Michael Sonnenshein Joins Securitize to Lead Tokenization Expansion

• Michael Sonnenshein, former Grayscale CEO, joins Securitize as COO to enhance its blockchain-based tokenization capabilities and industry partnerships.
• Securitize has surpassed $1 billion in tokenized real-world assets, collaborating with firms like BlackRock and KKR to revolutionize capital markets.
• Sonnenshein’s expertise in digital assets and regulatory strategy positions Securitize to expand its role as a leader in tokenized financial products.

Securitize, a leading tokenization platform that is revolutionizing traditional finance through the use of blockchain. Has announced that Michael Sonnenshein will join as Chief Operating Officer (COO) starting December 9, 2024. Sonnenshein has the background of former CEO of Grayscale Investments, where he worked for more than a decade, driving cryptocurrency adoption as an investment asset class.

While at Grayscale, Sonnenshein propelled the firm into the same position it remains today. The world’s largest crypto asset management firm overseeing tens of billions of dollars in AUM. During his tenure, Grayscale expanded its product offering beyond 20 funds and contributed substantially to the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs. Skills including propelling regulatory compliance will be useful to Securitize’s goal of connecting traditional finance (TradFi) with blockchain technology.

Carlos Domingo, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of the firm highlighted the move stating that Sonnenshein has been instrumental in the growth of the digital asset industry and that he will aid the company in achieving another level of growth.

Tokenization is the Process of Securitize

Tokenization leader Securitize claims that it has launched more than a billion tokenized real-world assets RWAs on-chain. Partners include well-established asset managers like BlackRock, Hamilton Lane, and KKR to help take tokenized investment products to the public. These measures are already intended to overcome imperfection in capital markets and to open new opportunities for investors in assets represented by tokens.

The specific platform under discussion utilizes blockchain technology to securitize RWAs. This generates more transparency and openness of the instruments for investors. Securitize conducts business as a regulated entity, registered with the SEC as both a broker-dealer and as a digital transfer agent and the operator of an Alternative Trading System. This in a way helps ensure compliance and make trading tokenized securities secure.

In his new role, Sonnenshein is expected to focus on expanding Securitize’s tokenization capabilities and partnerships with asset managers.

Vision for the Future of Tokenization

Michael Sonnenshein expressed enthusiasm about his new role, noting the growing demand for tokenization and its potential to redefine capital markets. He praised Securitize’s leadership in driving tokenization projects and emphasized the importance of creating innovative solutions for investors.

Securitize’s vision is alighing with the current industry trends that aim to combine the blockchain network with traditional financial institutions. This acquisition enables Sonnenshein to bring its tactical skills into the organization and use Securitize’s technological platform for growth.