Plume's SEC Compliance Bridges TradFi-Blockchain Divide

Plume Network, a modular Layer 2 blockchain focused on real-world assets (RWAs), has secured U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration as a transfer agent, marking a pivotal step in bridging traditional finance (TradFi) and blockchain infrastructure. The registration enables Plume to manage digital securities and shareholder records directly onchain, streamlining the issuance, transfer, and compliance of tokenized assets. The platform's interoperability with the U.S. Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) settlement network underscores its alignment with existing financial infrastructure, aiming to reduce tokenization timelines from months to weeks through smart-contract automation Plume Network Registered by SEC as Transfer Agent for Tokenized Securities^[1].

As a transfer agent, Plume now supports use cases such as onchain initial public offerings (IPOs), small-cap fundraising, and registered fund structures. This regulatory standing positions the network to facilitate compliance for institutional players like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Apollo, which seek to digitize asset transfers while adhering to investor protection frameworks. CEO Chris Yin emphasized that the onchain transfer agent protocol "streamlines the issuance of digital securities with a built-in partnership with regulators," addressing a critical gap in the crypto-TradFi convergence Plume Network Registered by SEC as Transfer Agent for Tokenized Securities^[1].

The achievement follows Plume's collaboration with regulatory bodies, including contributions to discussions around the GENIUS Act, a proposed framework for RWA tokenization. The timing aligns with SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce's recent remarks signaling openness to RWA projects, reinforcing the regulator's engagement with blockchain innovation Plume Network Registered by SEC as Transfer Agent for Tokenized Securities^[1]. Plume's infrastructure is operational, allowing immediate adoption by funds, even as broader regulatory frameworks evolve. The firm plans to launch its Nest protocol vaults in Q1 2026, enabling fund managers to create yield-generating vaults backed by regulated financial instruments, with users depositing stablecoins to earn returns from real-world assets Plume Network Registered by SEC as Transfer Agent for Tokenized Securities^[1].

Plume's focus on 40 Act funds-publicly offered investment vehicles representing over $39 trillion in assets-positions it to migrate traditional securities into compliant digital forms. While challenges such as asset custody persist, the company anticipates resolution as the SEC proposes new rules through 2026 and finalizes them by 2027. The firm has already garnered interest from SEC-registered funds, highlighting the growing demand for onchain solutions that balance compliance with efficiency Plume Network Registered by SEC as Transfer Agent for Tokenized Securities^[1].

The SEC's recent pro-crypto initiatives, including potential rule changes for tokenizing TradFi stocks, further contextualize Plume's strategic timing. By securing transfer agent status, the network aligns with broader industry trends toward 24/7 trading and fractional ownership, potentially challenging legacy settlement systems. Plume's expansion into alternative trading system (ATS) and broker-dealer registrations aims to build a fully compliant onchain capital market infrastructure, solidifying its role in the RWA ecosystem Plume Network Registered by SEC as Transfer Agent for Tokenized Securities^[1].