NYSE teams with Securitize on tokenised securities platform

The New York Stock Exchange and Securitize have signed a memorandum of understanding on tokenised securities, naming Securitize as the first digital transfer agent eligible to mint blockchain-native securities for a planned NYSE-affiliated platform.

The agreement focuses on an upcoming Digital Trading Platform linked to the exchange, where the two groups will develop a framework for issuing and settling tokenised securities on-chain.

Under the arrangement, NYSE plans to work with Securitize as a design partner on a digital transfer agent programme. The programme is intended to support on-chain settlement of tokenised security transactions and help define how transfer agents and tokenisation agents would operate within the platform's ecosystem.

The work will cover regulatory, operational and technology standards for digital transfer agents and tokenisation agents. The goal is to create a structure for tokenised securities that aligns with the requirements of established capital markets.

Transfer agents play a central role in securities markets by maintaining official ownership records and administering corporate actions. Securitize's status as an SEC-registered transfer agent is expected to help shape how those functions are adapted for blockchain-based instruments.

Subject to applicable requirements, the collaboration is expected to support Securitize's role as an approved digital transfer agent for the platform. Securitize Markets is also expected to become one of the broker-dealer participants on the Digital Trading Platform.

Market structure

The announcement reflects a broader push by established exchanges and digital asset firms to build tokenised versions of traditional financial instruments within regulated market structures. Tokenised securities are digital representations of assets such as shares or fund interests, recorded on blockchain infrastructure rather than solely through conventional back-office systems.

Advocates say the model could simplify record-keeping, settlement and ownership tracking. It could also allow issuers and intermediaries to automate parts of post-trade administration, although the market remains at an early stage and continues to face regulatory scrutiny and operational questions.

NYSE's involvement is notable because it suggests one of the world's best-known exchange operators is exploring how tokenisation could fit into mainstream market infrastructure rather than remain confined to specialist crypto venues. The exchange is part of Intercontinental Exchange, which operates markets, clearing houses and financial data businesses.

Lynn Martin, President of NYSE Group, said the project would be developed within the conventions expected in public markets. "The NYSE continues to lead the industry in responsible innovation," Martin said. "As we explore how tokenisation can enhance capital markets, it is critical that new infrastructure is developed in a way that preserves the trust, transparency, and protections investors expect. Securitize brings deep experience in digital asset infrastructure and transfer agency, making them a strong partner in helping design this next generation of market structure."

Securitize role

Securitize has built its business around bringing real-world assets on-chain and reports more than USD $4 billion in assets under management. In the US, it operates as an SEC-registered broker-dealer, transfer agent, fund administrator and operator of an SEC-regulated alternative trading system.

It has worked with several large asset managers on tokenised funds, reflecting growing interest among traditional financial firms in using blockchain-based systems for parts of fund issuance and administration. Its European business is also authorised under the EU's DLT Pilot Regime.

For Securitize, the NYSE agreement gives it a role in shaping the operating rules of a potential exchange-linked market for issuer-sponsored tokenised securities. That would position the company not only as a service provider but also as a participant in building market structure for a new category of digital financial instrument.

Carlos Domingo, Co-Founder and CEO of Securitize, said the partnership was designed to fit tokenised securities within existing market practices.

"Securitize has spent years building the regulated infrastructure needed to bring real-world assets on-chain," Domingo said. "We are proud to support NYSE in helping design the foundational transfer agent infrastructure for tokenised securities markets. This is about building tokenisation in a way that works within real market structure, with the protections, controls, and operational integrity required for public securities."