#DigitalAssets
108 articles tagged #DigitalAssets — curated RWA tokenization coverage.
Tokenized deposits ramp up in US as Cari grows to 30 banks ahead of pilot
The Cari Network, a platform for tokenized deposits, has expanded its reach to over 30 participating banks as it prepares for an upcoming pilot program. SouthState has joined as the sixth design partner bank, alongside major institutions including Huntington, First Horizon, M&T Bank, KeyBank, and Old National Bank. These design partners, combined with the broader network and pipeline of 40 additional banks, represent financial institutions holding over $10 trillion in total assets. The network aims to facilitate real-time settlement, improved liquidity management, and efficient digital money movement for its members. To accelerate its development, Cari is utilizing proven tokenized deposit technology developed by Tassat, which previously powered large-scale solutions like Signature Bank’s Signet. Furthermore, Cari has secured a strategic partnership by joining the American Bankers Association’s Premier Partner Network. This rapid expansion underscores a significant shift toward institutional adoption of blockchain-based deposit systems within the U.S. banking sector. The initiative highlights the industry's move toward finding scalable, compliant paths for digital asset integration in traditional finance.
Axiology Launches Live Validator Node on Canton Network t…
Axiology has officially launched a live validator node on the Canton Network, marking a significant step toward the interoperability of European capital markets. By joining this privacy-enabled, permissioned blockchain, Axiology aims to bridge the gap between traditional financial infrastructure and decentralized ledger technology. The integration allows for the seamless settlement of tokenized assets, including securities and cash, across a distributed network of institutional participants. This development is critical for the RWA market as it demonstrates how institutional-grade infrastructure can support the lifecycle of regulated digital assets. By leveraging the Canton Network's unique privacy features, Axiology facilitates compliance with European regulatory standards while maintaining the efficiency of blockchain-based transactions. The move signals a broader trend of financial institutions adopting interoperable frameworks to reduce fragmentation in the digital securities space. Ultimately, this deployment enhances the liquidity and accessibility of tokenized European financial instruments for global investors.
Tokenized Deposits Gain Traction as Banks Race to Build
Tokenized deposits are rapidly transforming transaction banking by offering programmable, real-time settlement capabilities that traditional systems lack. Currently, only 3.4% of the world's top 290 banks have live tokenized deposit services, but Fireblocks projects this adoption will surge to 21% by mid-2027. Unlike stablecoins, these assets are direct liabilities on a bank's balance sheet, ensuring they maintain standard regulatory protections and deposit insurance. Major institutions including JPMorgan, Citi, and HSBC are already leveraging this technology to streamline liquidity, with JPMorgan’s Kinexys platform alone processing over $5 billion daily. The shift is driven by the need to unlock trillions in trapped capital, such as the $27 trillion currently held in nostro accounts globally. While 88% of banks have allocated funding for digital infrastructure, internal hurdles like talent shortages and legacy systems have kept production rates at only 16%. As The Clearing House prepares a shared on-chain network for 2027, the industry faces a critical window to adopt these tools or risk losing corporate clients to more digitally advanced competitors.
Tokenized Assets Could Hit $8.2 Trillion by 2030
The global market for tokenized assets is projected to reach a valuation of $8.2 trillion by 2030, according to recent industry analysis. This growth trajectory is driven by the increasing integration of blockchain technology into traditional financial systems, which enhances liquidity and operational efficiency. By converting real-world assets into digital tokens, institutions can reduce settlement times and lower administrative costs associated with asset management. The shift represents a fundamental change in how capital markets operate, moving from legacy infrastructure to decentralized, programmable ledgers. Major financial institutions are actively exploring these technologies to capture market share in the emerging digital asset ecosystem. As regulatory frameworks continue to mature, the adoption of tokenization is expected to accelerate across various asset classes. This transition signifies a broader institutional acceptance of blockchain as a viable infrastructure for global finance, potentially unlocking significant value for investors and issuers alike.
Bullish receives Gibraltar Financial Services Commission approval to offer trading in tokenized securities
Bullish, a regulated digital asset exchange, has secured approval from the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission to facilitate trading in tokenized securities. This regulatory milestone allows the platform to expand its service offerings beyond traditional cryptocurrencies into the broader RWA sector. By leveraging its existing regulatory framework, Bullish aims to bridge the gap between institutional-grade financial products and blockchain-based trading environments. The approval signifies a growing trend of established exchanges seeking formal oversight to capture the increasing demand for tokenized financial instruments. This development is significant for the RWA market as it provides a compliant venue for the secondary market trading of tokenized assets. As more jurisdictions provide clear regulatory pathways, the infrastructure for institutional participation in tokenized securities continues to mature. Bullish's ability to integrate these assets into its current ecosystem positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of digital finance.
Tokenized RWAs Hit $23.6B as 24/7 Trading Draws Investors
The on-chain market capitalization for tokenized real-world assets has surged to approximately $23.6 billion, representing a 66% increase from the $14.1 billion recorded at the beginning of the year. Data from DeFiLlama indicates a consistent growth trajectory from January through early March across diverse asset classes. Industry experts suggest this expansion is driven less by the novelty of tokenization technology and more by improved accessibility and distribution of financial products. Market participants are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional financial systems, which are often hindered by limited operating hours and complex intermediary requirements. Stobox co-founder Ross Shemeliak highlights that investor frustration with legacy market structures is a significant catalyst for this shift. The ability to facilitate 24/7 trading and near-instant settlement has emerged as a primary value proposition for institutional and retail investors alike. This trend underscores a broader transition toward digital infrastructure that prioritizes efficiency and continuous liquidity over conventional banking constraints.
From Stellar to Canton: How Franklin Templeton Adopted Tokenization
Franklin Templeton, a global asset manager, has actively embraced blockchain technology to modernize its investment offerings through tokenization. Roger Bayston, the firm's Head of Digital Assets, highlights the strategic shift toward utilizing distributed ledger technology to enhance operational efficiency and asset accessibility. This adoption reflects a broader trend among traditional financial institutions integrating blockchain to streamline settlement processes and improve transparency for investors. By leveraging tokenization, Franklin Templeton aims to bridge the gap between legacy financial systems and decentralized infrastructure. The firm's involvement underscores the growing institutional confidence in blockchain as a viable platform for managing large-scale financial products. As regulatory frameworks evolve, such initiatives by major asset managers are critical for the mainstream maturation of the RWA sector. This transition signals a significant move toward institutional-grade tokenized assets that can operate within established financial compliance standards.
Franklin Templeton’s $2.5 Billion Onchain Bet Grows With 250 Digital Deal
Franklin Templeton has significantly escalated its commitment to digital assets by launching a dedicated cryptocurrency division following the acquisition of 250 Digital. This strategic move has propelled the firm's onchain product suite from approximately $768 million to over $2.5 billion within a single year, marking a more than threefold increase. The newly formed crypto division will specifically manage and develop tokenized assets, signaling a focused institutional embrace of blockchain-based financial products. This acquisition provides Franklin Templeton with a specialized team and toolkit, accelerating its existing onchain initiatives. The substantial growth in assets under management on blockchain rails validates the firm's earlier bet on tokenization. This development positions Franklin Templeton ahead of many peers still in exploratory phases, demonstrating a long-term structural play in the expanding tokenized asset market. It underscores the increasing institutional demand for the transparency and efficiency offered by blockchain infrastructure in finance.
WisdomTree wins awards for tokenized funds and onchain infrastructure
WisdomTree has been honored at the Future of Finance Awards 2026 for its advancements in tokenized funds and onchain infrastructure. The firm received recognition for its WisdomTree Connect platform, which facilitates the integration of tokenized assets into broader financial ecosystems. By leveraging blockchain technology, WisdomTree aims to modernize traditional investment vehicles, enhancing transparency and operational efficiency for institutional and retail investors. This award underscores the growing industry validation of WisdomTree's strategy to bridge legacy finance with decentralized ledger technology. The recognition highlights the company's role in scaling onchain financial services, moving beyond experimental phases toward standardized market adoption. As a major asset manager, WisdomTree's continued success in this space signals a shift in how traditional firms approach digital asset infrastructure. This development is significant for the RWA market as it demonstrates that established financial institutions are successfully deploying scalable, award-winning solutions for tokenized investment products.
South Korea Integrates Tokenized Securities into Market Reform
The South Korean Financial Services Commission has officially integrated tokenized securities infrastructure into its broader capital market modernization strategy to enhance efficiency. This initiative focuses on achieving faster settlement cycles and extending trading hours to align with global financial standards. A dedicated public-private council, featuring key stakeholders such as the Korea Exchange, the Central Depository, and Samsung SDS, will lead the technical and regulatory refinement of these instruments. Following the National Assembly's approval of foundational amendments in January 2026, authorities are now working toward a comprehensive roadmap for settlement reduction by October. The full regulatory framework for tokenized securities is slated to become operational by February 2027, supported by new subordinate legislation. This move represents a significant institutional commitment to blockchain-based financial infrastructure, signaling a shift toward modernized, digital-first capital markets. By formalizing these assets within the national regulatory perimeter, South Korea aims to provide a secure and scalable environment for institutional tokenization.
What Is the GENIUS Act? A Guide to U.S. Stablecoin Law
The GENIUS Act, signed into law on July 18, 2025, establishes the first comprehensive federal regulatory framework for dollar-backed stablecoins in the United States. This legislation mandates strict requirements for stablecoin issuers, specifically defining authorized entities, mandatory reserve backing, and standardized redemption procedures for token holders. By clarifying the oversight roles of federal regulators, the act aims to provide legal certainty for the digital asset industry and mitigate systemic risks associated with private stablecoin issuance. This development is a critical milestone for the RWA market, as stablecoins serve as the primary liquidity layer for tokenized assets and on-chain financial instruments. The formalization of these rules reduces regulatory ambiguity, potentially encouraging institutional participation and broader adoption of blockchain-based financial products. By setting clear standards for reserve transparency and issuer accountability, the act aligns stablecoins more closely with traditional financial regulations. Ultimately, the GENIUS Act provides the foundational infrastructure necessary for stablecoins to function as a reliable, regulated medium of exchange within the evolving digital economy.
EDX Markets and Canton Network Partner to Advance Institutional Adoption of Digital Assets
EDX Markets has entered a strategic partnership with the Canton Network to accelerate the institutional adoption of digital assets by integrating their respective infrastructures. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between traditional financial systems and decentralized ledger technology by leveraging Canton’s privacy-enabled, interoperable blockchain network. By connecting EDX’s institutional-grade trading platform with the Canton ecosystem, the partnership seeks to streamline workflows for asset tokenization and settlement. This development is significant for the RWA market as it enhances the liquidity and operational efficiency of tokenized assets across institutional participants. The integration addresses critical industry requirements regarding compliance, privacy, and cross-chain interoperability, which are essential for large-scale financial adoption. As institutional interest in RWA grows, such infrastructure-level partnerships provide the necessary plumbing to support complex, regulated financial products on-chain. Ultimately, this move signals a maturing market where specialized platforms are consolidating to create a more cohesive and accessible digital asset landscape.
Bank of England flips systemic stablecoin caps from holder to issuer
The Bank of England has officially revised its regulatory framework for systemic stablecoins, shifting the focus of holding limits from individual users to the issuers themselves. Previously, the central bank proposed strict caps of £20,000 for individuals and £10 million for businesses, which faced significant industry pushback due to concerns over usability and adoption. By abandoning these restrictive user-level caps, the Bank of England aims to foster a more viable environment for stablecoin integration within the UK financial system. The new policy position and draft code of practice instead emphasize robust reserve requirements and operational standards for issuers to mitigate systemic risk. This pivot represents a critical maturation in UK digital asset regulation, signaling a move toward accommodating stablecoins as a legitimate payment mechanism. For the broader RWA market, this regulatory clarity reduces uncertainty for firms looking to issue sterling-backed tokens. Ultimately, this shift aligns the UK's approach more closely with global standards, potentially accelerating the institutional adoption of stablecoins in the region.
SEC makes digital assets strategic priority through 2030
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has officially elevated digital assets to a strategic priority within its draft Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2026–2030. This roadmap explicitly calls for the development of a firm regulatory foundation to support tokenization, onchain financial infrastructure, and blockchain technology. By acknowledging that digital asset growth has outpaced current regulations, the agency aims to provide greater legal certainty for market participants involved in custody, trading, and staking. The plan emphasizes the potential for these technologies to revolutionize American financial infrastructure while maintaining a focus on investor protection and capital formation. Furthermore, the SEC intends to address longstanding jurisdictional ambiguities by clarifying the division of responsibilities between itself and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. This shift represents a significant institutional pivot toward integrating compliant onchain markets into the broader financial system. For the RWA market, this formal recognition provides a clearer path for institutional adoption and the scaling of tokenized offerings under established oversight.
Active tokenized RWAs surge almost 600% despite crypto pullback: Binance
The market for active tokenized real-world assets experienced a significant 589% surge between early 2025 and June 2026, according to Binance Research. While bonds and money market funds added $6.5 billion in value, tokenized stocks demonstrated faster growth with a 422% increase in market value. Platforms like Ondo Global Markets played a pivotal role in this momentum, surpassing $1 billion in total value locked within eight months. Tokenized precious metals also saw substantial interest, adding $1.5 billion in value as investors sought safe-haven assets during periods of geopolitical uncertainty. Beyond investment products, institutional adoption is expanding into core financial infrastructure, exemplified by The Clearing House's plans to launch a tokenized deposit network backed by major banks like JPMorgan Chase and Citibank. Furthermore, Kraken’s xStocks platform has facilitated over $25 billion in trading volume for tokenized private equities like SpaceX shares. This maturation signifies a shift from a Treasury-dominated narrative toward a diversified ecosystem that integrates blockchain technology into traditional banking and settlement processes.
JPMorgan Chase Eyes Strategic Deals as Tokenized Fund Initiative Gains Momentum - Mid-Term Outlook
JPMorgan Chase is actively seeking strategic acquisitions and partnerships to accelerate its expansion into the tokenized fund market. By leveraging its existing blockchain infrastructure, such as the Onyx platform and JPM Coin, the bank aims to strengthen its digital asset capabilities and secure an early-mover advantage. This initiative reflects a broader institutional commitment to integrating distributed ledger technology into core financial operations to improve settlement efficiency and broaden investor access. While specific deal terms remain undisclosed, the bank is exploring potential investments in fintech startups and infrastructure providers to bolster its competitive position. This move signals that major financial institutions are preparing for a shift toward digitized asset management, potentially reshaping industry standards for fund administration and secondary trading. The success of these efforts will depend on navigating evolving regulatory frameworks and overcoming technological integration challenges. As competitors like BlackRock and Goldman Sachs also advance their tokenization strategies, JPMorgan's proactive approach underscores the growing importance of blockchain-based financial services in global capital markets.
JPMorgan, Citi And Big Banks Plan New Tokenized Deposit System To Answer Crypto - WSJ
JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and other major financial institutions are reportedly developing a new tokenized deposit system to modernize cross-border payments and settlement processes. This initiative aims to leverage blockchain technology to enable near-instantaneous transfers, directly challenging the efficiency of existing crypto-native solutions. By creating a regulated, bank-issued tokenized deposit framework, these institutions seek to maintain their dominance in global finance while addressing client demand for faster, programmable money. The project represents a significant institutional pivot toward integrating distributed ledger technology into core banking infrastructure. This development matters for the RWA market because it signals a shift toward institutional-grade, on-chain liquidity that could eventually bridge traditional banking deposits with broader tokenized asset ecosystems. As major banks standardize these systems, the interoperability between tokenized deposits and other real-world assets is expected to increase, potentially reducing settlement risks and costs. Ultimately, this move underscores the growing institutional acceptance of blockchain as a foundational layer for the future of global capital markets.
Hong Kong HKMA Forms Tokenized Bond Expert Group to Expand Digital Bond Market
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has officially established a Tokenized Bond Expert Group to accelerate the expansion of the local tokenized bond market. This newly formed body comprises a diverse range of stakeholders, including financial institutions, legal experts, technology vendors, and infrastructure providers. Following an inaugural meeting held in May, the group began evaluating how Hong Kong's current regulatory and legal frameworks can accommodate the issuance and trading of tokenized assets. By gathering industry-wide insights, the HKMA aims to identify necessary policy adjustments and foster innovation within the digital bond ecosystem. This initiative is significant as it signals a proactive, government-led effort to standardize practices and remove regulatory hurdles for institutional adoption. The findings from these discussions will directly inform future legislative reviews conducted by the HKMA and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau. Ultimately, this collaborative approach positions Hong Kong as a key jurisdiction for the global development and integration of tokenized debt instruments.