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Dutch Pension Fund Manager to Investigate Blockchain

Updated Sep 11, 2021, 12:22 p.m. Published Jul 13, 2016, 4:51 p.m.

A Dutch asset management service that oversees the largest pension fund for government and education workers in the Netherlands has begun exploring possible blockchain applications.

APG announced earlier this week it is partnering with Maastricht University and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research to explore blockchain and artificial intelligence. APG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP, reports it manages nearly €400m in total assets on behalf of the fund.

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The firm said that it was looking into blockchain applications in the areas of finance, logistics and medicine.

"Blockchain's inherent promise, artificial intelligence and the effects of climate change will all exercise significant influence on the future of APG, the commercial world and society," Gerard van Olphen, APG’s chief executive, said in a statement.

Also contributing to the effort, according to APG, is Willem Vermeend, a former government minister and current university professor who earlier this year was appointed by the Dutch government to promote innovation in financial technology.

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Stan Higgins

A member of CoinDesk's full-time Editorial Staff since 2014, Stan has long been at the forefront of covering emerging developments in blockchain technology. Stan has previously contributed to financial websites, and is an avid reader of poetry. Stan currently owns a small amount (<$500) worth of BTC, ENG and XTZ (See: Editorial Policy).