Real-world asset tokenization moved from theory and small tests to active markets. Investors buy and trade tokens that stand for real items. Daniel Phillips wrote an analysis on CoinMarketCap in 2026 that shows this change.
Key facts:
• Tokenization turns ownership claims on items like bonds, stocks, funds, or commodities into blockchain tokens. These tokens bring partial ownership and quick settlement.
• BlackRock started a fund with its BUIDL token on Ethereum in March 2024. The fund grew to be the largest in just a few weeks.
• Tokenized Treasuries and money market funds lead the numbers. Circle’s USYC holds nearly $3 billion in US Treasuries. BlackRock’s BUIDL holds $2.4 billion. Franklin Templeton’s BENJI manages $821 million.
• Tokenized equities grew much. They reached about $963 million by January 2026. Backed Finance’s XStocks attracted the most holders while Ondo Global Markets held the highest share of value.
• Ethereum keeps the top spot with 50% share and $16.6 billion in tokens. BNB Chain’s total value locked doubled to around $4 billion.
• New assets have joined. Graded Pokémon cards, tokenized uranium and copper, and Nvidia GPUs used as loan collateral are on-chain now.
Why it matters:
This growth turns real items into digital tokens. It gives more people a chance to own a part. The process works with decentralized finance systems. The shift may cut barriers and improve speed in trading.
Background:
Tokenization grew first with stablecoins in the mid-2010s. Later, institutions like the European Investment Bank issued on-chain bonds in 2023. Soon, Hong Kong issued green bonds as tokens. A new US law in 2025 provided clear rules for wider use. Firms such as BlackRock, Circle, Franklin Templeton, Kraken’s Backed Finance, and the Hyperliquid protocol drive change on chains like Ethereum and BNB Chain.
As tokenization grows beyond common assets, new types appear. Any asset with value and demand can join the digital world. This work shifts how fast and easy it is to own and trade assets in 2026.
