CMB International Expands Real-World Asset Strategy Amid Rising Institutional Blockchain Adoption
China Merchants Bank International (CMBI) has taken a major step toward real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, launching its $3.8 billion USD Money Market Fund on BNB Chain. The move highlights growing institutional interest in onchain finance and signals a deepening collaboration between traditional banking and blockchain ecosystems.
The fund’s tokenization was confirmed on Wednesday, with CMB International Asset Management and BNB Chain announcing the integration of the CMB International USD Money Market Fund onto the BNB Layer-1 blockchain. The fund, which was originally launched in early 2024, is part of the CMB International Open-Ended Fund Company—a Hong Kong-registered umbrella fund structure.
According to data from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the fund’s assets under management (AUM) have surged by 24% in just four months, rising from $2.9 billion in April to $3.6 billion by August 2025. The recent tokenized version now represents more than $3.8 billion in holdings, underscoring the rapid institutional appetite for blockchain-based investment vehicles.
BNB Chain described the initiative as a “milestone in RWA adoption,” noting that it introduces two tokens—CMBMINT and CMBIMINT—which allow accredited investors to subscribe or redeem positions using fiat or stablecoins through Singapore-based DigiFT. The tokens will also be integrated into DeFi ecosystems, enabling lending and yield opportunities via OnChain’s RWA infrastructure.
Industry analysts view this as part of a larger strategic pivot by Chinese financial institutions toward global blockchain initiatives, particularly in Hong Kong and Singapore.
“Tokenization is the bridge between traditional capital markets and digital finance,” said Liang Wei, a Hong Kong-based fintech consultant. “With CMBI’s fund now live on BNB Chain, it sets a new precedent for institutional-grade tokenized products in Asia.”
However, the development comes amid reports that mainland regulators have pressured Hong Kong brokerages to pause RWA projects, raising questions about future compliance. Neither the Hong Kong Monetary Authority nor BNB Chain has commented on the regulatory implications as of press time.
The CMBI-BNB partnership marks a key test case for institutional DeFi, potentially paving the way for broader tokenized fund adoption across Asia’s financial hubs.
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