Computershare to enable issuer-led tokenized stock issuance via Securitize

Computershare, the biggest US equities transfer agent, will enable issuer-led tokenized stock issuance in the US via tech integration with Securitize.

Computershare announced it will support U.S.-listed clients in issuing equity securities in tokenized form through a technology agreement with Securitize.

US issuers can now include Issuer-Sponsored Tokens (ISTs) as part of their capital structure alongside traditional shares, including those held through the Direct Registration System (DRS).

Source: Computershare

➡️ Why this matters

The SEC’s tokenized equities framework contemplates three primary issuance models:

- Issuer-led

- CSD-led

- Third-party-led

To date:

- CSD-led initiatives have been led by vertically integrated market infrastructure providers such as Nasdaq / DTC / NSCC (More here: https://lnkd.in/eydNzNSg)

- Third-party-led models have gained the most real traction, with Ondo Finance reaching ~$700M AUM and ~$10B trading volume within 8 months

But the issuer-led model has remained largely theoretical.

Not because regulation prohibited it, but because issuers lacked:

- Clear implementation pathways

- Supporting infrastructure

- Operationally credible market participants to facilitate issuance

Computershare entering the market begins to change that.

As the legal shareholder recordkeeper for a large portion of U.S. public equities, Computershare is one of the most important incumbent infrastructure providers in the equity issuance stack. Its support materially lowers the operational friction for issuers exploring direct tokenized equity issuance.

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