SEC Opens Doors to On-Chain Securities as RWA Adoption Accelerates Across DeFi and TradFi

This week in tokenization, traditional finance and blockchain took bold steps toward convergence. The U.S. SEC proposed a new exemption to facilitate the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) in securities trading—signaling growing regulatory openness to on-chain asset management. At the same time, ArbitrumDAO allocated $11.6 million in ARB to tokenized U.S. Treasuries via Franklin Templeton, WisdomTree, and Spiko, further cementing DeFi’s interest in real-world asset (RWA) exposure. BlackRock also met with the SEC to advocate for clearer guidelines on tokenization and staking, while Ethereum and Solana rallied amid rising investor confidence in tokenized markets. With large institutions, regulators, and DeFi all leaning into RWA, the path to mainstream adoption looks clearer than ever.

Tokenized Real-World Assets Reach $22.1B

The market for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) has surged to a record $22.1 billion, marking a 10.5% increase over the past month. This growth is primarily driven by private credit and U.S. Treasury debt, which together account for nearly 90% of the total tokenized value. Notably, institutional adoption is accelerating, with BlackRock, Libre, and Dubai-based MultiBank Group announcing significant RWA initiatives. The number of RWA holders has surpassed 100,000, reflecting growing confidence in blockchain-based asset tokenization. Mitrade

SEC Proposes Exemption to Advance Tokenized Securities

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has announced a potential exemptive order to facilitate the issuance, trading, and settlement of securities using distributed ledger technology (DLT). This initiative aims to lower entry barriers for firms exploring tokenization by relaxing certain registration requirements, such as those for broker-dealers and clearing agencies. The proposal draws inspiration from international regulatory sandboxes, including the UK's Digital Securities Sandbox and the EU's DLT Pilot Regime, and suggests implementing scalable volume limits based on a firm's experience. This move signals the SEC's intent to modernize its regulatory framework to accommodate emerging blockchain technologies in the securities market. @ledgerinsights

BlackRock Engages SEC on Crypto Staking and Tokenization

On May 9, 2025, BlackRock met with the SEC’s Crypto Task Force to discuss regulatory considerations for crypto staking, tokenization of traditional assets, and approval standards for crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs). The firm reviewed its digital asset offerings, including the iShares Bitcoin Trust and the proposed iShares Ethereum Trust, seeking clarity on integrating staking features into ETPs. Additionally, BlackRock advocated for the tokenization of traditional securities like stocks and bonds, emphasizing the need for clear regulatory frameworks to support innovation in digital finance. The meeting reflects BlackRock’s commitment to expanding its presence in the crypto market and the SEC’s ongoing efforts to engage with industry leaders on emerging financial technologies. thedailyhodl

AI and RWA Tokens Surge Past $65 Billion Market Cap

The fusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization has propelled a new wave in the cryptocurrency market, collectively surpassing a $65 billion market capitalization. Leading this surge is the $MIND project, an AI-driven token that integrates meme culture with advanced machine learning capabilities. Currently in its presale phase, $MIND has raised over $8.8 million and offers a staking annual yield of up to 256%. Additionally, projects like $ONDO are bridging traditional finance with decentralized finance by tokenizing real estate assets, exemplifying the growing trend of RWA tokenization. These developments signify a significant shift towards the mainstream adoption of blockchain technology in both AI and traditional asset sectors. 99Bitcoins

ArbitrumDAO Advances RWA Tokenization with STEP 2 Partners

ArbitrumDAO has selected Franklin Templeton, Spiko, and WisdomTree as partners for the second phase of its Stable Treasury Endowment Program (STEP 2), allocating 35 million ARB (~$11.6 million) to their tokenized U.S. Treasury offerings. The allocations are as follows: 35% to Franklin Templeton’s FOBXX (tokenized as BENJI), 35% to Spiko’s USTBL, and 30% to WisdomTree’s WTGXX. This strategic move aims to diversify ArbitrumDAO's treasury into real-world assets (RWAs), enhancing its financial stability and bridging traditional finance with decentralized finance. The STEP 2 initiative follows a competitive process that reviewed over 50 applicants, underscoring ArbitrumDAO's commitment to integrating institutional-grade assets into its ecosystem. crypto.news

SEC Hosts Roundtable on Tokenization: Bridging Traditional and Decentralized Finance

On May 12, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Crypto Task Force convened a roundtable titled "Tokenization: Moving Assets Onchain—Where TradFi and DeFi Meet." The event brought together leaders from major financial institutions, including BlackRock, Fidelity, Nasdaq, and Franklin Templeton, alongside blockchain innovators such as Superstate and the Tokenized Asset Coalition. Discussions centered on the transformative potential of tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs) and the regulatory frameworks needed to support this evolution. The roundtable highlighted the SEC's commitment to engaging with industry stakeholders to navigate the convergence of traditional finance and decentralized technologies. https://www.sec.gov/

Dubai's 'Prosperity With A Purpose' Project Tokenizes Olive Trees

Global Olive Corporation has launched the 'Prosperity With A Purpose' initiative in Dubai, aiming to tokenize ownership of 100 million olive trees worldwide. Through blockchain technology, investors can acquire digital tokens representing stakes in real olive trees, linking them to tangible, productive assets. This innovative approach combines sustainable agriculture with decentralized finance, offering a unique investment avenue that promotes environmental stewardship. By integrating blockchain with agriculture, the project seeks to enhance transparency and traceability in the olive oil supply chain. This initiative aligns with Dubai's broader efforts to position itself as a leader in blockchain innovation and sustainable development. https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/

European Startups Embrace Tokenization as Alternative Funding Route

European founders are increasingly turning to tokenization to bypass traditional venture capital and private equity channels. By converting real-world assets—such as equity, real estate, or commodities—into blockchain-based tokens, startups can access more flexible and efficient funding mechanisms. Platforms like Stobox have facilitated this shift, having tokenized over $500 million in assets across various sectors, including finance, mining, energy, and real estate.This trend reflects a growing appetite for decentralized finance solutions that offer broader investor participation and streamlined asset management. Tech.eu

RWA Gulf Summit Positions Dubai as a Global Tokenization Hub

The inaugural RWA Gulf Summit convened at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) during TOKEN2049 week, drawing over 50,000 livestream viewers and uniting major Middle Eastern banks, asset managers, and digital asset firms. Co-hosted by QNB Singapore, DMZ Finance, and Commercial Bank International, the summit highlighted initiatives like the QCD Tokenized Money Market Fund, aiming to bring U.S. Treasuries on-chain. Attendees, including representatives from Emirates NBD, OKX, and Chainlink, discussed regulatory frameworks and real-world applications of tokenized assets. The event underscored Dubai's growing role in bridging traditional finance with decentralized technologies. TechBullion

Tokenization Momentum Fuels Ethereum and Solana Rally

Ethereum and Solana are experiencing significant price increases, driven by the growing adoption of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. Ethereum (ETH) has surpassed $2,100, while Solana (SOL) is trading above $150, reflecting heightened investor interest in blockchain-based financial instruments. This surge is supported by initiatives like Robinhood's plans to tokenize U.S. equities and the launch of Superstate's 'Opening Bell' platform. Industry experts, including Bitwise CIO Matthew Hougan, suggest that the rapid onboarding of tokenized securities indicates a bullish outlook for these platforms. The convergence of traditional finance and decentralized technologies is positioning Ethereum and Solana as key players in the evolving digital asset landscape. 99Bitcoins

Superstate Launches 'Opening Bell' Platform for Tokenized Equities

Superstate, the asset management firm behind the $650 million USTB token, has introduced 'Opening Bell,' a blockchain-based marketplace enabling the tokenization and trading of SEC-registered public equities. Initially launching on the Solana blockchain, the platform facilitates real-time, 24/7 trading of tokenized shares, aiming to enhance liquidity and efficiency in the equity markets. Unlike traditional exchanges, 'Opening Bell' allows for programmable securities and instantaneous settlement. Canadian investment firm SOL Strategies plans to be the first to list its shares on the platform, pending regulatory approval. This initiative aligns with the growing trend of real-world asset tokenization, projected to become a multitrillion-dollar market by the end of the decade. CoinDesk

Robinhood Eyes European Market with Tokenized U.S. Securities

Robinhood is reportedly developing a blockchain-based platform to offer European investors access to tokenized U.S. securities. The trading app is considering blockchain networks like Solana and Arbitrum for this initiative, aiming to provide 24/7 trading, faster settlements, and lower costs. This move follows Robinhood's acquisition of a brokerage license in Lithuania, enabling it to offer investment services across the European Union. By leveraging blockchain technology, Robinhood seeks to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets, making U.S. equities more accessible to European investors. The project aligns with the growing trend of real-world asset tokenization, positioning Robinhood alongside major financial institutions exploring blockchain solutions. 99Bitcoins

OKX MENA CEO Urges Focus on Utility Amid RWA Tokenization Surge

At TOKEN2049 Dubai, OKX MENA CEO Rifad Mahasneh emphasized the need for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization projects to prioritize tangible utility over hype. While acknowledging the sector's rapid growth in the UAE, particularly in real estate, Mahasneh cautioned against tokenizing assets without clear everyday value. He highlighted the importance of demonstrating genuine benefits to ensure sustainable adoption. The UAE's proactive regulatory environment, including its stablecoin framework, has attracted significant institutional interest, facilitating major RWA initiatives like MultiBank Group's $3 billion deal with MAG and Mavryk. Mahasneh believes that regulatory clarity and a focus on practical applications will be key drivers in the evolution of the RWA tokenization landscape. Cointelegraph

Citi and SDX Partner to Tokenize Late-Stage Private Shares

Citi has partnered with Switzerland's SIX Digital Exchange (SDX) to launch a blockchain-based platform aimed at tokenizing late-stage, pre-IPO private equities. Set to debut in Q3 2025, the platform will utilize SDX's blockchain-based Central Securities Depositary (CSD) infrastructure to tokenize, settle, and safekeep assets, providing institutional and eligible investors with global access to high-growth, venture-backed companies. This initiative offers issuers a compliant and scalable framework to manage liquidity, particularly for early investors and employees, while maintaining cap table control. Citi will serve as the digital custodian and tokenization agent, delivering end-to-end servicing for these tokenized assets. This collaboration underscores the growing momentum in real-world asset tokenization, with major financial institutions increasingly embracing blockchain solutions to enhance efficiency and transparency in private markets. Cointelegraph

Aave Labs and Ant Digital Collaborate to Launch RWA Market on Ethereum

Aave Labs has partnered with Ant Digital Technologies to develop a custom real-world asset (RWA) market on Ethereum through its institutional-grade DeFi platform, Horizon. Announced on May 9, the initiative will enable qualified users to borrow stablecoins using tokenized RWAs—such as money market funds—as collateral. This collaboration aims to bridge decentralized finance with institutional adoption by providing a compliant and scalable framework for integrating traditional assets into the blockchain ecosystem. The partnership reflects the growing momentum in RWA tokenization, positioning Ethereum as a leading platform for merging traditional finance with DeFi. crypto.news

About Zoniqx

Institutional-Grade, Secure, and Future-Ready AI-Powered Multi-Chain Technology for Real-World Asset Tokenization

Zoniqx ("Zoh-nicks") is a global fintech leader headquartered in Silicon Valley, specializing in converting real-world assets into Security Tokens. Zoniqx leverages cutting-edge AI-driven multi-chain technology to enable seamless, secure, and regulatory-compliant RWA tokenization. Their platform integrates advanced compliance frameworks, supporting multiple regulatory structures and diverse asset classes.

With AI-powered automation, Zoniqx facilitates global liquidity and seamless DeFi² integration, enhancing accessibility and efficiency. Their interoperable architecture ensures smooth integration across multiple blockchains, while their robust suite of SDKs and APIs empowers developers with powerful tools for innovation. Zoniqx pioneers on-chain, fully automated RWA deployment on public, private, and hybrid chains.

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