Frankfurt, Germany: 2 March 2026 – 21X, the first fully regulated exchange in the European Union (EU) for digital securities, has today announced the appointment of Marek Socha as Managing Director, Global Markets. With over 17 years’ experience across financial services, digital securities, and financial market infrastructure (fmi), he joins 21X at a pivotal inflexion point’ for the digital securities industry.
Socha brings a distinguished track record in building regulated financial market operators. His previous leadership roles include serving as an executive committee member of a Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)-regulated digital securities exchange in Switzerland and as a shareholder representative for a Singapore-regulated crypto exchange. He has extensive experience leading complex acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic partnerships and technology licensing deals across Europe, Asia, and the US.
At 21X, Socha will focus on scaling the company’s blockchain-based infrastructure and cementing its position as a leader in the evolution of capital markets. His appointment comes as the industry shifts from innovation-led experiments to business-driven adoption by major global institutions.
Marek Socha stated:
“I am excited to join 21X at a pivotal moment in its growth, following the launch of its trading platform and the securing of substantial new funding. As the digital securities market reaches an inflection point and financial institutions accelerate adoption, 21X is perfectly positioned to strengthen its leadership as the EU’s leading distributed ledger technology trading & settlement system (DLT TSS) and expand into new markets.”
The strategy for 21X under Socha’s leadership will prioritize deep integration with the traditional finance (tradfi) ecosystem. As large organizations move into the digital security space, Socha identifies strategic partnerships and focused execution as the critical engines for growth.
Socha added:
“Over the next 18–24 months, my focus is clear: To lead business development, sales, client relationships and corporate development efforts to establish 21X as the premier digital securities trading platform across the EU and US – defined by deep liquidity and a strong roster of prime institutional clients.”
Max J. Heinzle, CEO of 21X, welcomed the appointment, noting that Socha’s arrival marks a new chapter in the company’s growth – one defined by institutional scaling and strategic global reach.
He concluded:
“We are thrilled to have Marek join 21X and our leadership team at such a transformative time. His deep expertise in building regulated market infrastructure and his proven track record in corporate development will be invaluable as we consolidate our footprint in Europe and develop our expansion plans to the US. Marek understands that the future of finance is built on partnerships and regulated innovation, making him the ideal leader to help 21X define this growing capital markets space.”
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About 21X
21X is a Frankfurt-based financial institution at the forefront of revolutionizing capital markets through the use of blockchain technology. On 8th September 2025, 21X fully opened the first ever fully regulated distributed ledger technology trading and settlement system (DLT TSS) in the EU, positioning the company as a leader in the transition from traditional to tokenized asset-based capital markets. 21X enables atomic trading without counterparty risk through smart contract-based issuance, trading and settlement of tokenized stocks, bonds and funds.
See the short explainer video on 21X and our blockchain-based exchange here
For more information on 21X, contact:
Richie MacTaggart, Head of PR & Marketing
Mail: press@21X.eu
Mob: +44 7828173419
Web: https://www.21x.eu/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/21x/
