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Carlos Domingo, chief executive of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization firm Securitize, has predicted that the tokenization of stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) will become the primary catalyst for expanding the RWA market to multi-trillion-dollar levels. Speaking on a panel at ETHConf in New York, Domingo pointed to the global stock and ETF market, valued at approximately $150 trillion, as the foundation for this growth.
From $30 Billion to $5 Trillion
According to Domingo, if just 2% to 3% of that $150 trillion market moves onto blockchain-based platforms, the total addressable market for tokenized real-world assets could approach $5 trillion. Currently, the RWA tokenization sector is estimated at roughly $30 billion, having grown primarily through tokenized U.S. Treasury products over the past two years. Domingo noted that while Treasurys have led the charge, the next phase of expansion will be driven by equity and ETF tokens, which offer broader investor access and greater liquidity.
Why Stock Tokens Matter
Tokenized stocks and ETFs represent a shift from traditional financial infrastructure to decentralized, programmable ledgers. By issuing shares or fund units on-chain, issuers can reduce settlement times, lower administrative costs, and enable fractional ownership. For retail and institutional investors alike, this means the ability to trade traditional securities 24/7 on global exchanges without relying on conventional brokerage hours or intermediaries.
Implications for the Broader Crypto Market
Domingo’s forecast aligns with a growing consensus among industry leaders that tokenization of mainstream financial assets will be a key bridge between traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem. If realized, a $5 trillion RWA market would represent a significant portion of the global capital markets, potentially attracting regulatory attention and requiring new infrastructure for custody, compliance, and cross-chain interoperability. For now, the sector remains in its early stages, but the trajectory suggests accelerating adoption as more issuers explore on-chain offerings.
Conclusion
While tokenized Treasurys have dominated the RWA narrative in recent years, Domingo’s comments highlight a strategic pivot toward equities and ETFs as the next growth engine. The scale of the global stock market means even a modest shift on-chain could produce a market worth trillions. For investors and industry observers, the development signals a maturing of the tokenization space, moving beyond niche products toward mainstream financial integration.
FAQs
Q1: What is real-world asset (RWA) tokenization?
RWA tokenization is the process of representing ownership of traditional assets, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, or commodities, as digital tokens on a blockchain. This allows for fractional ownership, faster settlement, and global trading.
Q2: Why does Carlos Domingo believe stock tokens will drive growth?
Domingo argues that the global stock and ETF market is worth $150 trillion, so even a small percentage moving on-chain could create a $5 trillion market. He sees stock tokens as the next logical step after tokenized Treasurys, offering broader appeal and liquidity.
Q3: How large is the current RWA tokenization market?
According to Domingo, the market is currently valued at approximately $30 billion, with tokenized U.S. Treasurys representing a significant portion of that figure.