Latest news with #LiorLamesh
Forbes
05-08-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Digital Asset Custody: What SEC-Registered Advisers Can Do Next
Lior Lamesh is the Co-founder and CEO of GK8, a Galaxy (Nasdaq: GLXY) company. On June 12, the SEC formally withdrew its proposed rule on safeguarding advisory client assets, commonly known as the "qualified custodian rule." Originally introduced in March 2023, this rule would have significantly tightened requirements around how investment advisers (RIAs) assign custody to digital assets, effectively limiting custody to traditional financial institutions such as banks or broker-dealers. If you're the head of digital assets or custody at an SEC-registered investment advisory company, this moment marks a critical turning point. The withdrawal removes a near-term regulatory hurdle and reopens the door for self-custody and alternative custody models. You now have more control over your custody choices. But does this mean that every RIA will want, or be ready for, self-custody? While the change gives you flexibility, it also demands careful, strategic decision-making. 1. Reassess Your Custody Framework: Because Fiduciary Duty Still Applies With the regulatory pressure paused, you now have the opportunity to step back and assess your current custody strategy. Whether you're working with a third-party custodian, using a hybrid model or managing assets in-house, now is the time to evaluate: • Security protocols (e.g., hot versus cold versus impenetrable storage) • Risk mitigation practices • Client expectations around transparency, speed and access • How your model would hold up under future regulatory scrutiny And here's the key point: Regardless of recent SEC decisions, you're still a fiduciary. You have a legal duty to act in the best interests of your clients, especially when it comes to how their assets are held. The SEC's withdrawal of the proposed rule doesn't eliminate this responsibility. In fact, it puts more of the strategic and operational decision-making in your hands. Choosing your custody model is no longer a compliance checkbox—it's a central part of your business strategy and your legal duty. 2. Yes, Self-Custody Is Now An Option; Yet It Still Might Not Be The Right One For You The key takeaway from the SEC's withdrawal is that you're no longer limited to a narrow list of custodial options. You now have more freedom to evaluate custody structures that better align with your firm's operational model, client needs and strategic direction, including self-custody. Self-custody can offer notable benefits: • Full control over digital assets • Independence from third-party risk • Faster access to trading, staking or other on-chain activities • Potential for streamlined operations and reduced costs That said, self-custody places more responsibility in the hands of the adviser. It requires the right infrastructure, internal safeguards and operational readiness to ensure assets remain secure and client interests are protected. For firms with smaller teams, evolving business models or limited technical capacity, working with a bank, broker-dealer or third-party custodian may remain the more appropriate option. And that's entirely reasonable. Many firms may find that the optimal setup involves maintaining technical control over critical components, such as private keys, while continuing to rely on external partners for specific services like execution, reporting or regulatory workflows. The point is this: You now get to choose. 3. Ask These Tactical Questions Before You Choose A Custody Model Now that you're no longer constrained by the proposed rule, you have room to be selective. Whether you're planning to self-custody, work with a provider or both, these are the right questions to ask: • Is the solution SEC-aligned, even in a post-rule environment? • How are your private keys secured—hot storage, cold storage or impenetrable storage? • What level of governance and access control is possible? • Can the solution support your full crypto strategy—staking, DeFi, token diversity, trading, etc.? • Can it integrate into your current systems? • Is the system auditable, scalable and defensible in case regulators revisit this topic? You want a custody solution that protects your clients and scales with your vision, not one that boxes you into inflexible infrastructure. 4. Plan For The Next Rule, Not Just The Last One The SEC's withdrawal relieves immediate pressure, but it's unlikely to be the end of the custody conversation. In all likelihood, a revised proposal will return, one that better reflects the crypto market's unique structure, needs and risks. That's why now is the time to act. By choosing a custody model that is secure, scalable and regulator-ready, you'll avoid being caught flat-footed when the next wave of rulemaking arrives. Final Thoughts The SEC's decision to pull back the qualified custodian rule gives you something rare in regulated markets: freedom. You now have more control to shape your custody strategy based on your own business model, your clients' needs and your internal risk posture. And while self-custody may not be the answer for everyone, the flexibility to choose your path is a powerful advantage. RIAs can now strive for full control over their digital assets. Custody without constraints isn't just a policy shift. It's a strategic opportunity—and it's yours to shape. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Cision Canada
31-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
GK8 by Galaxy Expands Secure Institutional Access to Solana DeFi Protocols
NEW YORK, July 31, 2025 /CNW/ - GK8 by Galaxy, a leading institutional-grade digital asset custody platform, is expanding its secure decentralized finance (DeFi) access to include the Solana blockchain. Financial institutions and crypto funds can now securely interact with Solana-based decentralized finance protocols, such as Orca, Radium and Jupiter, using GK8's trusted, policy-controlled infrastructure already widely used for Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible (EVM) chains. As DeFi becomes a vital component of institutional digital asset strategies, demand for access to Solana's high-speed, low-cost ecosystem continues to grow. GK8 meets this need by offering a seamless, compliant, and secure way to engage with Solana DeFi applications, without relying on third-party wallets or having to give up governance controls. "Crypto funds are diving deeper into DeFi – not just for yield, but as part of their core trading and investment operations," said Lior Lamesh, Co-Founder & CEO at GK8 by Galaxy. "With Solana DeFi now available through GK8, our clients can act on new opportunities without compromising on usability, security, or compliance." Seamless DeFi Access Across Solana and All Major Chains GK8's DeFi integration allows institutional users to: Transact directly with Solana and EVM-based protocols via MetaMask and WalletConnect Maintain full control while interacting with DeFi from GK8-managed uMPC (Unlimited Multi-Party Computation) wallets Enforce internal governance policies, including transaction- and role-based permissions, and multi-step approvals Initiate trades, swaps, and liquidity activity directly from GK8 managed accounts Achieve unmatched performance, with up to 7,500 signatures per second All DeFi activity, including on Solana, is routed through GK8's proprietary uMPC framework, ensuring institutional-grade security and compliance with internal policies. Built for Institutional Scale From OTC desks and asset managers to crypto funds and regulated financial institutions, GK8 empowers clients to tap into DeFi across multiple ecosystems, using their own infrastructure, with no fragmented tooling or vendor risk. Schedule a demo to explore institutional access to Solana DeFi with GK8: About GK8 by Galaxy GK8, a Galaxy (Nasdaq: GLXY) company, provides reliable and comprehensive self-custody technology for digital assets, enabling regulated self-custody, digital asset management, and token issuance. With its patented Impenetrable Vault and uMPC technology, GK8 empowers traditional financial institutions and crypto-native companies worldwide with the tools they need to navigate the digital asset economy with confidence. In a market where trust is an institution's most valuable asset, GK8 protects the institution's reputation by setting the highest standard for digital asset custody, paving the way for the mass adoption of digital assets. For more information, please visit Disclaimers and Additional Information Nasdaq has not approved or disapproved of the information contained herein. CAUTION ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements relate to the Tokenization Wizard launch and opportunities. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", "seeks" or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us taking into account information currently available to us. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Inherent in forward-looking statements are risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company's ability to predict or control. The forward-looking statements are subject to the risks regarding the product and launch. Factors that could cause outcomes to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to global developments, a delay or failure in the ability to launch and changes in applicable law or regulation. Readers are cautioned that such risk factors, unc ertainties and other factors are not exhaustive. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this release. The forward-looking statements in this release are applicable only as of the date of this release or as of the date specified in the relevant forward-looking statement and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Associated Press
12-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
GK8 by Galaxy Partners with Polymesh to Deliver Secure Staking and Custody for Institutions
NEW YORK, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - GK8 by Galaxy has partnered with Polymesh, the layer-1 blockchain purpose-built for regulated assets, to provide institutional-grade custody and secure staking support for POLYX, Polymesh's native token. With GK8's product suite, institutions can now store and stake POLYX while maintaining full control over their assets and adhering to regulatory and compliance requirements. GK8's Impenetrable Staking ensures that staked assets never leave GK8's patented self-custody solution, Impenetrable Vault, enabling a new standard of staking protection and utilization for institutions that engage with POLYX, a leading digital token with large trading volumes in South Korea and known for its high staking rewards. 'Polymesh is built to meet the specific needs of regulated markets. Its focus on identity, compliance, and auditability aligns naturally with GK8's standards for secure and compliant custody,' said Lior Lamesh, CEO and Co-Founder of GK8 by Galaxy. 'By supporting POLYX staking and soon tokenization through our Impenetrable Vault, we're giving institutions access to rewards without compromise, while maintaining their customers' trust, knowing assets are fully protected.' GK8 by Galaxy offers a full range of products, including the Impenetrable Vault, uMPC (Unlimited Multi-Party Computation), and Tokenization Wizard, designed to remove barriers to digital asset adoption for traditional financial institutions and crypto-native firms. With these tools, GK8 customers can confidently engage in end-to-end wallet management, tokenization, DeFi, staking, and other digital asset operations, navigating the digital asset economy with confidence. POLYX has seen significant growth in the South Korean market, with increased trading activity and engagement from local institutions, reflecting its rising prominence in the region. Its unique protocol-level compliance features, combined with attractive staking yields, make it a compelling option for institutions looking to expand their presence in the digital asset economy. 'The integration with GK8 ensures that POLYX holders can now store and stake assets with confidence, backed by a secure custody solution,' said Bill Papp, CEO of the Polymesh Association. 'This partnership represents a major step forward in bringing regulated blockchain solutions to institutional investors globally.' The partnership marks the first phase of collaboration between GK8 and Polymesh. Later this year, GK8 will expand support to enable tokenization on Polymesh, paving the way for more institutional applications on a blockchain purpose-built for regulated markets. To learn more about staking POLYX with GK8, visit: About GK8 by Galaxy GK8, a Galaxy (TSX: GLXY ) company, provides reliable and comprehensive self-custody technology for digital assets, enabling regulated self-custody, digital asset management, and token issuance. With its patented Impenetrable Vault and uMPC technology, GK8 empowers traditional financial institutions and crypto-native companies worldwide with the tools they need to navigate the digital asset economy with confidence. In a market where trust is an institution's most valuable asset, GK8 protects the institution's reputation by setting the highest standard for digital asset custody, paving the way for the mass adoption of digital assets. For more information, please visit About Polymesh Association The Polymesh Association is a not-for-profit dedicated to the growth of the Polymesh ecosystem through Polymesh and Polymesh Private. Polymesh is a leading public permissioned blockchain purpose-built for real world assets that streamlines capital markets and opens the door to new financial products. Polymesh Private is a private permissioned instance of Polymesh that can be deployed by enterprises. Visit to learn more. Disclaimers and Additional Information The TSX has not approved or disapproved of the information contained herein. CAUTION ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as 'forward-looking statements'). These forward-looking statements relate to the Tokenization Wizard launch and opportunities. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans', 'expects', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'continues', 'forecasts', 'projects', 'predicts', 'intends', 'anticipates' or 'believes', 'seeks' or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'should', 'might' or 'will' be taken, occur or be achieved. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us taking into account information currently available to us. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Inherent in forward-looking statements are risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company's ability to predict or control. The forward-looking statements are subject to the risks regarding the product and launch. Factors that could cause outcomes to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to global developments, a delay or failure in the ability to launch and changes in applicable law or regulation. Readers are cautioned that such risk factors, uncertainties and other factors are not exhaustive. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this release. The forward-looking statements in this release are applicable only as of the date of this release or as of the date specified in the relevant forward-looking statement and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE GK8
Cision Canada
12-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
GK8 by Galaxy Partners with Polymesh to Deliver Secure Staking and Custody for Institutions
NEW YORK, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - GK8 by Galaxy has partnered with Polymesh, the layer-1 blockchain purpose-built for regulated assets, to provide institutional-grade custody and secure staking support for POLYX, Polymesh's native token. With GK8's product suite, institutions can now store and stake POLYX while maintaining full control over their assets and adhering to regulatory and compliance requirements. GK8's Impenetrable Staking ensures that staked assets never leave GK8's patented self-custody solution, Impenetrable Vault, enabling a new standard of staking protection and utilization for institutions that engage with POLYX, a leading digital token with large trading volumes in South Korea and known for its high staking rewards. "Polymesh is built to meet the specific needs of regulated markets. Its focus on identity, compliance, and auditability aligns naturally with GK8's standards for secure and compliant custody," said Lior Lamesh, CEO and Co-Founder of GK8 by Galaxy. "By supporting POLYX staking and soon tokenization through our Impenetrable Vault, we're giving institutions access to rewards without compromise, while maintaining their customers' trust, knowing assets are fully protected." GK8 by Galaxy offers a full range of products, including the Impenetrable Vault, uMPC (Unlimited Multi-Party Computation), and Tokenization Wizard, designed to remove barriers to digital asset adoption for traditional financial institutions and crypto-native firms. With these tools, GK8 customers can confidently engage in end-to-end wallet management, tokenization, DeFi, staking, and other digital asset operations, navigating the digital asset economy with confidence. POLYX has seen significant growth in the South Korean market, with increased trading activity and engagement from local institutions, reflecting its rising prominence in the region. Its unique protocol-level compliance features, combined with attractive staking yields, make it a compelling option for institutions looking to expand their presence in the digital asset economy. "The integration with GK8 ensures that POLYX holders can now store and stake assets with confidence, backed by a secure custody solution," said Bill Papp, CEO of the Polymesh Association. "This partnership represents a major step forward in bringing regulated blockchain solutions to institutional investors globally." The partnership marks the first phase of collaboration between GK8 and Polymesh. Later this year, GK8 will expand support to enable tokenization on Polymesh, paving the way for more institutional applications on a blockchain purpose-built for regulated markets. To learn more about staking POLYX with GK8, visit: About GK8 by Galaxy GK8, a Galaxy (TSX: GLXY) company, provides reliable and comprehensive self-custody technology for digital assets, enabling regulated self-custody, digital asset management, and token issuance. With its patented Impenetrable Vault and uMPC technology, GK8 empowers traditional financial institutions and crypto-native companies worldwide with the tools they need to navigate the digital asset economy with confidence. In a market where trust is an institution's most valuable asset, GK8 protects the institution's reputation by setting the highest standard for digital asset custody, paving the way for the mass adoption of digital assets. For more information, please visit About Polymesh Association The Polymesh Association is a not-for-profit dedicated to the growth of the Polymesh ecosystem through Polymesh and Polymesh Private. Polymesh is a leading public permissioned blockchain purpose-built for real world assets that streamlines capital markets and opens the door to new financial products. Polymesh Private is a private permissioned instance of Polymesh that can be deployed by enterprises. Visit to learn more. Disclaimers and Additional Information The TSX has not approved or disapproved of the information contained herein. CAUTION ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements relate to the Tokenization Wizard launch and opportunities. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", "seeks" or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are based on our current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us taking into account information currently available to us. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Inherent in forward-looking statements are risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company's ability to predict or control. The forward-looking statements are subject to the risks regarding the product and launch. Factors that could cause outcomes to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to global developments, a delay or failure in the ability to launch and changes in applicable law or regulation. Readers are cautioned that such risk factors, uncertainties and other factors are not exhaustive. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this release. The forward-looking statements in this release are applicable only as of the date of this release or as of the date specified in the relevant forward-looking statement and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
