The Future of Tokenization in 2025 Exploring Real-World Assets and Onchain Opportunities
- Gastón Garavano

- Oct 17
- 3 min read
The tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) is changing the way we think about ownership and investment. By turning physical assets like real estate, art, and stocks into digital tokens, this innovation is opening up new avenues for investors. As we head into 2025, the developments of 2023 and 2024 suggest that tokenization will continue to expand, driven by increasing yields and evolving regulations.

The Rise of Tokenized US Treasuries
In 2024, the tokenization of US Treasuries saw significant growth. The total onchain value of US Treasuries surged from $760 million to around $2.6 billion by December 1, 2024. This impressive increase is largely due to the introduction of three prominent tokenized treasury funds: USYC by Hashnote, BUIDL by BlackRock, and USDY from Ondo. Together, these funds represent over half of all tokenized US Treasuries, with a combined value reaching approximately $1.5 billion.
Using Ethereum as the platform for these funds showcases the essential role of security and decentralization when dealing with government-backed assets like US Treasuries. While the low fees of blockchain systems are often highlighted, security remains crucial for this sector. For example, the increased demand for tokenized securities is prompting many investors to prioritize stable and secure platforms.
Market Movements and Interest Rates
Despite robust growth, the tokenized US Treasuries market faced a temporary slowdown after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates in September 2024. However, as medium- to long-term yields began to improve, interest in tokenized US Treasuries picked up again. This resilience indicates a market that can adapt to economic changes effectively.
The Federal Reserve's easing cycle may influence the attention on tokenized US Treasuries in 2025. With attractive returns from onchain stablecoin lending, particularly during a bullish market, investors may diversify beyond traditional treasury assets. For example, lending rates for stablecoins hovered above 10% for much of November 2024, nearly doubling the yields of long-term US Treasuries, which were around 5.2% during the same period.
Institutional Adoption and Technological Innovations
Looking ahead to 2025, the tokenization sector is set to mature, especially as major financial institutions get involved. These institutions can refine their approaches to tokenization, developing more sophisticated products that appeal to a broader audience.
Technological advancements will help address the hurdles faced in tokenization, such as regulatory compliance and security. For instance, if platforms can implement cross-chain solutions that ensure interoperability between various blockchain networks, it will enable more seamless transactions and broader acceptance. As these technological challenges are resolved, the process of tokenizing RWAs will become more efficient and accessible across the board.
The Broader Impact of Tokenization
Tokenization is not just a trend in finance. This method of digitizing asset ownership can democratize investment opportunities that were once limited to wealthy individuals or large institutions. By making it easier for average investors to access traditionally illiquid markets like real estate and fine art, tokenization opens the door for more participants.
Furthermore, the transparency and traceability of blockchain technology can boost trust in asset ownership. For instance, in the art market, where provenance and authenticity are essential, a digital token can provide a confirmed history of ownership. This capability significantly reduces the chances of fraud and builds confidence among buyers and sellers alike.
Challenges Ahead
Even with a bright outlook for tokenization in 2025, challenges remain. Regulatory uncertainty continues to be a key hurdle. Governments around the globe are still figuring out how to classify and regulate digital assets. These regulations could significantly influence the speed of tokenization and the variety of assets available for this process.
Additionally, the technology behind tokenization needs to keep advancing. Scalability, security, and ease of use are all factors vital for success. As more players enter the market, the demand for user-friendly solutions will only grow.
Looking Forward
The future of tokenization in 2025 is promising, with advancements expected in the world of real-world assets. As institutions refine their strategies and technological innovations solve existing problems, the sector is ready for growth. The surge in tokenized US Treasuries and the increasing allure of onchain yield opportunities suggest a transformation in how investors perceive traditional assets.
As this landscape continues to shift, the ability of tokenization to democratize investment access and boost transparency in asset ownership remains an important narrative. While challenges do exist, the ongoing progress in the tokenization of RWAs is set to shape the future of finance and investment in the years to come.
2025 Crypto Market Outlook (Coinbase) https://downloads.ctfassets.net/k3n74unfin40/MbMhkP5BJi5zlPmRX8Xi3/4d2a7e5ab92b07f12327d53c9bafc04c/Coinbase_Institutional_Crypto-Market-Outlook_2025_v1.pdf



Comments