The market for tokenized real-world assets surged by 40%: $51 billion and a new record in the number of holders
The tokenized real-world assets (RWA) sector continues to show impressive momentum. Since the beginning of the year, its market capitalization has increased by 40%, reaching $51 billion. This growth occurs against the backdrop of a general correction in the cryptocurrency market, which only underscores the structural strength of this direction.
The key driver is an explosive increase in the user base. The number of RWA token holders has grown by 60%, exceeding 917,000 addresses. The leaders in terms of locked asset volume remain platforms Figure ($18.9 billion) and Securitize ($4.3 billion), which effectively form the infrastructural backbone of the sector.
Market Structure and Dynamics
Three categories dominate the distribution of RWAs: private credit (47%), US Treasury bonds (30%), and precious metals (9%). At the same time, the highest activity is concentrated in two networks: Provenance (39% of total volume) and Ethereum (33%).
The tokenized equities segment deserves special attention. Over the past six months, it has grown by 130%, reaching $1.6 billion. The monthly transaction volume in this segment in June amounted to $5.3 billion — for comparison, in September of last year, it was at $500 million. This indicates that institutional investors are actively moving toward practical use of the technology.
Three Tokenization Models
Analysts identify three main approaches to equity tokenization:
- Trading infrastructure. Brokers like Robinhood purchase shares and hold them as collateral for tokens. This enables 24/7 trading but deprives holders of voting rights.
- Settlement layer. Blockchain replaces traditional accounting systems. Figure and Securitize create regulated stacks where investors receive full ownership rights.
- Hybrid model. Coinbase offers an "everything exchange," combining tokens for stocks, derivatives, and crypto assets for users outside the US.
Regulatory Prospects
Further development of the industry directly depends on the SEC's position. The regulator has already approved pilot projects by NYSE and Nasdaq for trading tokenized securities. A key growth stimulus could be the so-called "innovation exemption," which would allow trading such assets within the US without full compliance with traditional norms.
My expert opinion: The 40% growth of the RWA sector amid a market correction is a clear signal that real-world assets are becoming a new anchor for the crypto industry. The 130% growth in equity tokenization over six months is not just a trend but the beginning of a restructuring of global financial markets. However, the key question remains: can the SEC create a sufficiently flexible regulatory environment to avoid stifling this potential with bureaucracy?