Tokenization of Securities, Non-stop Trading, Atomic Settlement: OTC Securities Redefined
Published on May 26, 2023
Author : Greg Hauw, Founder & CEO, Ohanae, Inc

Embracing the Web3 Revolution in Traditional Finance (TradFi)

We are on the cusp of the largest generational wealth transfer in U.S. history, with baby boomers expected to pass down approximately $68 trillion by 2030*. As Gen Xers and millennials prepare to inherit this massive wealth, they seek innovative investment ideas and embrace technological advancements that can enhance their investment experiences. This article explores the changing landscape of wealth management and the potential of Web3 technologies and tokenization to create new investment opportunities for emerging investor groups.

Rethinking Traditional Wealth Management Strategies

Traditional strategies, such as the 60/40 stock-bond portfolio, have fallen short in recent times. The need for diversification into alternative asset classes is evident as a nominal 60/40 portfolio recorded a -18.1% return in 2022*. Alternative investments like hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, private credit, and real estate can offer diversification and the potential for enhanced returns. However, accessing these investments has been challenging due to cumbersome processes, high initial investment requirements, limited liquidity, and lack of transparency.

The Role of Web3 and Tokenization in TradFi Innovation

Tokenization, the process of creating digital representations of real-world assets using Web3 technology, is gaining momentum. It can offer advantages such as faster settlement times, increased transparency, enhanced liquidity, operational efficiencies, and fractionalization of investments. Real-world assets like real estate, and commodities have already been successfully tokenized, paving the way for broader adoption.

Revolutionizing Private Equity through Tokenization

Private equity has traditionally been reserved for institutional investors, with high minimum investment amounts and limited liquidity. Tokenization has the potential to democratize access to private equity by breaking down barriers. Through Web3 efficiencies, smaller denominations can be offered, reducing minimum investment requirements and opening doors for a wider range of investors. Additionally, Automated Market Maker (AMM)-powered

Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) can provide secondary liquidity for tokenized private equity interests, addressing historical illiquidity issues.

Automation and Smart Contracts for Efficient Fund Management

Tokenization enables automation and smart contracts, streamlining fund operations and enhancing interactions between fund managers, general partners, and limited partnership interest holders. Smart contracts can facilitate secure and efficient distribution of any returns, while deposit coins can simplify fund flows, enabling faster and seamless transactions. Web3 infrastructure improves transparency and streamlines the subscription and management process for private equity funds, aiming to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Unleashing the Potential of Alternative Investments

Alternative investments, particularly in private markets, hold vast opportunities. The emergence of Web3 and tokenization opens doors for fresh portfolio allocations and potentially higher returns. Investors can explore alternative asset classes and embrace innovative strategies to attempt to optimize their portfolios to their unique circumstances. Web3 and tokenization represent a paradigm shift in the investment landscape, and may offer benefits such as enhanced access, increased liquidity, and improved transparency.

Atomic Settlement: Simultaneous settlement of assets, whereby assets are linked to ensure the transfer of an asset only occurs if the others are simultaneously transferred (e.g., to achieve delivery versus payment in a securities transaction). This mechanism adds an additional layer of security and efficiency to the settlement process, aimed at reducing counterparty risk and ensuring a synchronized exchange of assets.

Conclusion

We are at the intersection of a historic wealth transfer and the rise of Web3 technologies. Embracing this revolution offers avenues to overcome traditional barriers, unlock new opportunities, and reshape the investment landscape. By leveraging Web3 and tokenization, investors can position themselves at the forefront of change, in the hopes of maximizing their investment potential and reaping the rewards of a rapidly evolving market.

*Forbes: How Blockchain May Play An Increasing Role In Investing

Disclaimer

Ohanae Securities LLC is a subsidiary of Ohanae, Inc. and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (FINRA/SIPC). Additional information about Ohanae Securities LLC is available on BrokerCheck.

Ohanae Securities LLC is currently in discussions with FINRA regarding the potential expansion of its business lines, which may include custody and related services for crypto asset securities. Any statements regarding the capabilities or services of Ohanae Securities LLC are subject to regulatory approval, and there can be no assurance that such approvals will be obtained.

Ohanae Securities LLC intends to operate in a manner that addresses the unique characteristics of crypto asset securities, including maintaining robust policies and procedures for custody, safeguarding of private keys, and evaluation of distributed ledger technology. The firm’s approach is designed to support crypto asset securities that may not efficiently operate within the traditional National Market System (NMS). Subject to applicable regulatory approvals, Ohanae Securities LLC may expand its activities to include additional services that may be conducted in a dealer-principal capacity, with the objective of protecting investors and maintaining market integrity.