Tokenization Could Become a $10 Trillion Market, Mirroring ETFs’ Structural Revolution
Updated
Updated · CoinDesk · Jun 4
Tokenization Could Become a $10 Trillion Market, Mirroring ETFs’ Structural Revolution
2 articles · Updated · CoinDesk · Jun 4
Summary
$10 trillion is the benchmark Lie points to, arguing tokenization is following the same path that turned ETFs from a simple wrapper into a market-structure overhaul.
Creation-and-redemption mechanics are central to that case: tokenized assets can be minted or burned against underlying holdings, with arbitrageurs closing premiums or discounts just as they do in ETFs.
24/7 trading is the next step, he says, because tokenized stocks or funds can keep pricing when cash markets are shut, using futures, FX and related instruments to estimate fair value.
Weekend trading in a tokenized Apple share could therefore act as a leading indicator for Monday’s open, though off-hours liquidity would likely come with wider spreads until participation deepens.
Lie argues the real test is not blockchain novelty but whether tokenization improves efficiency, access and resilience enough to become the logical continuation of the ETF model.
As giants like BlackRock enter, what is the key barrier preventing the complete tokenization of global assets?
Will tokenization truly democratize finance or just create a faster, more complex version of Wall Street?
Tokenization’s $9 Trillion Revolution: How Blockchain is Reshaping Capital Markets by 2030
Overview
Tokenization is quickly transforming capital markets, much like ETFs did in the 1990s. The market for real-world asset tokenization is already substantial and is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years. This growth is driven by higher adoption rates, which are supported by increasing regulatory clarity, better blockchain technology, and more user-friendly infrastructure. The evolving regulatory environment, including new laws like the U.S. GENIUS Act, plays a critical role in this expansion. Together, these factors are making tokenization more accessible and attractive for both institutions and individual investors.