ARK Seeks SEC Approval for Tokenized Share Class in $562M Venture Fund
ARK Investment Management filed an exemptive application with the SEC to create a tokenized share class for its $562 million venture fund, enabling ownership records on distributed ledger technology and trading on registered alternative trading systems. The SEC will accept hearing requests through September 18.
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Story Updates
- Updated Sep 9, 2026, 09:02 AM: ARK Venture Fund's asset size confirmed at $562 million; fund details now specified in headline and lead.
ARK's Exemptive Application
ARK Investment Management submitted a request to the SEC for an exemption that would allow its Venture Fund, which manages $562 million in assets, to issue and track a new share class using distributed ledger technology. The tokenized shares would trade on registered alternative trading system (ATS) venues rather than traditional exchanges. According to the filing, the structure would maintain regulatory compliance while leveraging blockchain infrastructure for settlement and ownership records.
Regulatory Process and Timeline
The SEC is accepting hearing requests from interested parties through September 18 as part of its review of the exemptive application. The agency has not yet signaled approval or rejection. If granted, the exemption would represent one of the first instances of a major asset manager obtaining SEC authorization to issue tokenized fund shares that settle and trade on-chain within a regulated framework.
Implications for Tokenized Fund Shares
The application reflects growing institutional interest in tokenized securities infrastructure. If approved, ARK's structure could establish a template for other fund managers seeking to offer blockchain-native share classes while remaining within SEC oversight. The move does not constitute approval of tokenization more broadly but rather a narrow exemption for this specific fund structure and trading venue.
Why It Matters
For Traders
Tokenized fund shares on registered ATS venues could offer new trading mechanics and settlement models, though approval timing and actual adoption remain uncertain.
For Investors
An SEC exemption for a $562M fund signals regulatory openness to blockchain infrastructure within traditional asset management and may unlock broader institutional adoption.
For Builders
Approval would establish a blueprint for tokenized securities issuance and ATS settlement, creating near-term demand for custody, infrastructure, and protocol solutions.
This article is for information only and is not financial advice. Read the full disclaimer.
