Monthly Update
A Month in Review – December 2019
While December brought various highlights pertaining to digital securities, one that stands out is a recent proposal, put forth by the SEC. The regulatory body has recognized a need to redefine/modernize the definition of what constitutes an accredited investor, and has set out to do just that. Beyond these potential changes, we saw a flurry of activity, involving Japanese companies, becoming increasingly involved in the sector.
This edition of ‘The Digital' looks at each of these developments, in addition to highlighting a few key articles provided by securities.io during this past month.
Transfer Agents
One of the various designations necessary for the digital securities sector to function, is a Transfer Agent. Whether acting as an intermediary, issuing certificates, or dealing with lost certificates, their role is an important one. December saw multiple companies look to attain this designation.
TokenSoft Subsidiary, DTAC LLC, looks to ‘Join the Party' as a Transfer Agent
Vertalo Receives SEC Letter of Effectiveness
Raising Capital
As they continue marching forward, Ripple announced during December, that they have achieved a $10 billion valuation. This was made possible through a successful $200 million series C, headlined by Tetragon, SBI Holdings, and Route 66 Ventures.
This announcement came at a time with Ripple still actively dealing with legal battles surrounding the purported illegal sale of securities. Clearly this event has not swayed others’ beliefs in the company, as made evident with their aforementioned valuation.
Ripple Attains $10 Billion Valuation after $200 Million Series C
Japanese Expansion
November saw increased levels of Japanese activity, with December serving to continue this trend. Both, key investments and acquisitions, based in Japan specifically caught our eye.
HTX Japan Secures $4.6M from Tokai Tokyo
Securitize Increases Ties to Japan through First Acquisition
In The News
A Global Perspective
With the end of December marking not only the end of the year, but the decade, we thought it a perfect time to gauge industry sentiment. The following articles represent a short series, in which we provided a questionnaire to CEOs from companies surrounding the world.
Through these insights, it is clear that, while there is work to be done, there is positivity abound with, both, a 2 and 5 year perspective – regardless of location.
Julian Kwan, CEO of InvestaX, and one of the participants in this series, summed up their expectations for the sector in the coming years.
“In 2 years many institutions will have issued their first digital security, in 5 years there will be no new company set up in paper form anymore and every security offering will be digital as smart governments migrate company set up and management to distributed ledgers removing the need for any paper.”
Interviews
Derek Schloss, Director of Strategy for Security Token Academy
After a recent contribution to our ‘Thought Leaders' series, by Derek, we thought it prudent to learn more about, both, himself and Security Token Academy. This discussion does just that, in addition to touching on the subtleties behind the various forms of crowdfunding. Read More
Oliver Siah, CEO of Fraxtor Capital
In this exclusive interview, we learn about, not only Fraxtor and real estate, but Oliver himself. From acting as a seasoned Singaporean Air Force Officer, to investing in real estate, Oliver possessed a unique and diverse background, sure to help in the success of Fraxtor. Read More
Christian Platzer, Managing Partner of Black Manta Capital
From the rationality behind the Black Manta name, to their relationships with various European entities, this interview sheds light on it all. Check it out to learn a bit more about this young company. Read More
Education
Under Scrutiny: How to Pass Due Diligence as a Blockchain Project
Our latest entry into our ‘Thought Leaders' series, sees repeat contributor, Gene Deyev, elaborate on what due diligence entails. From Legal, Technical, and Business considerations, the process may be more in-depth than many realize. Read Here
Around the Web
SEC Proposes to Update Accredited Investor Definition to Increase Access to Investments – Securities and Exchange Commission
With the ongoing development of next-gen technologies, many have called for an update to antiquated industry definitions; an update which better reflects current markets and their participants.
This call was heard, as the SEC announced a proposal put forth which would greatly change who we deem an accredited investor. In doing so, digital securities may soon see a new crop of investors gain access to the sector. Read More
