Tokenization of Securities: A Paradigm Shift in the Financial Markets
Published on January 14, 2024
Author : Greg Hauw, Founder & CEO, Ohanae, Inc

Introduction:

The recent approval of spot bitcoin exchange-traded product ("ETP") shares by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") has sparked discussions about the broader implications of tokenization in the financial markets. SEC Chair Gary Gensler's statement and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink's perspective on the approval shed light on the evolving landscape.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler's Statement:

Chair Gensler's statement reflects a shift in the SEC's approach to spot bitcoin ETPs. Previously disapproving multiple filings, the SEC's decision is influenced by legal developments, notably the U.S. Court of Appeals' decision regarding Grayscale's proposed ETP. Gensler emphasizes the Commission's merit-neutral stance, focusing on whether rule filings comply with existing regulations. He stresses the importance of investor protections, including full disclosure, trading on regulated exchanges, and adherence to existing rules and standards of conduct.

Key Points from Gensler's Statement:

Legal Evolution: Gensler acknowledges changes in circumstances, including legal rulings, influencing the SEC's decision to approve spot bitcoin ETPs.

Equal Market Access: The SEC ensures that issuers complying with regulations receive the same market access as others, emphasizing the merit-neutral evaluation of rule filings.

Investor Protections: Gensler highlights protections for investors, such as full disclosure, listing on regulated exchanges, and application of existing rules and standards of conduct.

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink's Perspective:

Larry Fink's comment on CNBC emphasizes the transformative potential of tokenization beyond bitcoin ETFs. He sees ETFs as the initial step in the technological revolution in financial markets, with tokenization representing the next phase. Fink envisions a future where every financial asset undergoes tokenization, indicating a broader trend towards digital representation of traditional securities.

Key Points from Larry Fink's Statement:

ETFs as Step One: Fink views ETFs, particularly bitcoin ETF approvals, as the first step in the technological revolution in financial markets.

Tokenization Vision: Fink expresses a broader vision, foreseeing the tokenization of every financial asset as the next phase in the evolution of financial markets.

Ohanae's Vision: Transforming Digital Asset Securities

In the midst of this evolving landscape, the Ohanae OTC Market Platform emerges as a pioneering solution. Ohanae envisions a financial ecosystem where digital asset securities undergo tokenization, leveraging the power of blockchain technology. The platform introduces a mainnet blockchain, equity tokenization, and a 24x7 automated market maker ("AMM")-based alternative trading system ("ATS"). Furthermore, Ohanae proposes deposit coins pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar, ensuring atomic settlement, and operates with a FINRA-approved Special Purpose Broker Dealer ("SPBD") for digital asset securities custody.

Tokenization Beyond Cryptocurrencies:

Ohanae's vision extends beyond cryptocurrencies to embrace the tokenization of traditional financial assets. By providing a seamless and secure platform for the representation and trading of digital asset securities, Ohanae contributes to the broader narrative of tokenization. This approach aligns with the vision outlined by SEC Chair Gary Gensler and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, underlining the transformative potential of digital representation in the financial markets.

Conclusion:

The approval of spot bitcoin ETPs by the SEC, coupled with visionary perspectives from industry leaders, paints a picture of a financial landscape undergoing significant transformation. Tokenization, as exemplified by Ohanae's vision, emerges as a pivotal force shaping the future of securities. As the financial industry embraces this technological evolution, the transition to tokenization becomes not just a trend but a fundamental shift in the way financial assets are conceived, traded, and accessed in the digital age.

Related Links:

SEC Chair Gensler on bitcoin ETF approval: The underlying asset is highly speculative and volatile

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink: Bitcoin ETF approvals are 'stepping stones' towards tokenization

Ohanae’s CEO Pitch

Disclaimer

An offering statement regarding this offering has been filed with the SEC.  The SEC has qualified that offering statement, which only means that the company may make sales of the securities described by the offering statement.  It does not mean that the SEC has approved, passed upon the merits or passed upon the accuracy or completeness of the information in the offering statement.  The offering circular that is part of that offering statement is at https://vdr.ohanae.com/projects/ohanae.  You should read the offering circular before making any investment.

Ohanae Securities LLC is a subsidiary of Ohanae, Inc. and member of FINRA/SIPC. Additional information about Ohanae Securities LLC can be found on BrokerCheck. Ohanae Securities LLC is in discussions with FINRA about exploring the expansion of business lines for the broker/dealer.  Any statements regarding abilities of Ohanae Securities LLC are subject to FINRA approval and there are no guarantees FINRA will approve the broker/dealer’s expansion.

Ohanae Securities is seeking approval to be a special purpose broker-dealer that is performing the full set of broker-dealer functions with respect to digital asset securities – including maintaining custody of these assets – in a manner that addresses the unique attributes of digital asset securities and minimizes risk to investors and other market participants. If approved, Ohanae Securities will limit its business to digital asset securities to isolate risk and having policies and procedures to, among other things, assess a given digital asset security’s distributed ledger technology and protect the private keys necessary to transfer the digital asset security.