S&P 500 Index to be Tokenized on Blockchain in 2025

S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) has entered into a groundbreaking collaboration with Centrifuge, a blockchain infrastructure platform, to bring the S&P 500 Index onchain. This partnership represents a significant milestone in the tokenization of indices and the integration of real-world assets into the blockchain ecosystem. The initiative includes licensing agreements with Anemoy Capital, a web3 native asset manager, and Janus Henderson as sub-advisor to offer the Janus Henderson Anemoy S&P 500 Index Fund Segregated Portfolio, planned for launch later in 2025 subject to regulatory approval. This development will allow digital tokens representing S&P 500 Index exposure to be owned, used, and transferred through blockchain technology.

This collaboration expands S&P DJI's digital asset initiatives, which already include various cryptocurrency indices. The tokenization aims to provide broader market access and enhance liquidity, transparency, and interoperability within the blockchain ecosystem. S&P DJI's blockchain collaboration with Centrifuge marks a transformative step for institutional finance into decentralized markets. By bringing the S&P 500 Index onchain, this initiative creates one of the first digital tokens offering direct exposure to the world's most recognized benchmark through decentralized infrastructure.

The significance of this move extends beyond mere tokenization. This development enables 24/7 trading, programmability, and real-time index interaction – features impossible in traditional markets. By licensing the S&P 500 for direct integration into DeFi protocols, S&P DJI is establishing a foundation for blockchain-native portfolio construction that bypasses traditional brokerage constraints. Particularly noteworthy is the institutional framework supporting this initiative. Janus Henderson, a global asset manager, will serve as sub-advisor, while Anemoy Capital (powered by Centrifuge) will operate as the web3-native asset manager. This regulatory-compliant structure creates a bridge between institutional-grade index products and decentralized financial ecosystems.

The potential market impact is substantial as this initiative could accelerate institutional adoption of blockchain-based financial products. By embedding S&P DJI's trusted indices directly into DeFi protocols, this collaboration could dramatically expand market access and establish onchain indices as a core category for institutional capital allocation in decentralized finance. While still pending regulatory approval, this represents S&P DJI's most significant step into blockchain infrastructure beyond their existing cryptocurrency indices, potentially opening new revenue streams while broadening market accessibility for their benchmark products.

Anemoy Capital, a Web3-focused asset manager, has secured the first license to develop the Janus Henderson Anemoy S&P 500 Index Fund Segregation Portfolio. The fund’s index linkage and smart contract infrastructure are supported by S&P DJI index data and Centrifuge. Nick Cherney, Head of Innovation at Janus Henderson, highlighted the notable interest in previously launched tokenized funds with Centrifuge. He emphasized that a strategy achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching $1 billion in asset size faster than any prior tokenized fund.

The S&P 500 Index plays a pivotal role in global markets, dominating daily transactions exceeding $1 trillion through ETFs, derivatives, and various instruments. Integrating the index with Blockchain technology empowers investors to buy, hold, trade, use it as collateral, or automate their portfolio strategies. Anil Sood from Centrifuge stated, “It’s all about re-imagining everything we’ve learned in traditional markets with programmability, transparency, and global, 24/7 accessibility.” Furthermore, Centrifuge aims to standardize tokenized index products by introducing “proof of index” infrastructure at the summit.

AInvest Newsletter

Daily stocks & crypto headlines, free to your inbox

Get Newsletter with Email

Continue with Google

Or continue with others

Apple

Facebook

X

By continuing, I agree to the Market Data Terms of Service and Privacy Statement

Industry leaders caution that mere tokenization is insufficient on its own. Keyrock CEO Kevin de Patoul emphasized the necessity of genuine benefits for tokenization to thrive. He remarked, “If I can’t do anything I couldn’t before with the asset in tokenized form, it just signifies friction and costs.” Moreover, de Patoul underscored that liquidity is crucial for tokenized markets, noting that consistent market-making is vital to transforming tokenized assets into viable financial instruments.