Developing nations are expected to outpace advanced economies in adopting blockchain-based asset tokenization as capital access and digital infrastructure evolve.
Emerging market economies are positioned to become the primary drivers of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization in 2026, as blockchain technology addresses long-standing inefficiencies in capital formation. These regions often face structural barriers to foreign investment, limited access to traditional financing, and slower settlement systems, making tokenization an attractive alternative.
By converting physical and financial assets into onchain representations, tokenization enables direct capital formation without reliance on legacy financial intermediaries. This allows businesses and governments in developing economies to tap into global liquidity pools more efficiently.
Unlike developed markets constrained by entrenched financial infrastructure, emerging economies tend to leapfrog outdated systems, adopting digital payment rails, stablecoin settlements, and blockchain platforms at a faster pace. This trend has already been observed in mobile banking and digital payments, and tokenized assets are expected to follow a similar path.
Tokenization also introduces fractional ownership, allowing investors to gain exposure to assets that were previously inaccessible due to high capital requirements. This democratization of investment is particularly impactful in regions where retail participation has historically been limited.
Asset Classes Driving Demand
In developed economies, tokenization has largely focused on fixed-income instruments such as government bonds and money market funds. In contrast, emerging markets are prioritizing real estate and commodities, asset classes that play a central role in their local economies and development strategies.
Over the next decade, the total value of tokenized real-world assets is projected to reach several trillion dollars, provided issuers move beyond pilot programs to full-scale commercial offerings.
Despite strong growth prospects, hurdles remain. Key issues include legal enforceability of onchain contracts, liquidity depth, investor protection frameworks, and interoperability standards across blockchain networks. Addressing these challenges will be critical to unlocking the full potential of RWA tokenization worldwide.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.