WisdomTree Granted Trust Company Charter by New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), WisdomTree Prime™ Set to Launch in New York
WisdomTree, Inc. (NYSE: WT) has obtained a trust company charter from the New York State Department of Financial Services, allowing it to operate as a purpose trust company under the New York Banking Law. This authorization enables the launch of WisdomTree Prime in New York, offering fiduciary custody of digital assets, digital wallet services, and DFS-approved stablecoins. The approval positions WisdomTree at the forefront of blockchain-enabled financial services, providing enhanced regulatory supervision and customer protection.
The charter granted to WisdomTree by the New York State Department of Financial Services is a significant development for the company and its stakeholders. It allows WisdomTree to expand its services into the digital assets space, a rapidly growing sector with increasing consumer and institutional interest. The ability to provide fiduciary custody and manage stablecoin reserves under enhanced regulatory supervision may position WisdomTree as a reputable player in digital asset management, potentially attracting risk-averse investors seeking regulated exposure to cryptocurrencies.
From a financial standpoint, the expansion into digital asset services could diversify WisdomTree's revenue streams and enhance its competitive edge. The introduction of tokenized products like the WisdomTree Gold Token and Dollar Token may capture a new customer base, while offering existing clients additional investment vehicles. It's worth monitoring how the adoption of these products impacts WisdomTree's assets under management and fee income in subsequent quarters.
WisdomTree's move to secure a trust charter from the DFS is indicative of a broader trend where traditional financial institutions are integrating blockchain technology into their offerings. This strategic decision could potentially increase market share by tapping into the growing demand for digital asset services. The trust charter not only legitimizes WisdomTree's entry into the digital space but also sets a precedent for other asset managers considering similar expansions.
Market response to such regulatory approvals is typically positive, as they reduce the perceived risks associated with digital assets. The trust company charter may also serve as a differentiator in marketing efforts, as it underscores a commitment to customer protection and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. The success of the WisdomTree Prime ecosystem will depend on user experience, security and the performance of the underlying digital assets. It will be important to track customer adoption rates and the scalability of WisdomTree's digital infrastructure.
The legal implications of WisdomTree receiving a trust company charter are substantial. The charter signifies compliance with the rigorous regulatory framework of the New York State Department of Financial Services, which is known for its stringent standards. This compliance provides a layer of trust and security for customers and may mitigate legal risks associated with digital asset custody and exchange.
Furthermore, the ability to issue and exchange DFS-approved stablecoins under a regulated framework may shield WisdomTree from the legal uncertainties that have plagued the broader cryptocurrency market. It also places the company in a select group with this authorization, potentially reducing competitive legal pressures. The legal standing of WisdomTree's digital trust company could serve as a benchmark for regulatory compliance in the digital asset industry.
03/22/2024 - 07:00 AM
NEW YORK --(BUSINESS WIRE)--
WisdomTree, Inc. (NYSE: WT), a global financial innovator, today announced that it has been granted a charter from the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) to operate as a limited purpose trust company under the New York Banking Law. The trust company charter provides the most distinguished authorization in the digital assets landscape to serve customers under enhanced regulatory supervision and marks the ability to launch WisdomTree Prime in New York .
The trust company charter authorizes WisdomTree to perform fiduciary custody of digital assets, including digital wallet services, to issue and exchange DFS-approved stablecoins and manage stablecoin reserves under the newly formed entity, WisdomTree Digital Trust Company, LLC. WisdomTree joins only a few other digital asset trust companies with this charter, demonstrating its position at the helm of the industry’s shift to blockchain-enabled financial services.
“The New York State Department of Financial Services is the premier regulator for businesses that engage in digital asset activity. This well-established trust company charter program – which long predates digital assets – is based on bank-grade regulation, allowing us to offer products that capitalize on innovation without sacrificing customer protection,” said Jonathan Steinberg, WisdomTree Founder and CEO. “This approval not only allows us to participate in New York’s rapidly growing digital asset marketplace today, but equips WisdomTree to lead in the industry evolution of tomorrow.”
Initially, WisdomTree Digital Trust Company will provide products to customers as part of the WisdomTree Prime ecosystem. Specifically, WisdomTree Digital Trust Company will issue the WisdomTree Gold Token and the WisdomTree Dollar Token available in WisdomTree Prime and maintain reserves for those assets under a DFS-approved framework. This charter will also allow WisdomTree to offer New York retail customers access to WisdomTree Prime, set to be available in the coming weeks.
“Held to the highest compliance standards in the industry, a New York limited purpose trust company provides the leading platform to offer regulated tokenized products and services to WisdomTree’s retail and institutional customers,” said Will Peck, Head of Digital Assets at WisdomTree and CEO of WisdomTree Digital Trust Company, LLC. “We have a robust initial product offering and a strong plan to grow in a responsible manner with this charter in New York and through our other licenses across the nation.”
WisdomTree Prime offers one integrated ecosystem to save, spend, and invest – bringing the consumer’s financial life on-chain. With its trust charter and fiduciary powers, the trust company can offer enhanced protections to its customers, including with respect to its safekeeping of assets. Additionally, WisdomTree plans to use the WisdomTree Digital Trust Company to offer products and services to institutions and business customers in the future.
WisdomTree Prime is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play . Please visit https://www.wisdomtreeprime.com/ for the latest information on availability.
For more information about the WisdomTree Digital Funds, please visit www.wisdomtree.com/investments/digital-funds .
About WisdomTree
WisdomTree is a global financial innovator, offering a well-diversified suite of exchange-traded products (ETPs), models, solutions and products leveraging blockchain-enabled technology. We empower investors and consumers to shape their future and support financial professionals to better serve their clients and grow their businesses. WisdomTree is leveraging the latest financial infrastructure to create products that provide access, transparency and an enhanced user experience. Building on our heritage of innovation, we are also developing and have launched next-generation digital products, services and structures, including digital or blockchain-enabled mutual funds and tokenized assets, as well as our blockchain-native digital wallet, WisdomTree Prime™.*
*The WisdomTree Prime digital wallet and digital asset services are made available through WisdomTree Digital Movement, Inc. (NMLS ID: 2372500), in select U.S. jurisdictions and may be limited where prohibited by law. Visit www.wisdomtreeprime.com or the WisdomTree Prime mobile app for more information. Foreside Fund Services, LLC, (FFS) is not affiliated with WisdomTree, Inc. and its subsidiaries. FFS does not provide digital wallet or digital asset services.
WisdomTree currently has approximately $106.2 billion
For more information about WisdomTree and WisdomTree Prime, visit: https://www.wisdomtree.com .
Please visit us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @WisdomTreeNews.
WisdomTree® is the marketing name for WisdomTree, Inc. and its subsidiaries worldwide.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE VIA WISDOMTREE PRIME:
NOT FDIC INSURED | NO BANK GUARANTEE | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT SIPC PROTECTED | NOT INSURED BY ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY
The products and services available through the WisdomTree Prime app are not endorsed, indemnified or guaranteed by any regulatory agency.
Category: Business Update
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240322928015/en/
Media Relations
jzaloom@wisdomtree.com / wisdomtree@fullyvested.com
Investor Relations
Jeremy.campbell@wisdomtree.com
Source: WisdomTree, Inc.
What charter has WisdomTree obtained from the New York State Department of Financial Services?
WisdomTree has obtained a trust company charter from the New York State Department of Financial Services.
Under what law will WisdomTree operate as a purpose trust company in New York?
WisdomTree will operate as a purpose trust company under the New York Banking Law.
What services will WisdomTree be able to provide with the trust company charter?
WisdomTree will be able to provide fiduciary custody of digital assets, digital wallet services, issue and exchange DFS-approved stablecoins, and manage stablecoin reserves.
What products will WisdomTree Digital Trust Company initially offer?
WisdomTree Digital Trust Company will initially offer the WisdomTree Gold Token and the WisdomTree Dollar Token as part of the WisdomTree Prime ecosystem.
Where can customers access WisdomTree Prime?
Customers can access WisdomTree Prime in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
