Tokenized Stocks: Two Rival U.S. Models Launched the Same Day, With Different Investor Rights
On July 2, 2026, the RWA market saw a significant divergence in tokenization strategies with the simultaneous launch of two distinct models by Ondo Finance and Securitize. Ondo Finance introduced tokenized versions of BlackRock’s IVV ETF and Micron Technology shares on Ethereum, utilizing a third-party custodial model that creates UCC Article 8 security entitlements for investors. This approach allows for proxy voting and shareholder communications via Broadridge, effectively bridging the gap between traditional brokerage rights and blockchain records. Conversely, Securitize launched its own common stock, SECZ, on the NYSE while simultaneously offering tokenized versions on Solana and Avalanche. Unlike Ondo’s third-party wrapper, Securitize’s model is issuer-sponsored, meaning the company tokenizing the asset is the same entity that issued the equity. These launches highlight a critical regulatory distinction between custodial models, which can scale across various assets, and issuer-sponsored models, which require direct participation from the underlying company. While both claim compliance with the SEC’s January 2026 staff statement, the structural differences dictate how legal recourse and shareholder rights are managed. This evolution marks a maturation of the RWA sector, moving away from synthetic wrappers toward models that prioritize regulatory clarity and actual ownership.
