Real World Assets Tokenization: Congress Sees It Coming Despite Unclear Rules

The U.S. House Financial Services Committee held a hearing on March 25, 2026. Lawmakers spoke of tokenization becoming real. They linked the idea to real assets and securities. The market value of tokenized real assets reached about $26.58 billion. Global hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, and the European Union build blockchain systems. Rule makers now seek clear rules.

Bipartisan Acknowledgment of Tokenization’s Arrival

During the hearing, lawmakers spoke in simple terms. They said tokenized securities are no longer just a thought. The on-chain market shows growth. Two key actions came next:

• The Senate will review the CLARITY Act in April 2026. This bill will set clear rules for tokenized digital assets.
• A joint agreement by the SEC and CFTC shows that both groups see the need for firm rules.

Views on DeFi and Needed Rules

Industry leaders spoke with plain speech. Summer Mersinger, CEO of the Blockchain Association, said tokens follow old rules. She said current laws should work with blockchain systems. She urged rule makers to use known methods. Her words aimed at striking a balance. Mersinger asked if U.S. markets would meet the tokenized asset demand or let foreign hubs win.

Barriers Slowing Token Growth

Salman Banaei, General Counsel at Kimber Labs, spoke of serious roadblocks:

• The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 stops public blockchain use. This law treats token transfers as bearer bonds. Heavy tax hits follow.
• A 1,250% risk weighting on some blockchain assets makes bank deals costly.
• Liquidity spreads across blockchains lead to uneven prices and slow transfers.
• Stablecoin rules remain unfinished, leading to few safe yield paths.
• Low numbers of yield-bearing tokens make them less attractive to big investors.

These points show why tokenized asset growth remains close to 5-6% each month, not the high rates some predicted.

Legal Gaps for Tokenized Securities

A main problem is the use of old legal tests, like the Howey Test, on new tokens. Some tokens work both as securities and as payment tools. They settle fast and generate returns through DeFi plans. They do not fit old rule boxes. Clear laws are needed to join all parts of securities rules with token functions.

Political and Ethical Hurdles in Law Making

The hearing also showed the tight mix of politics and ideas:

• Some Democrat members warned of risks. They spoke of unknown wallets, foreign control, and weak know-your-customer checks. They also named conflicts from high-profile crypto investors, including members of the Trump family.
• The bill needs support from both parties and 60 Senate votes. This means all concerns must be sorted out for new rules to take shape.

Summary: The Way Ahead for Tokenization

The hearing made it clear: tokenization of real assets is coming. Institutions and market action point to its growth. Yet, tax matters, bank risks, and the match of old and new rules still need answers. The upcoming CLARITY Act seeks to set clear rule lines. This move will help major investors bring tokenized assets into practice. With tokenized markets now small inside the near $100 trillion global bond scene, soon made rule choices will shape U.S. control in turning old assets into digital ones.

Key Topics Covered:

• Real World Assets (RWA) and token market status
• Use of DeFi steps and roadblocks in market systems
• Rules by the SEC, CFTC, and issues in tax law
• Concerns of major investors and political hurdles with the CLARITY Act
• Need for clear law to guide token growth and tie old rules to new tech

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📝 About This Article  

This article was generated by Hivebox AI in collaboration with nGRND.
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