Table of Contents
Today, we are excited to be joined by Mr. Krisanth Sivarajh, Head of Project Management at RACE, a leading full-stack, EVM-compatible layer two protocol. RACE is reshaping the landscape of tokenized real-world assets (RWA) by providing a decentralized infrastructure for the digitization and trading of traditionally illiquid assets such as real estate, trade finance, private equity, and fine art. With a focus on integrating non-crypto-native investors into the decentralized finance space, RACE empowers users through non-custodial wallets, decentralized investment committees, and a revolutionary tokenized marketplace. As the tokenization market is poised to expand dramatically, with projections reaching $16 trillion by 2030, Mr. Sivarajh’s insights into the evolution of this space will be invaluable in understanding its potential.
Q. Please introduce yourself?
My name is Krisanth Sivarajh and I’m Head of Project Management at RACE, a tokenization platform designed specifically for tokenizing and trading real-world assets.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became involved in the blockchain space?
Of course! I was previously at Amazon, where I worked mainly on quality assurance auditing. But I have an engineering background, and that has always led me to think about how to bridge innovation and business. Blockchain provides many, many ways to do this, and that’s why I decided in the end to focus on ensuring operation excellence in this space. I started at RACE by finalizing our white paper and developing the asset to blockchain system which is a combination of smart contracts and Web 2.0 front end for our ecosystem. Since then, I've co-led projects like wallet abstraction and broader tech innovations aimed at simplifying blockchain-based asset transactions.
Q. What drew you to RACE, and what excites you the most about its mission?
Beyond the purely technical and technological aspects, it was RACE’s mission that attracted me: to create a comprehensive ecosystem where the tokenization of real-world assets can improve accessibility and transparency in investment. It’s more than delivering an ideal platform for investors: it’s about driving change and reshaping investment behaviors by opening up opportunities that were once limited to access.
For example, tokenization enables fractional ownership, allowing investors to buy a share of high-value assets, like a building in Manhattan or a piece of art by Picasso, without needing millions of dollars upfront. This approach lets investors diversify their portfolios with traditionally exclusive assets. The cross-border capabilities of RWA tokenization also break down geographical barriers, giving investors from around the world access to asset classes that may have been out of reach due to location or budget constraints.
Q. In your journey so far, what have been the biggest challenges or learning experiences that have shaped your career?
Coming from a tech background, venturing into the RWA space has been a great learning experience. I’ve had the opportunity to understand how each asset transaction is underwritten and to grasp the critical components required for a successful deal closing. But the biggest challenge has been navigating the regulatory framework of the investment space and translating it to an on-chain environment to ensure the ecosystem complies with all jurisdictions where assets and investors onboarded.
Q. How do you see the role of leadership evolving in a decentralized space like blockchain?
Like any other industry, leadership must adapt to the evolution of society and perhaps even more so in an industry as growing and dynamic as blockchain. We need to reimagine leadership to align with the ethos of blockchain, which tends towards a model that emphasizes decentralized decision-making, visionary guidance, or adaptability, empowering team members, promoting transparency, and building strong communities around their projects.
Q. How does RACE differentiate itself from other layer two protocols in the market today, especially when it comes to tokenizing real-world assets?
Unlike general-purpose Layer 2 solutions, RACE is specifically designed for tokenizing and distributing real-world assets, addressing the specific challenges associated with this market.
One of the key challenges is building trust in decentralized finance, particularly for investors who are new to this space. To address this, RACE created the Decentralized Investment Committee (DIC), a group of industry experts who conduct thorough due diligence on all investment opportunities before tokenization, ensuring that only high-quality assets are offered. Our full-stack blockchain infrastructure also streamlines the process for both asset owners and investors. Integration with Optimism's Superchain enhances asset interoperability, speed, and security, further solidifying RACE's role in the evolving Layer 2 landscape.
Q. The RWA market is projected to reach $16 trillion by 2030. What role do you see RACE playing in this rapidly expanding sector?
In the long term, I see RACE playing a critical role in transforming global asset markets by broadening access to high-value investments and enhancing liquidity. Our platform bridges the gap between traditional investments like real estate and digital assets. For example, RACE enables tokenized real estate investments that allow smaller investors to own a fraction of a high-value property, such as a commercial building, without the need for the significant upfront capital typically required. This opens up new doors for individuals to diversify their portfolios with traditionally illiquid assets. By unlocking more investment opportunities for investors worldwide, we expect increased accessibility and liquidity to democratize certain asset classes that could result in a boost of international investment and economic development. We will continue to be at the forefront of blockchain innovation to offer the best product to our users.
Q. What are the key challenges that you foresee in tokenizing real-world assets, especially in highly regulated markets like real estate and private equity?
Tokenizing real-world assets, such as real estate and private equity, presents several challenges. One of the key issues is understanding how to bring these highly regulated sectors on-chain, as they traditionally have specific methods for asset acquisition and compliance. Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration across industries, including regulators, technologists, and market participants. And this collaboration is essential to educate stakeholders, align regulatory practices, and ensure a smooth transition to digital tokenization.
Q. How does RACE handle the integration of non-crypto-native investors, and what strategies do you employ to build trust in decentralized finance?
RACE is committed to making the onboarding process as straightforward as possible for those who may be unfamiliar with blockchain. We do this by focusing on an intuitive, user-friendly interface that removes unnecessary complexity and guides users step-by-step. To build investor trust, our Decentralized Investment Committee (DIC) thoroughly vets each investment opportunity, ensuring high-quality assets are available and providing a layer of transparency throughout the tokenization process.Also, RACE’s non-custodial wallet feature allows users to retain full control of their assets with advanced security options. These features help non-crypto-native investors feel secure and confident as they engage with blockchain-based investments.
Q. According to the latest Chainlink report, Ethereum dominates the tokenized asset market. What are your thoughts on this dominance, and how can RACE leverage Ethereum’s infrastructure while maintaining its unique value proposition?
Ethereum is dominating the tokenized market, with 58% of all tokenized assets hosted on its network, primarily fiat-collateralized stablecoins. As Ethereum maintains its stronghold, the broader tokenized asset market is set to expand, with projections reaching up to $16 trillion by 2030. This rapid growth highlights the immense potential of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.
RACE offers an end-to-end solution that makes tokenizing and engaging with crypto easier than ever by leveraging Ethereum infrastructure through the Ethereum Virtual Machine and Optimism superchain. Our goal is to make the tokenization journey as user-friendly as possible, prioritizing transparency and security while also offering lower transaction fees, and a level of cost efficiency that other ecosystems can’t easily provide.
Q. Any message for our readers?
At RACE, we think that assets on blockchain represent the most efficient way forward. I’d like to invite your readers to visit our website, https://race.foundation, to learn about the ecosystem, and to explore our investor module in open beta at https://raceecosystem.com. Readers can sign up for an account to try out the platform and follow our social handles to stay updated on some exciting announcements coming soon.
