Real-world asset tokenization started as a theory. By early 2026, active markets use digital tokens that stand for parts of physical or financial assets. BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and Circle lead this change. Ethereum and BNB Chain build the system.
Key facts:
• BlackRock launched BUIDL on Ethereum in 2024. The fund grew fast. It reached nearly $2.4 billion in assets within weeks.
• Circle’s USYC product holds short-term US Treasury assets. Its tokens now run close to $3 billion on-chain.
• Tokenized stock grew by about 2,878% in 2025. By January 2026, the market was around $963 million at XStocks and Ondo Global Markets.
• Ethereum now holds about half of all tokenized assets. The value is near $16.6 billion. On BNB Chain, the total value locked doubled to around $4 billion with 14 issuers.
• Unusual items also join the trade. These items include graded Pokémon cards, tokenized uranium, copper, and Nvidia GPUs used in AI data centers.
Why it matters:
Tokenization turns physical ownership into digital records. This work lets investors buy parts of assets by tokens and settle deals without pause. The shift brings more buyers into markets like treasuries, stocks, commodities, and rare collectibles. It builds a bridge between physical goods and blockchain tools, giving new ways to invest and borrow.
Background:
Tokenization here means turning claims on assets into blockchain tokens. The process started with stablecoins in the mid-2010s. Bonds joined soon after with digital shows from banks like the European Investment Bank in 2023. In 2025, the U.S. GENIUS Act set up clear rules for stablecoins. Many blockchains join this field. Ethereum and BNB Chain hold top spots. The mix now spans old finance and new asset types. This spread shows a growing market for digital tokens that stand for real things.
