New York Stock Exchange taps Securitize to build its tokenized stock platform

The New York Stock Exchange (ICE) is teaming up with tokenization specialist Securitize to help design the infrastructure behind tokenized securities trading, according to a Tuesday press release shared with CoinDesk.

Securitize is aiming to go public this year via a SPAC deal with Cantor Equitize Partners (CEPT). CEPT shares are higher by 6% premarket. ICE shares are flat.

The two firms signed a memorandum of understanding to build NYSE’s planned Digital Trading Platform. Securitize will serve as a design partner, focusing on how transfer agents — the entities that track ownership and handle corporate actions — operate when securities are issued and settled on blockchain rails.

Securitize, backed by large asset managers like BlackRock and Ark Invest and registered with the SEC as a transfer agent, is expected to be among the first firms eligible to mint tokenized versions of stocks and ETFs on the platform, subject to regulatory approvals.

The firm's broker-dealer arm could also take part in trading, giving it a foothold across both issuance and market activity.

The move comes as traditional exchange behemoths like NYSE and Nasdaq are doubling down on tokenization efforts to bring blockchain rails into stock trading. That tech would enable around-the-clock trading and near-instant settlements, similar to crypto markets.

Recently, NYSE-parent Intercontinental Exchange invested in crypto exchange OKX to develop tokenized stocks and derivatives products. Rival exchange Nasdaq obtained regulatory approval for its tokenized stock trading framework and has tapped Kraken to distribute stock tokens globally.

"As we explore how tokenization can enhance capital markets, it is critical that new infrastructure is developed in a way that preserves the trust, transparency, and protections investors expect," NYSE Group President Lynn Martin said.

Read more: Here is why Nasdaq and owner of NYSE are putting the $126 trillion equity market on blockchain