Filed by Securitize Holdings, Inc.
pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
of 1933
and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject Company: Cantor Equity Partners II,
Inc.
Commission File No. 001-42630
Subject Company: Securitize, Inc.
Commission File No. 333-293022-01
Date: April 9, 2026
As previously disclosed, on October 27, 2025, Cantor Equity Partners
II, Inc. (“CEPT”), a Cayman Islands exempted company, and Securitize, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Securitize”),
entered into a Business Combination Agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”), with Securitize Holdings, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (“Pubco”), Pinecrest Merger Sub, a Cayman Islands exempted company (“CEPT Merger Sub”)
and Senna Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Securitize Merger Sub”).
On April 9, 2026, Securitize published the following press release
on PRNewswire and Securitize.io:
Securitize Appoints Former SEC Director Brett Redfearn as President
and Member of the Board of Directors
Miami, FL — Securitize (which has announced a proposed business
combination with Cantor Equity Partners II, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEPT)), the leader in real-world asset tokenization, today announced that Brett
Redfearn, former Director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Trading and Markets, has been appointed President
of the company. He will also join Securitize’s Board of Directors.
As President, Redfearn will work with Securitize’s leadership
team to scale the company’s regulated platform across issuance, trading, and fund administration, while driving engagement with
regulators, exchanges, and institutional partners. In his role as a member of the Board of Directors, he will also help guide the company’s
long-term strategy as tokenization becomes embedded in global market infrastructure.
“Securitize is perfectly positioned to lead the implementation
of the tokenized financial infrastructure of the future,” said Brett Redfearn. “The company has taken a compliance-first approach
to tokenization from the beginning, without cutting corners. I’m extremely excited to work with this innovative team to help transform
financial markets and deliver opportunities and efficiencies to investors and issuers, while remaining committed to investor protection
and market integrity.”
Redfearn’s appointment reflects Securitize’s continued
expansion of institutional-grade infrastructure for tokenized securities, as adoption accelerates across Wall Street, asset managers and
global capital markets.
“Brett has been instrumental in how modern markets are structured
and regulated,” said Carlos Domingo, Co-Founder and CEO of Securitize. “Having served as Chairman of Securitize’s Advisory
Board for the past four years, he is deeply familiar with our business, leadership team, and long-term vision. As tokenization becomes
an integral part of core financial infrastructure, his experience will help ensure this transition is built to improve existing market
structure, with the protections and integrity investors expect.”
Redfearn is the Founder of Panorama Financial Markets Advisory, advising
exchanges, broker-dealers, asset managers, fintechs, and private equity firms.
Previously, Redfearn served as Director of the SEC’s Division
of Trading and Markets from 2017 through 2020, overseeing numerous groundbreaking rulemakings and policies that touched a broad cross-section
of U.S. securities markets.
During his tenure at the SEC, Redfearn led the Division of Trading
and Markets through a period of significant market evolution, including efforts to modernize the National Market System, enhance market
transparency, and guide markets through the extreme volatility of early 2020. The SEC later described his leadership as “transformative,”
noting his role in advancing market structure reforms and strengthening the resilience of U.S. capital markets.
Prior to the SEC, he spent 14 years at J.P. Morgan, most recently as
Global Head of Market Structure for the Corporate and Investment Bank.
Following his time in public service, Redfearn was Head of Capital
Markets at Coinbase, where he focused on building the emerging ecosystem for digital asset securities and expanding institutional participation
in digital asset markets.
Throughout his career, Redfearn has held numerous industry leadership
roles, including serving on the boards of BATS Global Markets, BATS Exchange, the Chicago Stock Exchange, and BIDS Trading. He also served
as Chairman of SIFMA’s Equity Markets and Trading Committee and as a board member of the National Organization of Investment Professionals.
Redfearn’s appointment to the Board further strengthens Securitize’s
governance as the company continues to scale its institutional platform and prepare for its next phase as a public company.
About Securitize
Securitize, the world’s leader in tokenizing real-world assets
with $4B+ AUM (as of November 2025), is bringing the world onchain through tokenized funds in partnership with top-tier asset managers,
such as Apollo, BlackRock, BNY, Hamilton Lane, KKR, VanEck and others. In the U.S., Securitize operates through its affiliates, including
SEC-registered broker-dealer Securitize Markets, LLC, SEC-registered transfer agent Securitize, Inc., and Securitize Markets ATS, LLC,
operator of an SEC-regulated Alternative Trading System (ATS), as well as providing fund administration services. In Europe, Securitize
operates through its affiliate Securitize Europe Brokerage and Markets, S.A., which is fully authorized as an Investment Firm and operates
a Trading & Settlement System (TSS) under the EU DLT Pilot Regime, making Securitize the only company licensed to operate regulated
digital-securities infrastructure across both the U.S. and EU. Securitize has also been recognized as a 2025
Forbes Top 50 Fintech company.
For more information, please visit:
Website | X/Twitter | LinkedIn
Background Information on Securitize’s Business Combination
On October 28, 2025, Securitize, Inc. (“Securitize”) and
Cantor Equity Partners II, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEPT) (“CEPT”), a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by an affiliate of
Cantor Fitzgerald, announced that they entered into a definitive business combination agreement for a proposed business combination (the
“Proposed Business Combination”). Upon closing of the Proposed Business Combination, the combined company, Securitize Holdings,
Inc. (“Pubco”), is expected to become publicly listed on NYSE or Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SECZ”.
The Proposed Business Combination is expected to be completed in the
first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, approval by CEPT’s shareholders, and other customary closing conditions. Additional
information about the Proposed Business Combination, including a copy of the business combination agreement, is available in the Current
Report on Form 8-K filed by CEPT, and in the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by Securitize and Pubco with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available at www.sec.gov.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws, including statements regarding the proposed business combination involving Securitize,
CEPT and Pubco, the anticipated listing of Pubco on NYSE or Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SECZ,” the expected timing and
completion of the Proposed Business Combination, the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Business Combination,
Securitize’s growth strategy and expansion plans, market opportunity
in tokenization and digital assets, regulatory developments, and future financial performance.
Forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,”
“project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,”
“future,” “opportunity,” “potential,” “plan,” “may,” “should,”
“will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar
expressions. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those
described in these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the risk that the Proposed Business Combination may not
be completed in a timely manner or at all; the failure to satisfy closing conditions, including CEPT shareholder approval; the level of
redemptions by CEPT’s public shareholders; the ability of Pubco to meet the requisite NYSE or Nasdaq listing standards; regulatory
developments relating to digital assets and tokenization; market volatility; competition; and those risks factors described in the filings
of Securitize, CEPT and/or Pubco with the SEC.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.
None of Securitize, CEPT or Pubco undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by
law.
Important Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the Proposed Business Combination, Securitize and
Pubco have filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC, which includes a preliminary
prospectus with respect to the securities to be issued in connection with the Proposed Business Combination and a preliminary proxy statement
with respect to the shareholder meeting of CEPT to vote on the Proposed Business Combination. After the Registration Statement has been
declared effective, CEPT will mail a definitive proxy statement to its shareholders as of the record date established for voting on the
Proposed Business Combination. CEPT shareholders and other interested persons are urged to read the Registration Statement, including
the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus contained therein and any amendments thereto, and, when available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus,
along with other documents filed with the SEC by Securitize, CEPT and/or Pubco, because these documents contain important information
about Securitize, CEPT, Pubco and the Proposed Business Combination. Copies of these documents may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s
website at www.sec.gov.
NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY HAS APPROVED
OR DISAPPROVED THE TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS DOCUMENT, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE PROPOSED BUSINESS COMBINATION OR
RELATED TRANSACTIONS OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY CONSTITUTES
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Participants in the Solicitation
Securitize, CEPT, Pubco and their respective directors, executive officers
and certain other members of management and employees may be deemed under SEC rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies
from CEPT’s shareholders in connection with the Proposed Business Combination. Information regarding the names and interests of
such persons is, or will be, contained in the filings of Securitize, CEPT and/or Pubco with the SEC, including the Registration Statement
and the proxy statement/prospectus.
No Offer or Solicitation
This press release is for informational purposes only and does not
constitute a proxy statement or the solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of
the Proposed Business Combination, nor shall it constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. No offer
of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an
exemption therefrom.
About Securitize
Securitize is tokenizing the world with $4B+ AUM (as of Nov. 2025)
through tokenized funds and equities in partnership with top-tier asset managers, such as Apollo, BlackRock, Hamilton Lane, KKR, VanEck
and others. Securitize, through its subsidiaries, is a SEC-registered broker dealer, digital transfer agent, fund administrator and operator
of a SEC-regulated Alternative Trading System (ATS). Securitize has also been recognized as a 2025 Forbes Top 50 Fintech company.
For more information, please visit:
Website | X/Twitter | LinkedIn
About Cantor Equity Partners II
Cantor Equity Partners II, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEPT) is a special purpose
acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or
other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. CEPT is led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brandon
Lutnick and sponsored by an affiliate of Cantor Fitzgerald.
About Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P.
Cantor Fitzgerald, with more than 14,000 employees, is a leading global
financial services and real estate services holding company and a proven and resilient leader for more than 79 years. Its diverse group
of global companies provides a wide range of products and services, including investment banking, asset and investment management, capital
markets, prime services, research, digital assets, data, financial and commodities brokerage, trade execution, clearing, settlement, advisory,
financial technology, custodial, commercial real estate advisory and servicing, and more.
Background Information on Securitize’s Business Combination
On October 28, 2025, Securitize, Inc. (“Securitize”) and
Cantor Equity Partners II, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEPT) (“CEPT”), a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by an affiliate of
Cantor Fitzgerald, announced that they entered into a definitive business combination agreement for a proposed business combination (the
“Proposed Business Combination”). Upon closing of the Proposed Business Combination, the combined company, Securitize Holdings,
Inc. (“Pubco”), is expected to become publicly listed on NYSE or Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SECZ”.
The Proposed Business Combination is expected to be completed in the
first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, approval by CEPT’s shareholders, and other customary closing conditions. Additional
information about the Proposed Business Combination, including a copy of the business combination agreement, is available in the Current
Report on Form 8-K filed by CEPT, and in the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by Securitize and Pubco with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available at www.sec.gov.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains certain forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws, including statements regarding the proposed business combination involving Securitize,
CEPT and Pubco, the anticipated listing of Pubco on NYSE or Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “SECZ,” the expected timing and
completion of the Proposed Business Combination, the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Business Combination, Securitize’s growth
strategy and expansion plans, market opportunity in tokenization and digital assets, regulatory developments, and future financial performance.
Forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,”
“project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,”
“future,” “opportunity,” “potential,” “plan,” “may,” “should,”
“will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar
expressions. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those
described in these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the risk that the Proposed Business Combination may not
be completed in a timely manner or at all; the failure to satisfy closing conditions, including CEPT shareholder approval; the level of
redemptions by CEPT’s public shareholders; the ability of Pubco to meet the requisite NYSE or Nasdaq listing standards; regulatory
developments relating to digital assets and tokenization; market volatility; competition; and those risks factors described in the filings
of Securitize, CEPT and/or Pubco with the SEC.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.
None of Securitize, CEPT or Pubco undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by
law.
Important Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the Proposed Business Combination, Securitize and
Pubco have filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC, which includes a preliminary
prospectus with respect to the securities to be issued in connection with the Proposed Business Combination and a preliminary proxy statement
with respect to the shareholder meeting of CEPT to vote on the Proposed Business Combination. After the Registration Statement has been
declared effective, CEPT will mail a definitive proxy statement to its shareholders as of the record date established for voting on the
Proposed Business Combination. CEPT shareholders and other interested persons are urged to read the Registration Statement, including
the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus contained therein and any amendments thereto, and, when available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus,
along with other documents filed with the SEC by Securitize, CEPT and/or Pubco, because these documents contain important information
about Securitize, CEPT, Pubco and the Proposed Business Combination. Copies of these documents may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s
website at www.sec.gov.
NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES REGULATORY AGENCY HAS APPROVED
OR DISAPPROVED THE TRANSACTIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS DOCUMENT, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE PROPOSED BUSINESS COMBINATION OR
RELATED TRANSACTIONS OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE DISCLOSURE IN THIS DOCUMENT. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY CONSTITUTES
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Participants in the Solicitation
Securitize, CEPT, Pubco and their respective directors, executive officers
and certain other members of management and employees may be deemed under SEC rules to be participants in the solicitation of proxies
from CEPT’s shareholders in connection with the Proposed Business Combination. Information regarding the names and interests of
such persons is, or will be, contained in the filings of Securitize, CEPT and/or Pubco with the SEC, including the Registration Statement
and the proxy statement/prospectus.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is for informational purposes only and does not
constitute a proxy statement or the solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of
the Proposed Business Combination, nor shall it constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. No offer
of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an
exemption therefrom.
Investor Relations
investor.relations@securitize.io
Media Contacts
Tom Murphy
tom.murphy@securitize.io
Cantor Fitzgerald
media@cantor.com
