Infrastructure
Infrastructure News
Latest Infrastructure analysis and market intelligence from RWA Signal.
6.5
Infrastructure
swissbanking.ch·Jul 9
More than digital money: how tokenisation is changing financial markets - Opinions - Media & Politics - Schweizerische Bankiervereinigung
The Point Zero Forum in Zurich recently highlighted a strategic shift in the financial sector, moving beyond simple digital payments toward the comprehensive tokenization of traditional assets. Industry leaders and regulators identified tokenized bonds as a primary entry point for scaling DLT-based financial systems, aiming to modernize infrastructure that currently relies on technology from the 1970s to 1990s. By leveraging distributed ledger technology, financial institutions seek to automate issuance, trading, and settlement processes, potentially enabling 24/7 market operations. Experts like Agustín Carstens of the BIS emphasize that these digital counterparts will coexist with traditional systems rather than replace them entirely. However, the transition requires overcoming significant hurdles, including establishing legal certainty for ownership, ensuring settlement finality, and achieving cross-platform interoperability. Swiss officials, including Karin Keller-Sutter, are advocating for market-led innovation within clear regulatory frameworks to maintain Switzerland's competitive edge. This evolution represents a structural transformation that promises to reduce costs and eliminate single points of failure in global capital markets.
8.5
Infrastructure
Arbitrum jumps 19% benefitting from Robinhood's $568 million onchain trading frenzy
Robinhood's newly launched blockchain, built on the Arbitrum technology stack, has experienced a rapid surge in activity, processing over $568 million in daily trading volume on Wednesday. This surge in onchain activity has driven a 19% increase in the price of the Arbitrum (ARB) token, making it the top performer among the top 100 cryptocurrencies. Under their partnership agreement, 10% of Robinhood Chain's net protocol revenue is distributed to the Arbitrum DAO treasury and the Developer Guild. While current volume is largely driven by memecoin trading, the network has also seen stablecoin balances exceed $260 million within its first week. Robinhood is currently tracking at an annualized revenue run-rate of over $12.5 million, significantly outpacing earlier projections of $1.1 million for the first six months. This development is significant for the RWA market as Robinhood plans to expand access to tokenized U.S. stocks globally and integrate DeFi-powered savings vaults. The success of this infrastructure demonstrates the potential for major brokerages to drive substantial onchain volume and revenue for underlying Layer 2 networks.
7.5
Infrastructure
Over 15 Banks Race to Tokenize Finance, and It Could Affect Bitcoin
Major global financial institutions are increasingly adopting private blockchain technology to tokenize traditional financial assets, signaling a shift in institutional infrastructure. JPMorgan analysts suggest that this widespread migration toward tokenized finance could eventually diminish the relative importance of Bitcoin as a store of value. More than 15 prominent banks are currently participating in this race to modernize settlement and asset management processes. By moving assets onto private ledgers, these institutions aim to improve operational efficiency and reduce transaction friction compared to legacy systems. This trend highlights a growing divide between institutional-grade tokenization and the decentralized nature of public cryptocurrencies. The transition reflects a broader strategic effort by the banking sector to maintain control over financial markets while leveraging distributed ledger technology. As these private networks scale, the competitive landscape for digital assets will likely face significant structural changes.
6.5
Infrastructure
CLARITY Act Faces CFTC Vacancy Fight Before Senate Floor Vote
The CLARITY Act, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets, is currently stalled in the Senate due to a political dispute over staffing at the CFTC and SEC. The bill proposes dividing digital asset oversight between the SEC and the CFTC, with the latter gaining significant authority over spot crypto markets. Currently, the CFTC is operating with only Chair Michael Selig in place, leading Democrats to argue that a full commission is necessary to ensure the durability and legitimacy of future crypto regulations. The White House has countered claims of obstruction, stating that Senate Democrats have failed to provide recommended names for the vacant seats despite requests. This staffing impasse is critical for the RWA market because the CLARITY Act mandates that regulators establish clear rules for exchange registration, custody, and disclosures. If the CFTC remains understaffed, any resulting rulebook could face legal challenges, undermining the regulatory certainty that token issuers and institutional investors require. With the Senate approaching its August recess, the ability to pass the bill depends on resolving these procedural hurdles to secure necessary Democratic support. Ultimately, the outcome will determine whether the U.S. moves toward a structured digital asset environment or continues to rely on enforcement-driven policy.
8.5
Infrastructure
Tokenization Firm Tokeny Joins KPMG Luxembourg to Modernize Audits for Tokenized Funds
Tokeny has entered a strategic partnership with KPMG Luxembourg to modernize the auditing process for tokenized investment funds by enabling direct on-chain verification. This collaboration addresses the growing institutional challenge of auditing blockchain-based assets, which currently represent a global market exceeding $33 billion. By integrating Tokeny’s infrastructure, KPMG Luxembourg can now replace manual, fragmented record reconciliation with real-time, immutable verification of ownership and transaction data. This shift allows auditors to focus on risk assessment and value judgment rather than administrative data matching. The initiative highlights a broader industry transition from simple asset tokenization toward the development of robust operational frameworks. With Tokeny having already powered over $32 billion in assets across 120 institutional use cases, this partnership sets a new standard for transparency in the sector. As major players like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton continue to scale their tokenized offerings, such infrastructure improvements are essential for maintaining institutional trust and regulatory compliance.
6.5
Infrastructure
Hyperliquid Policy Center, Phantom urge CFTC to stop treating onchain protocols like traditional brokers and exchanges
Hyperliquid and Phantom have submitted formal responses to a CFTC Request for Information regarding the classification of on-chain protocols. These entities argue that decentralized platforms should not be regulated under the same frameworks as traditional centralized brokers and exchanges. The core of their argument centers on the technical reality that on-chain protocols operate via autonomous smart contracts rather than human intermediaries. By urging regulators to distinguish between decentralized infrastructure and legacy financial institutions, these firms aim to prevent stifling innovation within the digital asset ecosystem. This regulatory dialogue is critical for the RWA market, as the legal status of on-chain trading venues directly impacts the feasibility of tokenized asset distribution. If regulators adopt a rigid approach, it could force RWA protocols to adopt burdensome compliance structures that negate the efficiency benefits of blockchain technology. Conversely, a nuanced regulatory stance could provide the legal clarity necessary for institutional adoption of decentralized finance platforms. Ultimately, the outcome of this consultation will shape the operational landscape for any RWA project seeking to leverage decentralized liquidity pools.
8.5
Infrastructure
How to Play SECZ Stock Now After the Securitize SPAC Merger Closed Last Week
Securitize has officially completed its merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), resulting in the ticker symbol SECZ now trading on public markets. This transition marks a significant milestone for the firm, which specializes in the tokenization of real-world assets such as private equity, real estate, and investment funds. By moving into the public equity space, Securitize aims to increase its institutional visibility and provide a liquid vehicle for investors to gain exposure to the digital asset infrastructure sector. The merger provides the company with additional capital to scale its blockchain-based issuance and lifecycle management services. This development is critical for the RWA market as it signals the maturation of tokenization platforms from private startups into publicly traded entities. Increased transparency and regulatory scrutiny associated with public listing may bolster investor confidence in the broader tokenized asset ecosystem. As Securitize integrates its operations, the market will closely monitor how public status influences its ability to capture market share in the growing institutional RWA space.
7.5
Infrastructure
Rewiring Finance: Tokenisation as a Catalyst for UK Growth
Barclays and PwC have released a joint report analyzing the potential for tokenization to transform the UK economy by creating a more connected financial system. The study estimates that widespread adoption of tokenized assets could unlock up to £33 billion in additional annual GDP by 2035. Two-thirds of these economic benefits are expected to flow into sectors beyond traditional financial services, impacting businesses and households directly. The report identifies wholesale markets, including settlement and collateral mobilization, as the immediate priority for UK adoption. It emphasizes that the UK's competitive advantage lies in its ability to act as a trusted bridge for interoperability between global tokenized platforms. To capture this growth, the authors urge policymakers to focus on strategic areas like corporate bonds, private markets, and infrastructure finance. Failure to establish clear regulatory pathways risks losing liquidity and market activity to other global financial centers.
8.5
Infrastructure
Over $7.2 billion have migrated from LayerZero to Chainlink CCIP as Mantle joins exodus
Over $7.24 billion in cross-chain assets have migrated from LayerZero to Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) since May, signaling a significant shift in infrastructure preference for high-value token transfers. The latest project to join this exodus is Mantle, which is transitioning its Super Portal from LayerZero's Omnichain Fungible Token standard to Chainlink's Cross-Chain Token standard. This migration involves the MNT token, which holds over $2.5 billion in total value locked, and aims to enhance security following increased industry scrutiny of bridge configurations. The trend gained momentum after the $292 million Kelp bridge exploit, prompting major entities like Solv Protocol, Lombard, and Kraken to move billions in assets to Chainlink. By adopting CCIP, Mantle gains decentralized oracle security and direct control over token pools as it expands MNT across Ethereum, Solana, and future networks. This movement underscores the critical importance of secure interoperability infrastructure as tokenized financial assets scale globally. The transition highlights a broader market preference for robust, decentralized security standards to mitigate the systemic risks associated with cross-chain bridge failures.
6.5
Infrastructure
CFTC Chair Selig warns regulators will end up ‘writing all the rules’ for crypto if Clarity Act stalls
CFTC Chair Michael Selig has issued a stern warning that federal regulators will be forced to unilaterally establish the comprehensive rulebook for the cryptocurrency industry if Congress fails to pass the Clarity Act. The current legislative impasse leaves a vacuum that agencies like the CFTC and SEC are increasingly filling through enforcement actions rather than proactive policy frameworks. This regulatory uncertainty creates significant friction for RWA tokenization projects that require clear legal definitions to operate across jurisdictions. By relying on judicial precedents and administrative mandates, the government risks stifling innovation and driving capital toward more favorable regulatory environments. For the RWA market, the lack of a statutory foundation complicates the classification of tokenized assets, potentially hindering institutional adoption. Selig emphasizes that legislative inaction effectively cedes control to unelected regulators, which may result in rigid or misaligned standards for digital assets. Establishing a clear legal path through the Clarity Act is essential to provide the stability necessary for large-scale integration of traditional financial assets onto blockchain networks.
7.5
Infrastructure
RWA Tokenization Moves Beyond Asset Wrappers to Capital Market Overhaul: Tiger Research
Tiger Research and MEXC have released a comprehensive report detailing the evolution of Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization from simple asset wrappers to a fundamental overhaul of global capital markets. The analysis highlights that while initial RWA efforts focused on mirroring traditional assets like U.S. Treasuries on-chain, the industry is now shifting toward programmable financial infrastructure. This transition aims to reduce settlement times, lower intermediary costs, and enhance liquidity for traditionally illiquid assets. The report emphasizes that institutional adoption is accelerating as major financial entities integrate blockchain technology to streamline back-office operations. By moving beyond mere tokenization, the market is creating new composable financial primitives that allow for automated compliance and cross-chain interoperability. This shift is critical for the RWA sector as it moves from experimental pilots to systemic integration within the broader financial ecosystem. Ultimately, the research suggests that the maturation of these protocols will redefine how capital is allocated and managed globally.
9.0
Infrastructure
Everything You Own Will Live On-Chain Thanks to RWA Tokenization
The tokenization of real-world assets has transitioned from theoretical white papers to a robust market where equities, bonds, and commodities are traded on-chain. Tokenized equities experienced significant growth, surging approximately 2,878% to reach a valuation of $963 million by January 2026. Ethereum remains the dominant infrastructure, hosting 50% of the $16.6 billion total RWA market, while BNB Chain has emerged as a major competitor with $4 billion in TVL across 14 issuers. Market leaders like Ondo Global Markets and Backed Finance are driving institutional adoption, while innovative projects like USD.AI are tokenizing physical infrastructure such as Nvidia GPUs. Beyond traditional finance, the market now includes diverse assets ranging from graded collectibles to industrial commodities like uranium and copper. This shift signifies a broader trend where any asset with verifiable value and demand is being migrated to blockchain rails to improve liquidity and accessibility. The rapid expansion across multiple layer-1 chains indicates that tokenization is becoming a foundational layer for global financial markets.
6.5
Infrastructure
Institutional DeFi & RWA On XRP Ledger | Jazzi Cooper Liverpool Transfer News (7D6oEJN2uY)
The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is increasingly positioning itself as a foundational infrastructure for institutional decentralized finance and the tokenization of real-world assets. By leveraging its native capabilities for high-speed, low-cost transactions, the ledger aims to bridge the gap between traditional financial systems and blockchain-based asset management. This development is significant for the RWA market as it provides a scalable alternative to existing networks, potentially attracting large-scale institutional participants seeking regulatory compliance and efficiency. The integration of RWA protocols on XRPL signals a broader industry trend where legacy financial institutions explore distributed ledger technology to streamline asset issuance and settlement. As more projects migrate or launch on the XRP Ledger, the ecosystem gains liquidity and utility, reinforcing its role in the global tokenization landscape. This shift underscores the growing demand for enterprise-grade blockchains that can handle complex financial instruments while maintaining interoperability with existing banking infrastructure. Ultimately, the expansion of RWA capabilities on XRPL represents a critical step toward the mainstream adoption of tokenized assets in institutional portfolios.
9.5
Infrastructure
SWIFT launches blockchain ledger with 17
SWIFT has officially launched a new blockchain-based ledger designed to facilitate cross-border payments using tokenized bank deposits. Seventeen major global financial institutions, including HSBC, Citi, BNP Paribas, UBS, ANZ, DBS, and Standard Chartered, are participating in the initial pilot phase. This development follows nine months of intensive internal development aimed at enabling 24/7 payment availability, including weekends and overnight transactions. By integrating tokenized deposits into its existing messaging infrastructure, SWIFT seeks to modernize cross-border settlements while maintaining rigorous compliance, credit, and risk management standards. This initiative represents a significant shift in how traditional banking networks adopt distributed ledger technology to enhance the velocity of global commerce. The move aligns with a broader industry trend toward tokenized financial assets, positioning SWIFT as a central player in the evolution of programmable money. Ultimately, this pilot demonstrates that major financial incumbents are prioritizing the integration of blockchain rails to meet the demands of modern, always-on global markets.
6.5
Infrastructure
Why Section 604 Is the Clarity Act Fight Crypto Developers Are Watching
Senator Ron Wyden has formally requested that Senate leadership preserve the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act within the broader Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. This legislative push aims to provide essential legal protections for blockchain developers by clarifying their status under existing financial regulations. By advocating for the inclusion of Section 604, Wyden seeks to prevent developers from being unfairly classified as money transmitters, a move that could significantly impact the RWA sector. The RWA market relies heavily on decentralized infrastructure, and regulatory clarity is vital for institutional adoption and the legal stability of tokenized assets. If successful, this legislative effort would establish a safer environment for building the protocols that underpin real-world asset tokenization. The outcome of this debate will likely dictate the compliance burden for developers operating on networks like Ethereum or Solana. Ultimately, this development represents a critical step toward integrating blockchain technology into the mainstream financial ecosystem while protecting the foundational builders of the industry.
7.5
Infrastructure
Evernorth CEO Says Crypto Treasury Firms Must Move Beyond Hoarding, Backs XRP Ledger Tokenization
Evernorth CEO Asheesh Birla has announced a strategic shift for digital asset treasury firms, moving away from passive crypto accumulation toward active yield generation through tokenization. Birla emphasizes that companies must transition from simple treasury vehicles to financial entities that leverage decentralized finance to put corporate holdings to work. By focusing on the XRP Ledger, Evernorth aims to utilize the blockchain's native support for financial assets, low costs, and rapid settlement to build out lending and liquidity services. This evolution reflects a broader industry trend where firms seek sustainable revenue models from digital assets rather than relying solely on market appreciation. The XRP Ledger ecosystem has seen significant growth, with tokenized assets reaching $2 billion, doubling from less than $1 billion within a single year. Major institutional players like Guggenheim Partners and Franklin Templeton are already utilizing the network for commercial paper and money market funds. This shift is critical for the RWA market as it signals a maturation phase where institutional capital seeks to integrate digital assets into functional financial infrastructure. Ultimately, Evernorth plans to expand its operations into South Korea, banking on the country's high demand for XRP and institutional interest in tokenization.
8.5
Infrastructure
Tiger Research: Moving RWA Tokenization Overseas First
The RWA tokenization market reached a valuation of $25 billion to $36 billion by early 2026, driven by institutional demand for automated settlements and broader investor reach. Despite this growth, many financial institutions face a regulatory vacuum in their home jurisdictions, forcing a strategic choice between waiting for legislation, using sandboxes, or entering overseas markets. Tiger Research emphasizes that cross-border RWA operations require meticulous preparation across six core areas, including licensing, asset definition, and settlement infrastructure. Institutions are increasingly looking to mature regulatory environments like Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States to build operational experience. Hong Kong offers a comprehensive framework under the Securities and Futures Ordinance, while Singapore utilizes the Variable Capital Company structure for fund tokenization. The United States remains a key market, with platforms like Securitize facilitating issuances such as BlackRock’s BUIDL fund under Reg D and Reg S exemptions. Ultimately, the report argues that tokenization is not a shortcut but a complex migration of financial instruments that demands higher precision than traditional issuance. Institutions that proactively navigate these cross-border complexities are better positioned to secure early market dominance.
9.0
Infrastructure
Real world assets tokenization surges across five key sectors
The tokenized real-world assets (RWA) market has reached a significant milestone, with on-chain distributed value surpassing $33.5 billion as of July 2026. This growth represents a 30% increase in Q1 2026 alone, driven by institutional adoption across treasuries, private credit, commodities, real estate, and equities. Tokenized U.S. Treasuries lead the sector, with BlackRock’s BUIDL fund alone exceeding $2.5 billion in assets. The shift is fueled by the demand for yield-bearing assets, near-instant settlement speeds, and improving regulatory clarity for on-chain custody. While the current on-chain value is $33.5 billion, the total representative asset value stands at $388.55 billion, indicating significant room for further expansion. Infrastructure providers like Securitize and Circle are playing critical roles in bridging traditional finance with blockchain rails. Despite this momentum, the industry faces ongoing risks related to asset concentration, smart contracts, and custodial security. Ultimately, the narrowing gap between on-chain value and representative asset value will serve as a key indicator of the market's transition from pilot programs to large-scale production.