She indicated that the technology could deliver improvements in both speed and cost efficiency. Barber also emphasized that the company remains committed to embracing technological innovation when it believes such advancements can generate positive outcomes for the business. In her view, tokenized funds could provide meaningful benefits to clients by enhancing operational effectiveness and expanding access to investment opportunities.

Overall, the partnership underscores a growing convergence between traditional asset management and blockchain technology. By leveraging XRPL’s infrastructure and Ripple’s expertise, Aviva Investors is positioning itself to participate in the evolving digital asset landscape while maintaining a focus on regulated, institutional-grade products.

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