Digital Assets Policy Roundtable, hosted by the QFC at the 2025 Qatar Economic Forum. With tokenisation moving from speculative possibility to strategic imperative, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has underscored the need for co-ordinated, forward-looking regulatory frameworks and multi-stakeholder co-operation to unlock the full potential of real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation.
In this regard, the QFC came out with a study that has recommended a five-point agenda, including the establishment of structured “tokenisation labs,” as well as ensuring MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) lending, trade finance, and retail investment.
The new report, generated in partnership with Global Stratalogues and the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) was based on the discussions at the inaugural Digital Assets Policy Roundtable, hosted by the QFC at the 2025 Qatar Economic Forum.
“Tokenisation can unlock real value by making assets more accessible and easier to transfer. To realise this potential, we need a clear system that combines robust regulation, secure custody, and practical application. This will create a trusted environment that enables institutional adoption and drives sustainable market growth,” said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer, QFC Authority.
Digital finance is at a crossroads and blockchain technology is maturing, and tokenisation is moving from speculative possibility to strategic imperative, it said, adding Qatar’s approach demonstrates strategic positioning to become a regional hub for digital asset innovation while maintaining regulatory prudence and Islamic finance integration.
Highlighting the need to build regulatory interoperability; the QFC study said tokenisation will not scale in a fragmented regulatory environment.
Jurisdictions should collaborate on mutual recognition agreements, shared definitions, and cross-border sandbox frameworks to ensure seamless asset flows.
On developing tokenisation infrastructure while ensuring market integrity; it said policymakers and market operators must co-develop core infrastructure — custody frameworks, liquidity rails, and token standards — before expanding to more complex use cases.
On the need for institutionalising financial inclusion; it said tokenisation should be embedded into broader economic development strategies.
MSME lending, trade finance, and retail investment access must be prioritised to translate tokenisation into inclusive capital markets.
Suggesting measures to coordinate technology and policy convergence; the report said AI-blockchain convergence presents both opportunity and risk.
“Regulators should not treat these domains in isolation but coordinate standards, particularly on data lineage, verifiability, and compliance,” it added.
About establishing public-private implementation labs; it said the regulators, fintechs, and institutions should co-create implementation pathways through structured “tokenisation labs,” accelerating use case validation in real-world environments.
“Qatar is now well-positioned to lead regional efforts in setting standards for digital asset governance and infrastructure,” it said.
The QFC will continue leveraging its regulatory sandbox and strategic convening power to shape best practices in tokenisation — contributing not only to regional growth, but also to global digital finance architecture.
Stressing that tokenisation must serve a purpose; Henk J Hoogendoorn, chief financial sector officer, QFC, said it should democratise access and create real-world value. Qatar is committed to making tokenisation of real-world assets a success.
The QFC roundtable served as a strategic platform to examine the real-world implications, policy frameworks, and technological foundations necessary to scale RWA tokenisation. Participants called for a paradigm shift-toward infrastructure over hype, compliance over chaos, and inclusion over exclusion.
