Former Grayscale CEO Michael Sonnenshein Joins Securitize as COO

Michael Sonnenshein, the former CEO of Grayscale Investments, has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Securitize, a leading tokenization platform. Sonnenshein officially joined the company on December 9, 2024, nearly seven months after stepping down from his role at Grayscale in May 2024.

Since leaving Grayscale, Sonnenshein has spent several months advising various fintech and blockchain companies. His LinkedIn profile lists advisory roles with five firms: Scholars of Finance, Stocktwits, Arch, Sodot, and Aptos Labs. Sonnenshein is widely known for his pivotal role in launching the first publicly traded Bitcoin fund, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), which later converted into an exchange-traded fund (ETF) in January 2024 following approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This conversion was a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency industry, following Grayscale’s legal victory over the SEC in August 2023.

Securitize’s Growth and Strategic Focus

Securitize, which has gained recognition as a top player in the tokenization space in 2024, specializes in providing tools for the issuance, management, and trading of tokenized securities, including stocks and bonds. The company has forged key partnerships with major financial institutions such as BlackRock, Hamilton Lane, Wormhole, Elixir, and Ethena, among others. In May 2024, Securitize raised $47 million in a funding round led by BlackRock, with additional participation from Aptos Labs, Paxos, and Circle.

The company has made significant strides in the tokenization market, having moved over $1 billion in real-world assets onto the blockchain. Securitize’s innovative approach to tokenization has positioned it as a leader in the industry, and Sonnenshein’s appointment is expected to further accelerate its growth.

Sonnenshein’s Role at Securitize

As COO, Sonnenshein will be responsible for driving key strategic initiatives, including building relationships with asset managers, as well as overseeing marketing, sales, and distribution. The company sought an executive who has deep expertise in both traditional financial services and digital assets, and Sonnenshein’s background uniquely positions him to fulfill this role.

“There is massive demand for tokenization, and I am thrilled to join Securitize at such a pivotal moment for the company and the industry,” Sonnenshein said in a statement. His leadership is expected to help Securitize expand its reach and solidify its position as a leader in the tokenized securities space.

Looking Ahead

Securitize’s tokenization platform has gained significant attention in the financial sector, and with Sonnenshein’s extensive experience in both traditional finance and blockchain, the company is poised for continued success. As tokenization becomes an increasingly important component of the future of finance, Sonnenshein’s expertise will be crucial in helping Securitize navigate the evolving landscape and capitalize on the growing demand for blockchain-based financial products.

With Sonnenshein now at the helm of operations, Securitize is well-positioned to continue its leadership role in the tokenization market and contribute to the broader adoption of digital assets in mainstream finance.