Tokenized assets hit $21B, but are new chains starting to matter?

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-01-23Last updated on 2026-01-23

Abstract

Tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) have reached a total value locked (TVL) of $21 billion, with U.S. Treasury debt making up the largest portion at over $9 billion. Commodities and private credit follow at $3.7 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. While Ethereum remains the dominant platform, hosting nearly $200 billion in tokenized value—primarily in stablecoins—other chains like Arbitrum are gaining attention. Despite Ethereum's early advantages in liquidity and infrastructure, the RWA market is projected to expand significantly, with estimates ranging from $2-4 trillion to as high as $16 trillion by 2030. The question remains whether new chains will challenge Ethereum's leading position in the future.

Tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) have gained great ground, with their total value locked (TVL) now crossing $21 billion. While Ethereum [ETH] hosts the bulk of these assets, relatively smaller networks like Arbitrum [ARB] have attracted eyeballs too.

Beyond niche status

According to the latest data, US Treasury debt dominates the $21 billion tokenized RWAs TVL, accounting for over $9 billion. It’s followed by commodities at around $3.7 billion and private credit at roughly $2.5 billion.

Corporate bonds and institutional funds also made up a growing share, while real estate and private equity were smaller but present.

Beyond current numbers, McKinsey has estimated that tokenized assets could reach $2-4 trillion by 2030. Furthermore, Boston Consulting Group has forecasted a much larger $16 trillion market.

There’s definitely more room for expansion.

Ethereum is the place to be

While the RWA market is still relatively small, most tokenized assets today are on Ethereum. According to Token Terminal, the network hosts close to $200 billion worth of tokenized value across stablecoins, tokenized funds, commodities, and stocks.

As it stands, stablecoins make up the largest share by a wide margin – Far outweighing other categories.

The numbers make Ethereum’s early lead in tokenization infrastructure obvious. Liquidity, a mature ecosystem, and developer support have helped it become the preferred choice for RWAs so far.

But, will this dominance last?

New RWA demand may be forming elsewhere...

Related Questions

QWhat is the current total value locked (TVL) for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs)?

AThe total value locked (TVL) for tokenized real-world assets has crossed $21 billion.

QWhich type of tokenized RWA has the largest market share according to the latest data?

AUS Treasury debt dominates the tokenized RWAs TVL, accounting for over $9 billion.

QWhich blockchain network currently hosts the majority of tokenized assets?

AEthereum hosts the bulk of these assets, with close to $200 billion worth of tokenized value across various categories.

QWhat are the future market size estimates for tokenized assets by 2030 according to the mentioned consulting firms?

AMcKinsey estimated tokenized assets could reach $2-4 trillion by 2030, while Boston Consulting Group forecasted a much larger $16 trillion market.

QWhat factors have contributed to Ethereum becoming the preferred choice for RWAs so far?

ALiquidity, a mature ecosystem, and developer support have helped Ethereum become the preferred choice for RWAs.

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