What is Securitize?
Securitize is an SEC-registered transfer agent and broker-dealer that has become the leading platform for issuing and managing tokenized securities. Founded in 2017, Securitize has facilitated billions of dollars in tokenized investments across real estate, private equity, venture capital, and fixed income products.
Unlike crypto-native protocols, Securitize operates fully within the traditional securities regulatory framework. This positions the platform as a bridge for institutional adoption of blockchain technology, enabling compliant issuance and trading of security tokens that represent real-world assets.
Securitize's landmark partnership with BlackRock to tokenize the BUIDL fund (a Treasury money market fund) marked a watershed moment for institutional RWA adoption. BUIDL has grown to become one of the largest tokenized funds, demonstrating that major institutions are embracing blockchain rails for traditional financial products.
How Securitize Works
Regulatory Framework
SEC RegistrationSecuritize operates as:
- SEC-registered transfer agent
- FINRA member broker-dealer
- Able to issue and trade securities legally in the US
- Compliant with securities laws globally
Securitize tokens are compliant security tokens:
- Built-in compliance (transfer restrictions)
- Investor verification embedded
- Automated regulatory reporting
- Auditable ownership records
The Securitize Platform
For IssuersCompanies and funds use Securitize to:
- Tokenize equity, debt, or fund shares
- Manage cap tables on-chain
- Automate compliance requirements
- Access broader investor base
Qualified investors access:
- Tokenized funds and securities
- Secondary market trading (where permitted)
- Digital asset custody
- Consolidated portfolio view
Key Products
BUIDL (BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund)- Tokenized Treasury money market fund
- BlackRock as investment manager
- ~$500M+ AUM
- Target: Institutional and accredited investors
- Venture capital fund exposure
- Private equity tokenization
- Real estate investment tokens
- Alternative asset access
Key Statistics
- Total Securities Tokenized: $1B+
- BUIDL AUM: $500M+
- Registered Investors: 1M+
- Partner Asset Managers: 50+
- BUIDL APY: ~4.5-5.0%
- Regulatory Status: SEC-registered, FINRA member
- Chains: Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche
Yield Opportunities
BUIDL Fund (4.5-5.0% APY)
Access BlackRock's tokenized Treasury fund:
What is BUIDL?- Money market fund investing in US Treasuries
- Managed by BlackRock (world's largest asset manager)
- Daily dividend accrual
- Tokenized on Ethereum
- Accredited investors and institutions
- Minimum investment: $100,000+
- Complete KYC through Securitize
- Sign fund subscription documents
- BlackRock institutional management
- Treasury yield with minimal credit risk
- Blockchain-native settlement
- Composable within DeFi (limited integrations)
Other Securitize Offerings
Private Fund AccessAccess venture capital and private equity:
- VC fund tokens
- Real estate investment tokens
- Private credit exposure
- Typically higher minimums ($250K+)
Where permitted, trade security tokens:
- Securitize Markets (ATS)
- Peer-to-peer transfers
- Price discovery for illiquid assets
Getting Started with Securitize
Step 1: Create Account and Verify
Securitize requires comprehensive KYC:
- Register on securitize.io
- Complete identity verification
- Provide accreditation documentation
- Sign platform agreements
Step 2: Explore Available Products
Browse tokenized offerings:
- BUIDL for Treasury exposure
- Private funds for alternatives
- Real estate tokens
- Other security token offerings
Step 3: Invest
For eligible products:
- Review offering documents
- Sign subscription agreements
- Wire funds or deposit stablecoins
- Receive security tokens in Securitize wallet
Step 4: Manage and Monitor
Ongoing portfolio management:
- Track holdings in Securitize dashboard
- Receive dividends/distributions
- Access secondary trading where available
- Maintain compliance documentation
Risk Considerations
Accreditation RequirementsMost Securitize products require accredited investor status, limiting retail access.
Minimum InvestmentsHigh minimums ($100K+) create barriers to entry for smaller investors.
Liquidity ConstraintsSecurity tokens may have limited secondary market liquidity. Lock-up periods may apply.
Regulatory RiskWhile SEC-registered, regulatory changes could affect operations or product availability.
Platform RiskDependence on Securitize's operational integrity and continued regulatory standing.
Smart Contract RiskSecurity token contracts carry standard blockchain risks despite audits.
Securitize vs Crypto-Native RWA Protocols
| Feature | Securitize | Ondo Finance | Centrifuge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | SEC-registered | Reg D compliant | Varies |
| Asset Focus | Diverse securities | Treasuries | Private credit |
| Minimum Investment | $100K+ | $500+ | Varies |
| Target User | Institutions | Retail + Inst. | DeFi native |
| Secondary Trading | ATS platform | DEX | DEX |
| BlackRock Partnership | Yes (BUIDL) | No | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Securitize different from other RWA protocols?Securitize is SEC-registered and operates as a traditional securities platform that uses blockchain. This provides regulatory clarity but with traditional finance constraints (accreditation, minimums, KYC).
Can retail investors use Securitize?Most products require accredited investor status. Check specific offerings for eligibility requirements.
How is BUIDL different from USDC?USDC is a stablecoin that maintains $1 value. BUIDL is a tokenized money market fund that earns Treasury yields, distributed as daily dividends. BUIDL shares can trade at premium/discount to NAV.
Can I use security tokens in DeFi?Limited DeFi integrations exist due to compliance requirements. Security tokens have transfer restrictions that limit composability with permissionless protocols.
What are the fees?Fees vary by product. BUIDL has competitive money market fund fees. Check offering documents for specific fee structures.
Looking for institutional-grade RWA access? Fensory helps you compare tokenized investment options across platforms.[Explore Securitize on Fensory →](https://www.fensory.com)