– Company strengthens leadership ahead of 21X secondary market launch –
FRANKFURT, 27August 2025: 21X – the leading blockchain-based exchange for tokenized financial instruments – today announced the appointment of Prof. Dr. Joachim Wuermeling as member of the company’s Supervisory Board. Prof. Dr. Wuermeling brings a distinguished career in finance, regulation, and governance, positioning 21X for accelerated growth and robust market leadership as the company prepares for its highly anticipated secondary market launch in the coming weeks.
Prof. Dr. Wuermeling has also been appointed as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of 21.finance AG, parent company to 21X.
Dr. Wuermeling’s extensive background includes serving as a Member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank from November 2016 to December 2023, where he gained invaluable insights into central banking and financial stability. Previous and present roles include significant positions such as Executive in Residence at ESMT Berlin and Attorney-at-Law at A&O Shearman, demonstrating his deep engagement with both academic and legal aspects of the financial sector. Furthermore, his nearly 26 years as a lecturer at Universität Potsdam underscores his commitment to education and thought leadership, while his work as a Supervisory Board member on several boards highlights his expertise in asset management oversight.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Joachim Wuermeling as a member of our Supervisory Board,”
said Max Heinzle, founder and CEO of 21X.
“As 21X gears up for its secondary market launch, Dr. Wuermeling’s deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, risk management, and international financial institutions will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the rapidly evolving digital asset ecosystem and ensuring our continued compliance.”
Heinzle continued:
“His unparalleled experience – particularly his seven years on the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank and his involvement with international financial bodies including on the ECB Supervisory Board and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision – will be especially important as we set out the long-term direction of the company.”
Expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, Dr. Wuermeling stated:
“I am excited to be part of the journey of a frontrunner fintech and to navigate with the entire team the digital future of finance. Distributed ledger technology (DLT)-based financial transactions are gaining traction swiftly. 21X is a first mover, but the first followers will be numerous and big players. We need to maintain a strong pace and scale quickly, and the Board needs to provide the environment to allow for this, whilst continuously meeting regulatory requirements.”
Dr. Wuermeling’s international and European experience will be valuable in understanding regulatory challenges in new markets and addressing issues beyond national jurisdiction. He emphasizes that building trust and ensuring stability in the digital asset ecosystem requires striking the right balance between innovation and risk management – enabling innovation while keeping risks under control.
Dr. Wuermeling Concluded:
“My personal goal in this new role is to contribute significantly to the success of the firm and to help keep it at the cutting edge of digital finance.”
Dr. Wuermeling’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for 21X and 21.finance, reinforcing their commitment to robust governance, regulatory excellence, and strategic growth as they prepare to open new avenues for digital asset trading with the secondary market launch.
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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. 21X secured the first license to operate a distributed ledger technology trading and settlement system (DLT TSS) in the EU and launched its groundbreaking trading venue on May 20th this year. This milestone places the company as a leader in the transition to digital finance by enabling 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/
