Kamino Appoints Michael Weisz as CEO, Pivots RWA Strategy Toward Credit

The Solana-based lending protocol ties the leadership change to a broader push into real-world asset credit markets and U.S. expansion. Kamino, a decentralized finance protocol built on the Solana blockchain, has appointed Michael Weisz as chief executive officer. The move was reported by Cryptopolitan and crypto.news on September 15 and 16, 2026, respectively. Both outlets tied the leadership change to a reorientation of Kamino's real-world asset strategy. Kamino has built its reputation on lending, borrowing, and liquidity products for Solana users. The protocol has attracted attention as one of the larger DeFi platforms on the network. Its move into real-world assets, or RWAs, reflects a broader trend across decentralized finance. Many protocols are seeking to bridge traditional financial instruments with on-chain infrastructure. According to the reports, Kamino's RWA push is shifting focus toward credit. This suggests the protocol intends to build products around lending markets backed by real-world credit instruments, rather than other asset classes sometimes associated with tokenization efforts, such as commodities or equities. Credit-focused RWA products typically involve tokenized loans, receivables, or debt instruments that generate yield for on-chain participants. crypto.news additionally framed the leadership change around U.S. expansion plans. This detail points to Kamino's ambitions beyond its existing Solana-native user base. Expanding into the U.S. market carries regulatory implications, particularly for platforms dealing with credit products that resemble traditional lending instruments. The appointment of a new CEO during a strategic pivot is a common pattern in the crypto industry. Protocols often bring in leadership with specific expertise when shifting product focus or entering new regulatory jurisdictions. Neither report detailed Weisz's prior background or the identity of Kamino's previous chief executive, leaving some context about the transition unspecified. The RWA sector has grown steadily as institutional players and DeFi protocols alike explore tokenized credit, treasuries, and private debt. Analysts across the industry have pointed to credit markets as a natural fit for blockchain-based settlement, given the need for transparency and efficient collateral management. Kamino's decision to concentrate its RWA efforts on credit aligns with that broader industry direction. The timing of the announcement, alongside talk of U.S. expansion, suggests Kamino is positioning itself for a more institutional and regulated phase of growth. How the protocol navigates U.S. regulatory requirements for credit-related products remains to be seen. Market Impact A leadership change combined with a strategic pivot toward credit-based RWA products could influence how Kamino is perceived by both retail DeFi users and institutional counterparties. Credit products often require more robust risk management and regulatory compliance than typical DeFi lending pools, which may affect how quickly Kamino can roll out new offerings. For the broader Solana DeFi ecosystem, Kamino's move signals continued interest in bridging traditional credit markets with on-chain infrastructure.