TokenizeThis 2026 highlighted a shift toward practical implementation of tokenization, with significant growth in interest from asset managers.
At the TokenizeThis 2026 conference, discussions shifted significantly from the relevance of tokenizing real-world assets to the practicalities of implementation. This change highlights a growing focus on tangible utility rather than hype, as the industry grapples with existing infrastructure challenges that must be addressed to enhance institutional adoption.
During the conference, Bitcoin maintained a value around $60,000, but the focus was on the advancements in tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), which have skyrocketed to over $30 billion, a sixfold increase since early 2025. A keynote speech referenced a survey by EY and Coinbase, revealing that 64% of asset managers are now interested in tokenization, up from 40% the previous year. This marks a pivotal shift in sentiment, largely driven by recent regulatory developments.
The GENIUS Act has provided legitimacy to payment stablecoins, while the CLARITY Act, which is making its way through the Senate, is anticipated to significantly enhance tokenization capabilities across various asset classes. Marcin Kazmierczak, a co-founder of RedStone, noted that CLARITY could represent a substantial leap forward compared to GENIUS.
Tokenization is currently gaining traction primarily through collateral usage. Robert Krugman from Broadridge shared that approximately $370 billion in tokenized repo transactions are processed daily on the Canton network, signaling a noteworthy development within the $12 trillion US repo market. Speakers emphasized that tokenized products need to deliver clear advantages over traditional offerings. For instance, Christine Moy from Apollo highlighted the benefits of their tokenized private credit fund, which has improved liquidity for previously illiquid products and allowed the use of private credit as collateral in decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms.
However, challenges remain, particularly in distribution and compliance. Moy pointed out that the next wave of investors often comes from a background in Bitcoin and digital collectibles, necessitating tailored outreach strategies. Compliance issues were also underscored by Jasmine Jia from Fidelity, who recounted a situation where a client receiving a token via an airdrop triggered compliance alarms, indicating a need for modernized practices.
Fragmentation and interoperability issues were highlighted as significant barriers to progress. Raja Chakravorti from Stellar identified interoperability as a critical long-term solution, as assets confined to specific platforms face mobility challenges. Lauren Berta from Ripple noted that varying definitions of finality across blockchains complicate liquidity, further impeding scalability.
The atmosphere at the conference reflected a realistic acknowledgment of the industry's potential and shortcomings, suggesting that while progress has been made, foundational work is still necessary for future advancements.
In the “Ask an Expert” section, Joshua de Vos from CoinDesk Research discussed the record high in tokenized equity trading volumes, which reached $3.86 billion in June, a 145% increase from May, largely driven by the SpaceX IPO. He stressed the importance of understanding the structure of tokenized products, as they can vary significantly in terms of ownership and rights associated with the tokens.
Despite advancements in the regulatory framework, with the SEC taking steps to clarify tokenization services and definitions, uncertainty persists regarding tokenized equities and the broader adoption of these products among investors.
