Tokenization has become the fastest-growing sector in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, driven by major financial institutions and blockchain platforms like Ethereum and Solana, according to data from analytics platform Token Terminal. The sector has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with more than 2,100 tokenized assets deployed across over 80 different blockchains as of January 16, 2026.
The value of real-world assets (RWAs) on blockchain networks skyrocketed by 232% in 2025, reaching $18.6 billion, up from $5.6 billion in 2024. This explosive growth is credited to increased institutional adoption and investments, with traditional assets such as bonds, commodities, private credit, and equities undergoing tokenization. Token Terminal notes the sector now has more than 140 issuers and over 12 standardized metrics per asset.
Major financial institutions are leading the charge. Incumbents like BlackRock and J.P. Morgan are launching blockchain-based versions of traditional payments, savings, and investment products. JPMorgan Chase's blockchain platform (formerly Onyx, now Kinexys) has reportedly processed hundreds of billions of dollars in tokenized settlement activity. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has publicly stated the financial system is "at the beginning of the tokenization of all assets."
Ethereum and Solana have become strategic hubs for crypto startups and global financial institutions to launch financial products worldwide. Token Terminal specifically highlighted these platforms as key drivers of sector growth. The Solana ecosystem, in particular, is noted for millions of active on-chain accounts and growing enterprise experimentation.
Global adoption is accelerating across regions. In Asia, UAE-based PRYPCO Mint—the first licensed real estate tokenization platform in the UAE—partnered with the Dubai Land Department and VARA to tokenize ownership certificates. Their first tokenized certificate attracted 224 investors from over 40 nationalities with an average investment of $2,900. PRYPCO also signed an MOU with Georgia's Ministry of Justice to develop real estate tokenization initiatives.
In Europe, SWIFT completed a tokenized assets pilot with BNP Paribas Securities Services, Intesa Sanpaolo, and Société Générale, developing mechanisms for the exchange and settlement of tokenized bonds.
Industry leaders predict continued expansion in 2026. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong stated tokenized assets will redefine global trading by offering fractional stock purchases, 24/7 trading, perpetual futures, real-time settlement, and novel governance innovations. Coinbase is building an all-inclusive exchange platform to include stocks and commodities, positioning itself as a competitor in traditional brokerage. The exchange recently partnered with prediction market Kalshi to advance tokenization in betting markets.
Jesse Knutson, Head of Operations at Bitfinex Securities, noted that emerging markets are expected to drive strong RWA tokenization growth, as tokenization allows retail investors access to otherwise costly investments through fractional ownership.
Boston Consulting Group estimates tokenized assets could represent up to $16 trillion in market value by 2030—roughly 10% of global GDP—highlighting the transformative potential of this structural shift in finance.
