Tokenization infrastructure firm Securitize is preparing to list on the New York Stock Exchange, a test of Wall Street's appetite for blockchain-based assets. President Brett Redfearn, who joined in April 2026, argues that bringing real-world assets onto the blockchain can unlock efficiencies stifled by traditional finance's closed nature.
Direct Access for Retail Investors
Redfearn says tokenization allows everyday investors to control assets digitally, reducing reliance on intermediaries. One standout example is stock lending. Large brokers routinely lend out clients' idle shares to short sellers, but individual investors often get only a small fraction of the revenue while brokers keep the lion's share.
Stock Lending Revenue Split: Robinhood Keeps 85%
Data from NerdWallet reveals Robinhood retains about 85% of stock lending profits, while Charles Schwab shares roughly half with customers. Redfearn believes tokenization can disrupt this model by cutting centralized middlemen and letting investors capture more value through decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.
| Institution | Stock Lending Revenue Share |
|---|---|
| Robinhood | Keeps about 85% |
| Charles Schwab | Splits 50-50 with clients |
Redfearn says new tools in tokenized security ecosystems could expand options for investors.
Product Innovation and Wall Street's Challenge
Securitize has already enabled institutions like BlackRock to issue securities directly on the blockchain. However, Redfearn acknowledges that the company's DeFi potential depends on a broad developer community building new financial apps. Industry watchers note the trend is spreading: Robinhood is expected to unveil new products this week. Compass Point analyst Ed Engel says, based on European pilot projects, DeFi-compatible tokenized stock offerings are likely part of the announcements. Securitize's NYSE debut thus marks a milestone for financial product innovation and a key moment for valuing companies driving tokenization adoption.