Ondo Finance files with SEC to bring Ethereum blockchain rails to its Global Markets platform, targeting U.S. stocks for non-U.S. investors.
Ondo Finance made a bold regulatory move on April 13. The crypto firm submitted a no-action request to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The filing centers on Ondo Global Markets, its platform for non-U.S. investors. Through OGM, users access onchain tokens tied to over 200 U.S. stocks and ETFs.
Ondo now wants SEC clearance to bring a targeted Ethereum layer into the mix.
Related reading:
What Ondo’s SEC Filing Actually Proposes
The filing is narrow in scope. Ondo does not ask the SEC to overhaul securities law.
Instead, it seeks confirmation that adding a limited Ethereum Mainnet layer to OGM operations would not trigger enforcement action.
The firm wants to use blockchain rails for three key functions: collateral monitoring, creation-and-redemption workflows, and reconciliation across its product stack.
Importantly, the underlying legal structure stays untouched. Existing custodians and recordkeeping systems remain in place. The onchain layer simply supplements them.
BitGo, a regulated custodian, would hold the tokenized securities entitlements on Ethereum Mainnet.
Ondo chose Ethereum because OGM already runs in Ethereum-compatible environments.
Using the same rail reduces friction across the system. Moreover, the firm described this as a recordkeeping innovation, not a market structure overhaul.
How Ondo Global Markets Works for Non-U.S. Investors
OGM gives non-U.S. investors exposure to U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs through tokenized notes. The tokens are fully backed by offchain securities.
Moreover, investors can redeem them around the clock. The model keeps assets within a regulated framework while offering blockchain-native access.
Ondo stressed that no core feature of OGM changes under the proposed model. Additionally, the official books and records stay in traditional systems.
The blockchain layer handles only specific operational tasks. That careful design is what Ondo believes makes the structure legally sound.
Supporters view this as a real-world example of regulated tokenization.
Critics, however, raise concerns. They described the tokens as synthetic IOUs. He pointed to intermediary risks, citing a recent SEC statement on the matter.
Read also:
What an SEC Approval Could Mean for Crypto Markets
A no-action position from the SEC would not create new law.
It would, however, give Ondo room to move forward without waiting for a lengthy rulemaking process. The firm sees that clearance as practical and time-sensitive.
If approved, the model could serve as a blueprint for others. Broader global market access through blockchain infrastructure remains the bigger picture.
Regulated tokenization of traditional securities is gaining traction industry-wide.
The SEC has not yet responded to the filing. The outcome could shape how regulators treat public blockchain infrastructure in securities markets going forward.
Source: https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/ondo-files-with-sec-to-bring-public-blockchain-rails-to-ogm/
