Standard Chartered forecasts decentralized finance (DeFi) assets to surge to $2.7 trillion by 2030, driven by tokenized real-world assets and crypto-native assets. Geoff Kendrick, head of digital assets research, anticipates a 37-fold increase, with a significant rise in tokenized asset utilization within DeFi protocols.
Tokenization is a consistent growth area in crypto, with Kraken launching tokenized SpaceX IPO access via xStocks. Prediction markets surpassed onchain gambling in Q1 2026 volume, while former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried formally requested a pardon from Donald Trump.
Financial institutions like Franklin Templeton and BNP Paribas are exploring tokenization and stablecoins to enhance capital markets in Europe by improving settlement and liquidity. Major US banks are also planning tokenized deposit networks, while Nasdaq and NYSE are developing tokenized trading infrastructure.
Financial advisors are showing more interest in stablecoins and tokenization than Bitcoin, potentially signaling a new crypto bull market driven by institutional investors and real-world applications.
Financial advisers are showing more interest in stablecoins and tokenization than Bitcoin, potentially signaling a shift in crypto investment strategies. This trend could drive a new bull market, according to Bitwise investment chief Matt Hougan.
The US SEC has identified digital assets as a strategic priority in its draft 2026-2030 plan, aiming for regulatory clarity on blockchain, tokenization, and crypto market infrastructure. The plan also addresses jurisdictional issues with the CFTC.
Crypto exchange Binance now offers zero-commission trading of over 7,000 U.S. stocks and ETFs to non-U.S. customers, with plans to allow tokenization of these shares on its BNB blockchain. The move aims to create a multi-asset super app and integrate equities with DeFi.
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce tempered expectations for a broad "innovation exemption" for tokenized stock trading, stating any such relief would be "limited in scope." Her comments follow a Bloomberg report suggesting the SEC is considering allowing only tokens with the same benefits as common stock, like voting rights and dividends, to avoid market fragmentation and risks.
Michael Saylor believes tokenization of financial assets will create a free market in credit and yield, challenging traditional banking. He stated this could lead to higher velocity and volatility for capital assets, contrasting with current TradFi where banks dictate terms. The Clarity Act and SEC guidance on tokenized stocks are seen as key developments.
The Bank of England is increasing its focus on digital money, with Deputy Governor Sarah Breeden highlighting tokenization as a way to reduce costs and increase competition. The central bank is working on a framework to support innovation while maintaining financial stability and is proposing to extend settlement infrastructure operating hours.
Ethereum's price has fallen nearly 10% in a week, testing conviction around $2,100 due to rising oil prices, exchange inflows, futures selling, and ETF redemptions. Supporters cite tokenization and AI as long-term drivers.
Despite a memecoin slowdown, Solana (SOL) showed resilience in Q1 2026, boosted by Pump.fun and RWA tokenization. App revenues remained stable, with Pump.fun generating $124.7M. RWA tokenization grew 43% to $2.01B.
Michael Burry, known for predicting the 2008 crisis, harshly criticized the SEC's tokenization move, warning it could lead to a "cyber-punk world" devoid of human emotion and value.
The tokenized real-world asset market is approaching $30 billion, but only $2.47 billion is active in DeFi. Permissioned structures and compliance hurdles limit integration with open crypto markets, creating a divide between on-chain ownership and DeFi composability.
The tokenized real-world assets (RWA) market is valued at nearly $30 billion on-chain, but only $2.47 billion is actively used in DeFi protocols. This gap is largely due to permissioned architectures and compliance constraints that limit composability, with bond and money market funds being the largest category outside of DeFi.
The FCA and Bank of England have launched a joint Call for Input to clarify rules on tokenisation in UK wholesale markets, aiming to provide regulatory certainty as the technology moves from pilots to production.
The Bank of England is proposing extended operating hours for its RTGS and CHAPS settlement systems to support tokenized finance. This move, alongside FCA initiatives, aims to prepare UK wholesale markets for digital assets and new payment models. The PRA also issued guidance on regulatory treatment for tokenized instruments.
Magma and Brickken partner to create a Net Asset Value (NAV) oracle for tokenized real estate, combining verified building data with tokenization infrastructure for institutional-grade valuations and reporting.
The Clarity Act finally has a real markup date, while BlackRock is making its biggest tokenization push yet.
AI agents need “food,” and that food is not physical food; it is tokens, said Jordi Visser.
Bernstein points to Figure’s expansion beyond home equity lending into blockchain-based credit, as tokenization begins to scale across broader loan markets.
Bullish has agreed to acquire transfer agent Equiniti as more Wall Street participants accelerate their tokenization initiatives to offer 24/7 trading.
With $114 trillion in custodied liquid assets, Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation looks to position tokenization as future of existing financial system.
DTCC, the infrastructure giant managing $114 trillion in securities, will begin tokenizing Russell 1000 stocks and Treasuries.
