For our team, this marks not just the loss of a respected builder in the Web3 space but the departure of a close and trusted partner. Together, we worked diligently on enhancing validator infrastructure and staking systems within the Solana ecosystem as part of the CTDG initiative.
The Web3 community has lost a builder whose contributions are worthy of clear acknowledgment and gratitude.
His absence is felt deeply, both in our professional collaborations and personal connections—the projects we tackled, the decisions we shaped, and the enduring systems we developed.
Alexander Ray was more than just an engineer, founder, or protocol architect. His work significantly bolstered the ecosystems he engaged with, and his collaborative approach exemplified precision, reliability, and a steadfast focus on long-term value.
This article does not serve as a formal announcement, but rather as recognition of his contributions, work ethic, and the profound void left in the teams and networks he helped to mold.
For those fortunate enough to have worked alongside him, his impact is undeniable—not out of a desire for recognition, but through his consistent improvement of our efforts.
Honoring the Work and Legacy of Alexander Ray
Ray was acclaimed for his endeavors at the crossroads of regulated DeFi, staking infrastructure, tokenization, and on-chain compliance, concentrating on establishing sustainable financial systems rather than short-lived speculative products.
Before stepping into the crypto realm, Ray spent over two decades in enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, and financial systems, with roles tied to Deutsche Bank Frankfurt and General Electric. His extensive background in large-scale enterprise architecture and financial systems greatly informed his Web3 approach—viewing blockchain as a foundational shift in global financial infrastructure, rather than a fleeting market trend.
Ray’s significant entry into Web3 engineering was through PointGroup, a venture builder studio and umbrella organization where he nurtured and advanced various blockchain infrastructure projects. Unlike traditional product companies, PointGroup operated as a platform for cultivating and scaling protocol-level initiatives across staking, compliant DeFi, and on-chain financial infrastructure.
Within PointGroup, Ray played a pivotal role in the development of notable Web3 projects, including JPool, a Solana-native liquid staking pool; Albus Protocol, a privacy-focused compliance layer for regulated decentralized finance; and Alula, a Stellar-native lending protocol aimed at on-chain credit and capital efficiency.
JPool emerged as a leading liquid staking platform on Solana, enabling users to stake SOL and receive JSOL, a liquid staking token usable throughout the Solana DeFi ecosystem. By employing a smart delegation system, JPool distributed stakes across a diverse validator set, transitioning Solana staking from a locked, passive model to a more liquid and adaptable format. Current data shows JPool manages over 1.3 million SOL in staked assets across more than 170 validators, ranking it among the larger liquid staking pools on the network.
In addition to staking infrastructure, Ray tackled one of the most intricate challenges in crypto—regulated decentralized finance. As CEO and co-founder of Albus Protocol, he spearheaded the creation of a compliance layer for public blockchains aimed at tokenized real-world assets and institutional DeFi flows. Albus was designed as a privacy-preserving compliance system, embedding regulatory logic directly on-chain, enabling platforms to satisfy KYC and regulatory requirements without compromising personal data. This project became a cornerstone for tokenized asset platforms and regulated on-chain marketplaces.
Beyond product innovation, Ray actively contributed to industry dialogues surrounding regulation and tokenization. As a member of the Forbes Business Council, he authored articles and delivered talks about on-chain identity, compliant token issuance, and the future of regulated DeFi, participating in European Web3 events focused on infrastructure and institutional adoption.
Across all his projects—JPool, Albus Protocol, and the broader PointGroup portfolio—Ray adhered to a consistent philosophy: prioritize infrastructure over hype, compliance over shortcuts, and sustainable growth over speculation. The systems he helped design continue to thrive today within staking, validator infrastructure, and tokenized asset markets.
We are profoundly thankful to Alexander Ray for the collaboration and collective efforts we shared within the CTDG initiative on the Solana track. This partnership holds significant importance in his professional legacy for our team.
Alexander Ray is remembered as a builder who navigated the challenges where Web3 is toughest—at the intersection of decentralization, regulation, and authentic financial infrastructure. His legacy is preserved in the active protocols, staking systems, and compliance frameworks that continually support users and institutions across the blockchain economy.
