Tokenization could unlock capital within the global financial system by making collateral more liquid across asset classes, according to Nasdaq (NASDAQ: NQ) CEO Adena Friedman.
The Institutional Push Toward Onchain Settlement
- Tokenization enables traditional financial instruments like Treasurys and equities to trade on blockchain infrastructure, shifting core settlement layers onchain.
- Data from RWA.xyz and OnchainBenchmark shows tokenized real-world asset holders reached 493,000 addresses, while onchain capital inflows surpassed $1.2 billion over a recent 30-day period.
- Regulatory frameworks are adapting to the shift, highlighted by the U.S. Genius Act for stablecoins and the European DLT Pilot Regime for financial instruments.
Tokenizing Collateral at TOKEN2049
Speaking at the TOKEN2049 conference in Singapore, Nasdaq (NASDAQ: NQ) CEO Adena Friedman outlined how digitizing the flow of money alongside assets alters institutional balance sheets. Genius Act as a catalyst for institutional confidence in digital assets. By representing assets as blockchain tokens, financial institutions can eliminate traditional settlement lags that lock up valuable liquidity.
The total market capitalization of stablecoins and tokenized assets combined now exceeds $323 billion, according to OnchainBenchmark data. This capital expansion runs parallel to a 41% growth in tokenized real-world asset holders over a 30-day window, signaling deeper institutional participation.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Onchain Capital Inflow (30 Days) | $1.2 Billion | OnchainBenchmark |
| Tokenized RWA Holders (Excl. Stablecoins) | 493,000 Addresses | RWA.xyz |
| Combined Tokenized Asset & Stablecoin Value | Exceeds $323 Billion | OnchainBenchmark |
Managing Risk and Operational Realities in 24/7 Markets
Moving institutional markets to a continuous 24/7 operating model presents significant structural hurdles. Friedman emphasized that exchange infrastructure is the easiest component to adapt, whereas core risk management and collateral monitoring must function in real time. To manage this operational leap, Nasdaq (NASDAQ: NQ) has deployed artificial intelligence agents designed to issue recommendations and eventually automate risk mitigation tasks.
However, market participants caution that universal round-the-clock trading may not suit every instrument. Friedman observed that not all asset classes possess the underlying liquidity required to sustain continuous trading environments.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
