Month: June 2026

Digital Assets, Tokenization, and the Future of Institutional Investing

Digital Assets, Tokenization, and the Future of Institutional Investing

Financial markets continue to evolve as institutions evaluate new ways to move assets, improve settlement processes, and expand investment opportunities.

What role will digital assets play in the future of investing? And how are institutions balancing innovation with regulation, governance, and risk management?

In this episode, Paul Fahey speaks with Andrew Czupek, Head of Digital Assets and Innovation, North America at Northern Trust, about the findings from Northern Trust’s 2026 Global Asset Owner Peer Study. They explore growing institutional adoption of digital assets, the rise of tokenized funds, the importance of interoperability between traditional and digital systems, and how regulatory developments are influencing participation.

Andrew also shares why utility, mobility, and infrastructure development are becoming key drivers of long-term institutional interest.

Key takeaways:

  • Growing institutional participation reflects increasing interest in digital assets beyond cryptocurrency exposure
  • Digital cash and settlement rails are helping address twenty-four-hour market activity needs
  • Tokenized assets create new opportunities for collateral mobility and operational efficiency
  • Regulatory frameworks are shaping institutional confidence and participation decisions
  • Interoperability between traditional and digital systems remains critical for broader adoption

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From Undervalued to Opportunity: Inside the Rise of Women’s Sports Investing (Video)

From Undervalued to Opportunity: Inside the Rise of Women’s Sports Investing (Video)

Institutional investors are taking a closer look at sports—not just as a passion project, but as a distinct and evolving asset class.

In this episode of Market Pulse, Jason Wright, managing partner and head of investments for Project Level at Ariel Investments, joins Northern Trust’s Grant Johnsey to explore the investment case for women’s sports. Drawing on his experience as a former NFL executive and operator, Wright explains where he sees inefficiencies in the market, what’s driving growth across teams and leagues, and how investors should think about sports within a diversified portfolio.

The conversation covers the structural dynamics shaping the industry, from media rights and valuation gaps to the emergence of a new, underserved fan base. Wright also outlines how Project Level is approaching the space—investing not only in teams, but across the broader ecosystem supporting the future of women’s sports.

Important Disclosures

The audio podcast is being provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not meant to be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any specific investment product or strategy. The information does not take your financial situation, investment objective(s), or risk tolerance into consideration. Listeners, including professionals, should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific legal, investment, accounting or tax advice from their own counsel.

Non‑U.S. Small Cap Equities

Non‑U.S. small cap equities may provide diversification and growth potential but carry elevated risks. These include currency volatility (e.g., U.S. dollar strength reducing returns), higher volatility, and lower liquidity. These securities are more sensitive to local economic, political, and regulatory conditions and may underperform in certain market cycles. They may include lower-quality or unprofitable issuers and are more exposed to trade policy and geopolitical developments.

Alternative Investments

Alternative investments are not suitable for all investors. Hedge funds use leverage, derivatives, and short selling, which can amplify losses. These investments are typically illiquid, lack regular pricing transparency, and charge high fees that may reduce returns. Interests are not readily transferable, and a secondary market may not exist. Investors should also consider tax complexity and reduced regulatory oversight compared to mutual funds.

From Undervalued to Opportunity: Inside the Rise of Women’s Sports Investing (Audio)

From Undervalued to Opportunity: Inside the Rise of Women’s Sports Investing (Audio)

Institutional investors are taking a closer look at sports—not just as a passion project, but as a distinct and evolving asset class.

In this episode of Market Pulse, Jason Wright, managing partner and head of investments for Project Level at Ariel Investments, joins Northern Trust’s Grant Johnsey to explore the investment case for women’s sports. Drawing on his experience as a former NFL executive and operator, Wright explains where he sees inefficiencies in the market, what’s driving growth across teams and leagues, and how investors should think about sports within a diversified portfolio.

The conversation covers the structural dynamics shaping the industry, from media rights and valuation gaps to the emergence of a new, underserved fan base. Wright also outlines how Project Level is approaching the space—investing not only in teams, but across the broader ecosystem supporting the future of women’s sports.

Important Disclosures

The audio podcast is being provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not meant to be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any specific investment product or strategy. The information does not take your financial situation, investment objective(s), or risk tolerance into consideration. Listeners, including professionals, should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for their own research or for obtaining specific legal, investment, accounting or tax advice from their own counsel.

Non‑U.S. Small Cap Equities

Non‑U.S. small cap equities may provide diversification and growth potential but carry elevated risks. These include currency volatility (e.g., U.S. dollar strength reducing returns), higher volatility, and lower liquidity. These securities are more sensitive to local economic, political, and regulatory conditions and may underperform in certain market cycles. They may include lower-quality or unprofitable issuers and are more exposed to trade policy and geopolitical developments.

Alternative Investments

Alternative investments are not suitable for all investors. Hedge funds use leverage, derivatives, and short selling, which can amplify losses. These investments are typically illiquid, lack regular pricing transparency, and charge high fees that may reduce returns. Interests are not readily transferable, and a secondary market may not exist. Investors should also consider tax complexity and reduced regulatory oversight compared to mutual funds.