Tokenization of RWAs Heats Up with Potential Market Size of Over $30 Trillion

Tokenization is no longer an experiment but a key battleground in global finance. Giants like JP Morgan, BlackRock, and Franklin Templeton are rolling out tokenized funds and governments are testing digital securities.

The potential market size for tokenized assets could exceed $30 trillion by 2030, according to some forecasts. But beneath the excitement is a practical question: which assets will dominate the next era of capital markets?

Four RWA categories are competing: real estate, private credit, commodities, and maritime assets.

Real estate has long been considered ripe for tokenization due to its massive market size. However, it also carries significant operational complexity, including property management, ownership transfers, taxes, and local regulations.

Private credit is emerging as a frontrunner due to its standardized financial structures and digital workflows. Projects like Maple Finance have demonstrated how blockchain can facilitate institutional lending and private credit markets.

Commodities such as gold and oil may seem straightforward to tokenize, but physical delivery, storage, insurance, and custody introduce complexity.

Maritime assets are a new contender, with commercial vessels generating recurring revenue through charter agreements. Ethra Ship is building blockchain infrastructure around operating dry bulk vessels.