The Λ0b → Λφ decay is observed using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb^-1 recorded by the LHCb experiment. The decay proceeds at leading order via a b → sss loop transition and is therefore sensitive to the possible presence of particles beyond the Standard Model. A first observation is reported with a significance of 5.9 standard deviations. The value of the branching fraction is measured to be (5.18 ± 1.04 ± 0.35^+0.67-0.62) X 10^-6, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third is related to external inputs. Triple-product asymmetries are measured to be consistent with zero
