Real-world asset (RWA) tokenization is poised for significant growth, with assets under management projected to exceed $600 billion by 2030. This prediction comes from recent research by major traditional financial institutions.
“Third Revolution in Asset Management”
On October 29, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) released a report calling RWA tokenization “the third revolution in asset management.” In the report, BCG noted a rising interest among investors in tokenized funds. Furthermore, it suggested that this asset class could represent 1% of the global mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETF) market in the next seven years.
David Chan, managing director and partner at BCG, stated, “We see a pattern of growing investor demand in the tokenized funds space.” Moreover, the research, conducted by BCG, Aptos Labs, and Invesco, estimates that this growth could lead to about $600 billion in assets under management (AUM) by 2030. Cointelegraph previously reported that the RWA sector might grow by as much as 50 times by the same year.
Drivers of Adoption
Chan emphasized that this expected growth will likely stem from the rise of regulated on-chain money. This includes stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Additionally, the bond market may initially lead the way in adopting tokenized real-world assets, as bonds have features that particularly suit blockchain issuance.
Bonds: Ideal for Tokenization
In a separate report from State Street Global Advisors, researchers noted that the bond market is especially ready for tokenization. They identified three key reasons why bonds are well-suited for this process:
- Recurring Costs: Tokenization can significantly lower the costs of issuing bonds.
- Complexity: Smart contracts can simplify the complexities involved in bond transactions.
- Collateral Usage: On-chain transfers can improve collateral management.
Elliot Hentov, head of macro policy research, and macro policy strategist Vladimir Gorshkov pointed out that the bond market’s structure and competitive landscape provide great potential for quick adoption and meaningful change.
Broader Asset Classes
While bonds show a high potential for adoption, the report also mentioned transformative possibilities in private equity funds. However, public equities may have lower adoption potential due to the effectiveness of current systems. In contrast, real estate and individual private equity tokenization face significant hurdles. On the other hand, commodities hold promise for direct ownership but encounter regulatory challenges.
Growing Interest and Research
The Financial Stability Board released a paper indicating that, although RWA tokenization adoption remains low, it is slowly rising. Most current tokenization efforts involve government debt, equity stakes in debt funds, payment tokens, and commodities.
Furthermore, the industry analytics platform rwa.xyz noted a recent increase in RWA research papers from institutions and asset managers. This highlights the growing interest in the field. Notably, they reported that the total value of RWA non-chain assets is now $13.3 billion, reflecting a 60% increase year-to-date.
Conclusion
As RWA tokenization gains traction, it signals a major shift in asset management. This change is driven by technological advancements and evolving investor preferences. Ultimately, with significant growth on the horizon, market participants are closely watching developments in this emerging sector.
I am Toby Rothschild, Co-Founder of Spearmint and author at Coinography, and a strategist focused on advancing Web3 innovation, digital ecosystems, and the future of decentralized technology. I combine product thinking, creative leadership, and deep interest in emerging trends to help shape how individuals and organizations interact with the next generation of digital systems.
My work centers on understanding how blockchain, AI, and digital identity are reshaping global industries. At Spearmint, I help lead the direction of initiatives that bring clarity, structure, and meaningful user experiences to complex technological environments. I focus on bridging vision with execution, ensuring that innovation remains practical, scalable, and aligned with long-term growth.
As an author at Coinography, I create insights that translate fast-moving Web3 developments into clear, useful narratives. I explore topics such as decentralized governance, digital identity, creator economies, token models, protocol design, and the shifting cultural patterns around emerging technology. My aim is to make digital transformation more understandable and approachable for a wider audience.
I believe that Web3 is not only a technological shift but a cultural and creative one. Strong ideas, thoughtful communication, and human-centered design will shape which technologies thrive and how communities evolve around them. My writing and research reflect this belief, focusing on clarity, relevance, and long-term perspective.
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