Ethereum News Today: Securitize's Public Debut Catalyzes Institutional Adoption of Tokenization

Securitize, a BlackRock-backed real-world asset (RWA) tokenization company, is set to go public through a $1.25 billion SPAC merger with Cantor Equity Partners II, a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) affiliated with Cantor Fitzgerald. The deal, announced on October 28, 2025, will see Securitize listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "SECR" at a pre-money valuation of $1.25 billion. The company, which has pioneered the tokenization of traditional assets like treasuries and real estate, aims to leverage blockchain technology to transform capital markets by enhancing accessibility, transparency, and efficiency .

The merger underscores growing institutional interest in tokenization, a sector accelerated by BlackRock's recent $500 million deployment of its BUIDL fund onto the Aptos blockchain. This move pushed Aptos' RWA tokenized assets past $1.2 billion, making it the third-largest RWA chain globally. BlackRock, which also tokenized its BUIDL fund through Securitize, has become a key player in bridging traditional finance and blockchain infrastructure. The fund's expansion to Aptos in November 2024, following its initial Ethereum deployment in March 2024, highlights the firm's confidence in non-Ethereum ecosystems .

Securitize's platform enables the digitization of assets such as real estate, government bonds, and commodities, allowing them to be traded on decentralized networks. The company has previously secured funding from BlackRock, ARK Invest, and Morgan Stanley, positioning it as a leader in the RWA space. CEO Carlos Domingo emphasized that the merger will enable Securitize to "make financial markets operate at the speed of the internet," aligning with BlackRock's vision for tokenization as a transformative force in finance .

The broader RWA market has gained momentum amid favorable regulatory shifts in the U.S. and Europe. For instance, Professional Diversity Network recently announced a collaboration with a European digital finance firm to explore a global RWA exchange, reflecting the sector's potential for cross-border adoption . Meanwhile, competitors like Ondo Finance have called for stronger regulatory frameworks to support tokenized securities, indicating the industry's maturation.

Securitize's public listing via SPAC follows a strategic trend among blockchain firms seeking institutional credibility. The company's merger with Cantor Equity Partners II, sponsored by Cantor Fitzgerald, brings together expertise in traditional finance and emerging technology. Howard Lutnick, Cantor Fitzgerald's CEO, highlighted blockchain's "massive potential to transform finance," signaling a broader acceptance of tokenization in mainstream markets .

As the RWA sector expands, Securitize's public debut could catalyze further adoption by institutional investors. With BlackRock's BUIDL fund already allocating $1.2 billion in tokenized assets across Ethereum and Aptos, the firm's partnership with Securitize reinforces its commitment to diversifying blockchain infrastructure. This development marks a pivotal moment for tokenization, as traditional finance increasingly embraces blockchain's capabilities for faster settlements and enhanced liquidity .