When we think of an "asset" today we think of something with a calculable value that can be readily converted into money.

While all assets possess value – either positive or negative – not all things of value qualify as assets, or at least not as liquid assets. This is due to difficulties in realizing that value.

For instance, it may be difficult or time-consuming to find buyers for extremely expensive items (think high-end art). It may be difficult to assign a value to intangible things (think intellectual property). Some sources of value are so novel that the financial products needed to monetize them do not yet exist (think personal data).

Assetization refers to the ability to release the value in such dormant or hard to realize assets. We say it is a "democratic" process because it allows any and all things of value to be wrapped in a standard financial product, "enfranchising" them. And once in a standard product, they can be offered to any investor.

Underlying assets, however, are not the whole story of Assetization.

The process of Assetization represents a fundamental shift in how financial products can be created.

Traditionally, only specialized institutions like banks and large asset managers have had the resources and expertise to issue financial products. This is especially true when the products are based on complex or unconventional assets. The existing methods for bringing products to market, such as setting up a fund, entering into a partnership, are resource-intensive and often require navigating complex regulatory frameworks.

Through the simplification enabled by Assetization, smaller asset managers, family offices, and even individual asset owners find it easier to convert their assets or investment strategies into bankable securities. These can then be offered to a broader range of investors without the bureaucratic and regulatory hurdles that accompany traditional methods.

In summary, the process of Assetization democratizes the world of financial issuance. It enables a wider variety of players to participate in financial markets, thereby fostering greater inclusivity and innovation.

The process of Assetization significantly broadens access to a wide array of assets, reaching far beyond the traditional pool of investors. In this way, Assetization allows for greater inclusivity in non-traditional asset opportunities, especially those considered alternative, private, or non-bankable.

One key mechanism is 'fractionalization,' which allows the owner of a high-value asset—like a painting—to divide it into smaller 'shares.' This makes it possible for individuals who could not afford the entire asset to own a portion of it.

Similarly, Assetization facilitates access to exclusive investment opportunities. Previously, opportunities in private equity or private debt were available primarily to the very wealthy or well-connected. The process of Assetization opens these doors to a wider range of investors."