Marshall Wace, the London-based hedge fund firm managing $55 billion in assets, is reportedly preparing to expand into the crypto sector through a new digital finance portfolio. According to a Financial Times report citing people familiar with the matter, the firm is planning to invest in privately owned, late-stage digital finance companies rather than focusing only on direct token exposure at the outset.
Focus on blockchain, payments, and stablecoin infrastructure
The planned portfolio is expected to target several segments of the digital asset economy, including blockchain technology, payment systems for digital currencies, and stablecoins. A particularly important area for Marshall Wace is said to be the infrastructure built around stablecoins, highlighting growing institutional interest in the rails that support digital finance rather than only speculative assets.
Founded in 1997 by Sir Paul Marshall and Ian Wace, Marshall Wace has become one of the better-known names in the hedge fund industry. The new portfolio is reportedly being discussed with potential investors and will be led by Amit Rajpal, chief executive of Marshall Wace Asia and co-founder of Indian fintech company Niyogin.
Still early, but expansion could come quickly
People familiar with the plan also said the firm has recently been looking to hire staff with crypto expertise. In another sign of interest, Marshall Wace participated in a funding round for crypto company Circle at the end of May, suggesting it has already started building exposure through private-market investments.
While the new business remains at an early stage, the report said Marshall Wace intends to scale it quickly. That expansion could eventually include other forms of investment, with trading digital currencies mentioned as a possible next step. The move underscores how major traditional investment firms continue to explore crypto through infrastructure, payments, and stablecoin-related opportunities.