Real-World Assets (RWAs) are traditional financial assets — such as stocks, bonds, or ETFs — that are digitized and issued on a blockchain. This process, called tokenization, converts an asset into a digital token that represents ownership of the real thing. For example, a tokenized Apple share is pegged 1:1 to an actual Apple stock.
This innovation brings transparency, speed, and accessibility to stock trading. Investors can now buy, sell, or hold assets 24/5 on blockchain platforms without needing a traditional broker. Tokenized stocks remove geographical barriers, allowing anyone to invest in global equities anytime, anywhere.
2025 marked a turning point for tokenized securities. Major platforms like Robinhood, Kraken, and Bybit launched tokenized stock trading — proving that the RWA concept has moved from theory to practical market infrastructure. Today, tokenized Apple shares can even be used on DeFi platforms like Solana as collateral, while exposure to pre-IPO shares (e.g., SpaceX, OpenAI) is now possible through tokenization.
According to industry reports, trading volumes on tokenized stock platforms have surpassed $3.5 billion, with analysts predicting that tokenized assets could reach trillions in market cap within a few years.
Tokenizing real-world assets comes with several major benefits for investors:
Tokenization enables fractional ownership, allowing investors to buy smaller portions of high-value assets like real estate or blue-chip stocks. This not only democratizes access but also increases liquidity, as tokenized assets can be traded more easily on exchanges.
Tokenized assets can trade 24/5 — and in some cases, 24/7 — enabling investors worldwide to access markets beyond standard trading hours. This creates a level playing field for participants across different time zones.
Blockchain records every transaction on an immutable ledger, ensuring complete traceability of ownership and transfers. This transparency builds trust and drastically reduces the risk of fraud or manipulation.
Smart contracts automate settlements and corporate actions, eliminating intermediaries like brokers or clearing houses. Transactions that used to take days now finalize within minutes, saving both time and money.
Tokenized stocks merge the reliability of traditional equities with the innovation of blockchain. This convergence brings a set of groundbreaking features:
Unlike traditional markets that close daily, tokenized stocks can trade almost nonstop. Exchanges like Kraken and Bybit already offer 24/5 trading, with some DeFi integrations extending to full 24/7 access.
With tokenized stocks, investors no longer need to reside in the U.S. or use a specific brokerage. Anyone with an internet connection can access U.S. equities via crypto exchanges — democratizing financial inclusion worldwide.
Stock tokens can be withdrawn to DeFi ecosystems like Solana or Ethereum. Investors can use these tokens as collateral, stake them for yield, or trade them on decentralized exchanges — bridging traditional finance with decentralized finance.
Some platforms allow investors to swap between crypto and stock tokens seamlessly within one wallet. This flexibility enables effortless portfolio rebalancing between asset classes without traditional barriers.
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Kraken’s regulatory focus and DeFi compatibility make it a trusted choice for investors seeking legitimacy and flexibility.
Bybit launched tokenized stock trading in 2025, offering 60+ U.S. equities and ETFs.
Bybit’s integration of CeFi and DeFi functionality offers unparalleled flexibility for traders.
Gate.io takes a regulatory-first approach to RWAs, focusing on security and long-term infrastructure.
Gate.io’s compliance-driven model ensures investor protection while fostering innovation in tokenized finance.
Real-world assets are rapidly reshaping the global financial landscape. Tokenized stocks stand at the forefront of this transformation — merging traditional finance with blockchain to create an open, efficient, and borderless market.
