tZERO Group, Inc. and Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE) announced a set of agreements to support tokenized securities markets, according to a press release issued Aug. 31, 2026.

The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining tZERO's role as a design partner in developing digital transfer agent and broker-dealer infrastructure for on-chain settlement of tokenized securities on an upcoming NYSE-affiliated tokenized securities platform, referred to as the Digital Trading Platform.

ICE also agreed to make an investment in tZERO's latest financing round. In connection with that investment, ICE will receive a license to tZERO's blockchain patent portfolio, which encompasses 23 patent families and 103 patents covering elements of the security token lifecycle, including compliance-aware transfer logic, upgradeable smart-contract frameworks, scalable corporate-action handling, and broker-dealer-level identity interoperability.

Under the MOU, ICE plans to consult with tZERO to establish standards applicable to digital transfer agents, tokenization agents, and broker-dealer subscribers for transactions on the Digital Trading Platform. Subject to regulatory, technology, and operational requirements, tZERO is expected to be designated as an approved digital transfer agent and subscriber to the platform.

"tZERO's experience in regulated on-chain infrastructure makes them a valuable partner as we expand our upcoming digital transfer agent program in support of tokenized securities trading and settlement," said Michael Blaugrund, VP of Strategic Initiatives at ICE.

Alan Konevsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of tZERO, said the company has "spent years building an end-to-end regulated platform for tokenized securities and related IP," adding that partnering with ICE to expand into public equities is "a natural step forward."

The parties will also evaluate potential use of tZERO tokenized assets for collateral management purposes at ICE's clearinghouses and other affiliates.