Blockchain startup Securitize has raised $48 million in a Series B funding round co-led by banking giant Morgan Stanley and Blockchain Capital.

The round also saw participation from Ava Labs, IDC Ventures, and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, as well as existing investors Ripple, Blockchain Ventures, and Borderless Capital.

The funding comes ahead of the company’s planned launch of Securitize Markets, a marketplace designed for trading digital asset values.

It says investors will receive their shares in the form of digital asset securities issued by its platform.

“Securitize developed incredible partners during our Series A round last year, both in venture capital and in leading European and Japanese financial institutions,” says Securitize CEO and co-founder Carlos Domingo.

“The fact that they have been joined in our Series B by a major US investment bank and the largest trust bank in Japan, as well as additional major VCs, demonstrates that confidence in the adoption of digital asset values It’s becoming more widespread.”

The increase makes Securitize the first blockchain company to receive major institutional funding from North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

As part of the investment, Pedro Teixeira, co-head of Morgan Stanley Tactical Value, will also join Securitize’s board of directors.

“Our first investment in the blockchain industry is the leading digital asset securities firm, Securitize,” says Teixeira.

“We make long-term investments in businesses and asset classes that are at the forefront. Our investment in Securitize is a sign that we believe in the growth and value adoption of digital assets.”