From Morgan Stanley to Zug: The Bold Move of a Crypto Pioneer Launching a Tokenization Startup

Andrew Peel Leaves Morgan Stanley to Pioneer Tokenization in Switzerland

Andrew Peel, the former head of digital asset markets at Morgan Stanley, has announced his departure to launch a tokenization startup in Zug, Switzerland. Peel, who joined Morgan Stanley in 2018, played a pivotal role in the bank's foray into the crypto space.

A Vision for Onchain Finance

Peel shared his vision on LinkedIn, stating, "Despite the volatility, I’ve always had strong conviction that Bitcoin and other quality crypto assets would become relevant for traditional finance." He emphasized the success of spot Bitcoin ETFs and the evolving US regulatory landscape as validation of his belief.

His new venture will focus on real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). "As RWAs move onchain, TradFi will follow," Peel told The Block. "Building the infrastructure and products to meet them there is how we realize the future of onchain finance."

The Future of TradFi and DeFi

Peel predicts that traditional finance capital will increasingly seek DeFi opportunities, and institutions will leverage DeFi technology. He believes that both regulation and technology will evolve to support this shift.

Currently on gardening leave, Peel is a former Credit Suisse trader with a deep understanding of both traditional and digital asset markets. His move underscores the growing intersection between Wall Street and blockchain innovation.