Comprehensive Editorial Insight, Crafted by Experts
At the 2026 World Economic Forum held in Davos, the discourse surrounding cryptocurrency shifted from mere price trends and ideological discussions to a more tangible focus: the integration of blockchain technology within the global financial ecosystem.
The Emergence of Tokenized Real-World Assets
Throughout various panels, side discussions, and executive interviews, the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) emerged prominently, marking a significant evolution in the crypto landscape. With tokenized assets now valued at over $22 billion, Davos positioned tokenization not as a mere experiment but as a fundamental component of the existing financial infrastructure.
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This transition was noticeable in the tone and the caliber of the participants. Central bank officials, major asset managers, and executives from tokenization firms took center stage, shifting the focus from the relevance of blockchain in finance to the speed at which it can be expanded.
Tokenization: From Theory to Practice
Panels like “Is Tokenization the Future?” highlighted the increasing on-chain representation of traditionally illiquid assets such as bonds, equities, funds, and real estate. Executives from companies like Coinbase and Ripple, along with European Central Bank representatives, discussed tokenization’s potential to reduce settlement times, enhance liquidity, and enable fractional ownership without overhauling the financial system.
Institutions like BlackRock, BNY Mellon, and Euroclear have moved beyond pilot phases and are actively deploying tokenized instruments at scale. Data presented at the forum revealed that the total value locked in tokenized RWAs has surpassed $22 billion. Ethereum plays a pivotal role, hosting over 65% of these assets and serving as the primary settlement layer for tokenization activities.
Regulation and Stablecoins: Shaping the Future
The panelists repeatedly emphasized regulatory clarity as a crucial driver behind this momentum. In 2025, the US and parts of Europe established comprehensive frameworks that provided banks and custodians with definitive guidelines on issuance, custody, and compliance. At Davos, US President Donald Trump affirmed this trajectory, referencing the GENIUS Act, which introduced a federal framework for payment stablecoins.
Stablecoins were characterized as the essential infrastructure linking traditional finance, decentralized finance, and tokenized assets. Instead of competing with banks, stablecoins are increasingly utilized for settlement, treasury operations, and cross-border transactions.
Implications for Crypto Investors
For investors, the 2026 Davos forum indicated a potential shift in crypto’s growth trajectory from speculative to structural. Consulting firms like McKinsey and Boston Consulting Group project that tokenized assets could grow to between $2 trillion and $16 trillion by 2030. The emphasis on regulated products, institutional involvement, and market infrastructure suggests a pivotal long-term transition.
The rise of tokenization at Davos signifies a defining moment for cryptocurrency’s role in global finance, suggesting that the sector’s future may be shaped more by practical utility than by volatility.
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