The tokenized asset market surged by 40%: analytics and forecasts
The market for tokenized real-world assets (RWA) is showing impressive growth: since the beginning of the year, its market capitalization has increased by 40%, reaching $51 billion. This rise occurs against the backdrop of a general correction in the cryptocurrency market, highlighting sustained investor interest in digital versions of traditional instruments.
The number of RWA token holders has grown by 60%, exceeding 917,000 addresses. Leaders in tokenized asset volume remain Figure with $18.9 billion and Securitize with $4.3 billion. These data confirm that the sector is not just recovering but actively expanding its share in the global financial ecosystem.
Market Structure and Dynamics
The RWA market is based on three key segments: private credit (47%), U.S. Treasury bonds (30%), and precious metals (9%). Activity is distributed between the Provenance (39%) and Ethereum (33%) networks, indicating competition among blockchains for the right to serve as the foundational infrastructure for tokenization.
Particular attention is warranted for the tokenized equities segment, which has grown by 130% over the past six months, reaching $1.6 billion. The monthly transaction volume in this niche in June was $5.3 billion — for comparison, in September of last year, this figure was at $500 million. Such tenfold growth suggests that investors are seeking new ways to access traditional markets through blockchain.
Three Tokenization Models
Analysts highlight three main approaches to equity tokenization:
- Trading Infrastructure: Brokers, such as Robinhood, purchase shares and hold them as collateral for tokens. This enables 24/7 trading but does not grant the holder voting rights.
- Settlement Layer: Blockchain replaces traditional accounting systems. Projects like Figure and Securitize create regulated stacks where investors receive full ownership rights.
- Hybrid Model: Coinbase offers an "exchange for everything," combining tokens for equities, derivatives, and crypto assets for users outside the U.S.
Regulatory Prospects
The 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 stimulus could be an "innovation exemption" that officially permits trading such assets within the U.S.
Expert Opinion: The current growth of RWA is not just a speculative bubble but a fundamental shift toward the tokenization of real-world assets. If regulators provide a clear legal framework, we will see explosive growth in this sector over the next 2-3 years. However, investors should remember that high returns always come with risks of liquidity and regulatory changes.