Ondo Finance Acquires SEC-Regulated Broker Oasis Pro for Tokenized Stocks in U.S. Market

Ondo Finance has recently announced its intention to acquire Oasis Pro, a regulated brokerage platform, in order to facilitate the introduction of tokenized stocks to its offerings in the near future. The acquisition, the financial details of which remain undisclosed, is a strategic move that will provide Ondo with a range of U.S. securities licenses, including a broker-dealer, Alternative Trading System (ATS), and transfer agent, all regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The trend of tokenization firms seeking out regulated entities in order to penetrate the U.S. market has been gaining momentum, driven by the increasing interest in blockchain-based securities. The concept of tokenization involves digitizing traditional financial instruments such as bonds, stocks, and funds, with the promise of facilitating faster and 24/7 settlements, expanding access to a wider range of investors, and enabling programmable transactions. Various reports from reputable entities such as Ripple, BCG, McKinsey, and Standard Chartered have all projected significant growth potential for tokenized assets, with estimates suggesting that this market could potentially grow into the trillions of dollars over the next decade.

The recent acquisition of Oasis Pro by Ondo Finance is part of a broader trend within the industry, as other companies like U.K.-based Archax and Prometheum have also made similar moves to expand their presence in the U.S. market. Oasis Pro, established in 2019, was among the pioneering firms in the United States authorized to settle digital securities using both fiat currency and stablecoins like USDC and DAI. Additionally, Oasis Pro has been actively involved in shaping regulatory policies through its participation in FINRA’s Crypto Working Group.

Upon completion of the acquisition, Oasis Pro CEO Pat LaVecchia is expected to join Ondo Finance, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the digital securities space. With Ondo already managing a substantial portfolio of over $1.4 billion in tokenized assets, the company has ambitious plans to introduce tokenized stocks to non-U.S. investors through its Global Markets platform in the near future. This move aligns with a broader trend in the industry, as exchanges such as Robinhood, Gemini, Kraken, and Bybit have also recently introduced similar offerings.

It is important to note that the acquisition deal between Ondo Finance and Oasis Pro is still subject to regulatory approval, underscoring the importance of compliance and adherence to regulatory guidelines in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital securities. The successful completion of this acquisition is expected to position Ondo Finance as a key player in the emerging market for tokenized securities, leveraging its institutional-grade infrastructure and products to create a robust and regulated ecosystem for digital assets.