Tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) is emerging as a significant trend in global finance. The WebX 2025 conference in Tokyo gathered industry leaders to discuss strategies for integrating traditional finance into the era of digital assets.
Shift from Security Tokens to Real Assets
Since 2019, the focus on tokenization has predominantly revolved around security tokens. However, by 2025, the focus has shifted towards tokenizing cash equivalents and unique assets such as tokenized U.S. Treasuries and stablecoins. These instruments offer convenience and utility, providing solutions for payments and risk management.
Building the Ecosystem for Institutional Adoption
The success of tokenization depends not only on assets but also on the ecosystem. Custodians and technology providers are forming a trusted infrastructure to attract institutional investors. A notable example is the Chainlink-SWIFT connector, allowing banks to leverage their existing infrastructure for blockchain technology.
Future of Tokenization: Five Years Ahead
Panelists predicted that in the next five years, tokenization will impact various areas, including creating new markets for illiquid assets and transitioning to privacy-preserving digital IDs. The number of stablecoins is expected to grow to 300-400 before consolidating down to around 20 dominant players.
The approaches discussed at WebX 2025 indicate that the tokenization of real-world assets is transitioning from a hypothetical concept to a tangible reality. Success will hinge on integration with existing systems, clear communication regarding asset nature, and active engagement from corporate teams.
