OpenWorld begins Nasdaq trading under OPNW after VerifyMe merger, targeting RWA tokenization

2 min

OpenWorld and VerifyMe have completed their business combination and the combined company began trading on Nasdaq under OPNW on October 1. Management states the company will focus on institutional-grade tokenization of real-world assets and target the infrastructure layer: investor record-keeping, compliance controls, transfer restrictions, custody connectivity, and secondary-market rails. OpenWorld plans a separate dual listing on Figure OPEN, a blockchain-based trading venue, targeted for November 2026. The Figure listing is not yet completed.

Positioning and market context

OpenWorld aims to digitize real-world assets rather than launch a standalone token or retail trading app. The company’s public listing provides conventional equity exposure to the tokenization theme. Its strategy places it in a segment where traditional securities and blockchain settlement overlap, requiring regulated market plumbing integrated with onchain execution.

Regulatory and market infrastructure are converging toward tokenization: the SEC’s ongoing crypto rulemaking seeks clearer legal pathways for tokenized assets and guidance on digital-asset custody for advisers and funds. Trading infrastructure is moving toward 24-hour operation, aligning traditional markets with crypto’s always-on model.

Sector state: opportunity and execution risk

Real-world assets span tokenized Treasuries, private credit, equities, property interests, and collectibles. Companies must demonstrate operational advantages from blockchain settlement rather than rewrapping existing assets. Institutional OTC crypto activity is expanding, indicating deeper integration between traditional and crypto-native infrastructure.

What has happened and what’s next

The merger and Nasdaq listing are complete. Next steps: build regulated tokenization products, onboard issuers and investors, and convert the RWA thesis into revenue. For crypto markets, OPNW is notable as a publicly traded vehicle focused on the infrastructure for tokenized assets rather than a rebrand, with potential impact dependent on execution.

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