Centrifuge has partnered with S&P Dow Jones Indices to launch the first onchain tokenized S&P 500 fund
This collaboration marks a major step in the tokenization of traditional financial assets, bringing the S&P 500 onchain for the first time.
The fund uses Centrifuge’s blockchain-native infrastructure and official S&P DJI data. Smart contracts provide programmable exposure to the S&P 500 index. The launch also introduces a new “proof-of-index” framework to support future tokenized index products.
Tokenized S&P 500 Fund Targets Institutional DeFi
Licensed asset managers can now offer onchain S&P 500 index funds. These products meet institutional compliance requirements while offering DeFi advantages like transparency, 24/7 access, and programmability.
The first fund launched under this model is the Janus Henderson Anemoy S&P 500 Index Fund Segregated Portfolio. It was developed by Anemoy Capital, a Web3-native asset manager. Nick Cherney, Janus Henderson’s Head of Innovation, noted the rapid growth of their previous tokenized fund with Centrifuge, which reached $1 billion in AUM faster than any other onchain fund.
Launch at Centrifuge RWA Summit in Cannes
The fund will officially launch on Tuesday at the Centrifuge RWA Summit in Cannes. At the same event, Centrifuge will introduce its proof-of-index infrastructure. The company aims to standardize how tokenized index funds are created for future asset managers.
This launch comes amid growing interest in tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs). Other platforms like Aptos and firms such as BlackRock are also exploring onchain financial products.
Tokenization Must Deliver Real Utility
Industry leaders continue to stress that tokenization must serve practical purposes. Kevin de Patoul, CEO of market maker Keyrock, cautioned against tokenizing assets without clear utility.
“If I can’t do something new with the tokenized asset, it just adds friction and cost,”
He also emphasized the need for market makers to support liquidity and functionality for tokenized assets in DeFi markets.
A Milestone for Tokenized Index Funds
By bringing the S&P 500 onchain, Centrifuge and S&P DJI open the door to programmable index funds. These funds can serve as collateral, trading tools, or components in automated portfolios.
They also offer global, permissionless access to major indices through digital assets. As Centrifuge’s Anil Sood said, “It’s about taking everything we learned in traditional markets and reimagining it with programmability, transparency, and 24/7 accessibility.”
This launch could mark the start of index investing merging the worlds of DeFi and traditional finance.
