RWAs become DeFi’s fifth-largest sector – Assessing the $17B rise

ambcryptoОпубликовано 2025-12-30Обновлено 2025-12-30

Введение

RWA (Real-World Assets) tokenization has become DeFi's fifth-largest sector by total value locked (TVL), surging to over $17 billion after starting the year outside the top ten. The market is increasingly dominated by a few major protocols, including Tether Gold, Securitize, Paxos Gold, Circle’s USYC, and Ondo, while Ethereum hosts more than $12 billion of RWA value, reasserting its dominance after briefly losing share to newer chains. According to CoinGecko, RWAs were the top-performing crypto narrative of 2025, delivering 185.8% year-to-date returns—far outpacing other sectors. Key performers included Keeta Network, Zebec, and Maple Finance. Gold-backed tokens like Tether Gold ($2.29B) and Paxos Gold ($1.6B) lead the sector, valued for their redeemability, attestations, custody, and liquidity. Tokenized equities have also scaled rapidly, reaching a new all-time high market cap of over $1.2 billion.

Having started the year outside the top ten, real-world assets (RWAs) are at the center of DeFi now! Here’s the rundown.

Not a niche anymore

RWAs have overtaken DEXs to become the fifth-largest category by TVL, holding over $17 billion.

Source: DeFiLlama

But where is this growth coming from?

Source: DeFiLlama

The RWA market is increasingly dominated by a small group of protocols. Tether Gold, Securitize, Paxos Gold, Circle’s USYC, and Ondo collectively account for the majority. Smaller players make up a shrinking share.

Since early 2025, their combined dominance has steadily increased.

One chain dominates it all: Ethereum [ETH].

Over $12 billion of RWA value now sits on the Ethereum Mainnet. That’s more than half of the entire market. After briefly losing share to newer chains, Ethereum is regaining dominance again.

Source: rwa.xyz

The change is showing up in the returns

RWAs are the most profitable crypto narrative of 2025, per CoinGecko. They’ve delivered 185.8% YTD, far ahead of every other sector.

Source: CoinGecko

Only Layer 1s (80.3%) and “Made in USA” tokens (30.6%) managed to stay green, while DeFi, DEXs, AI, and gaming all posted losses.

A closer look will tell you that RWA’s performance was helped by outsized winners like Keeta Network (+1,794.9%), Zebec (+217.3%), and Maple Finance (+123%).

That said, returns are far lower than 2024’s explosive 819% run. The bracket is maturing, perhaps.

Here’s more…

Tokenization is creating balance-sheet grade commodities.

Source: DeFiLlama

Gold-backed tokens dominate, with Tether Gold ($2.29B) and Paxos Gold ($1.6B) leading by a wide margin. These assets check all the boxes institutions care about, which are redeemability, attestations, custody, and liquidity.

Source: Token Terminal

At the same time, tokenized equities are scaling fast too. Market cap has surged past $1.2 billion, hitting an ATH.

Final Thoughts

  • RWAs have surged to over $17B in TVL and now rank as DeFi’s fifth-largest sector.
  • Ethereum hosts $12B+ in RWAs and tokenized stocks have hit a $1.2B ATH.
Next: Why is NIGHT’s price up today? $0.13 move possible, but only IF…
Share
  • Share
  • Tweet

Связанные с этим вопросы

QWhat is the current ranking of Real-World Assets (RWAs) in the DeFi sector by Total Value Locked (TVL)?

ARWAs have become the fifth-largest category in DeFi by TVL, having overtaken DEXs.

QHow much has the RWA sector grown in TVL, according to the article?

AThe RWA sector now holds over $17 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL).

QWhich blockchain dominates the RWA market, and what is the value of RWAs on it?

AEthereum dominates the RWA market, with over $12 billion of RWA value sitting on the Ethereum Mainnet.

QWhat was the Year-to-Date (YTD) return for the RWA sector in 2025, as per CoinGecko?

AAccording to CoinGecko, RWAs delivered a 185.8% Year-to-Date (YTD) return in 2025, making it the most profitable crypto narrative of the year.

QWhich specific gold-backed tokens are mentioned as the leaders in the RWA market?

ATether Gold ($2.29B) and Paxos Gold ($1.6B) are the leading gold-backed tokens, dominating the market by a wide margin.

Похожее

Will the Fed Still Cut Interest Rates? Tonight's Data Is Crucial

The core debate surrounding the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cuts is intensifying amid geopolitical conflict and rebounding inflation. The key question is whether high energy prices will cause persistent inflation or weaken consumer demand enough to force the Fed to cut rates. Citigroup presents a bullish case for cuts, arguing that oil supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz are temporary and will not lead to lasting inflationary pressure. They point to receding bond yields and oil prices as evidence the market is pricing in a short-lived shock. Citi's data also shows tightening financial conditions, a stabilizing labor market, and healthy tax returns, supporting their view that the path to lower rates remains open. Conversely, Deutsche Bank offers a starkly contrasting, more hawkish outlook. They argue the Fed's current policy is already neutral and expect rates to remain unchanged indefinitely. Their view is based on stalled disinflation progress and a shift toward more hawkish rhetoric from key Fed officials like Waller, who cited risks from prolonged Middle East conflict and tariffs. Other officials, including Williams and Hammack, signaled rates would likely stay on hold for a "considerable time." The market pricing has shifted dramatically, now forecasting zero cuts in 2026. The imminent release of the March retail sales "control group" data is highlighted as a critical test. This metric, which excludes gas station sales, will reveal if high gasoline prices are eroding consumer spending in other areas. A weak reading could support the case for imminent rate cuts, while a strong one would bolster the argument for the Fed to hold steady. This data is pivotal for determining the near-term policy path.

marsbit2 мин. назад

Will the Fed Still Cut Interest Rates? Tonight's Data Is Crucial

marsbit2 мин. назад

The Second Half of Macro Influencer Fu Peng's Career

Fu Peng, a prominent Chinese macroeconomist and former chief economist of Northeast Securities, has joined Hong Kong-based digital asset management firm Bitfire Group (formerly New Huo Group) as its chief economist. This move, announced in April 2026, triggered an 11% surge in Bitfire's stock price. Fu, known for his accessible macroeconomic commentary and large social media following, will focus on integrating digital assets into global asset allocation frameworks, particularly combining FICC (fixed income, currencies, and commodities) with cryptocurrencies for institutional clients. His career includes roles at Lehman Brothers and Solomon International, with significant influence gained through public communication. However, in late 2024, Fu faced temporary social media bans after a controversial private speech at HSBC on China's economic challenges, though he denied regulatory sanctions. He later left Northeast Securities citing health reasons. Bitfire, a licensed virtual asset manager serving high-net-worth clients, seeks to build trust and attract traditional capital through Fu’s expertise and credibility. The partnership represents a strategic shift for both: Fu enters the crypto sector after a traditional finance peak, while Bitfire aims to leverage his macro framework for institutional adoption. Outcomes remain uncertain regarding capital inflows and compatibility within corporate structure.

marsbit1 ч. назад

The Second Half of Macro Influencer Fu Peng's Career

marsbit1 ч. назад

Stablecoins Don’t Meet Core Requirements Of Money, BIS Says

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) General Manager, Pablo Hernández de Cos, stated that existing stablecoins fail to meet the core requirements of money, specifically "singleness" and "interoperability." Singleness refers to the need for different forms of money to be interchangeable at par value, which is ensured by central banks in traditional finance but not in decentralized stablecoins. Interoperability means seamless cross-platform transactions, which stablecoins currently lack due to fragmentation across multiple blockchains. These shortcomings limit stablecoins' network effects and widespread acceptance, keeping them a "niche" payment instrument. However, de Cos acknowledged their potential to improve cross-border payments, though he also warned of risks to financial stability and monetary policy. Despite a bearish crypto market, the stablecoin market cap has reached a new all-time high of over $320 billion.

bitcoinist1 ч. назад

Stablecoins Don’t Meet Core Requirements Of Money, BIS Says

bitcoinist1 ч. назад

What Does the Outcome of the Midterm Elections Mean for Trump and Crypto?

The article analyzes the potential impact of the upcoming US midterm elections on Trump and cryptocurrency policy. Historically, the president's party loses congressional seats in 90% of midterms since 1946, making a Republican loss in the House highly probable. Current predictions suggest Democrats may take the House while Republicans retain the Senate, resulting in a divided government. Despite potential losses, Trump could still advance crypto-friendly policies through executive orders, agency appointments (if the Senate is held), budget reconciliation, and veto power. However, major structural bills like the CLARITY Act or a comprehensive stablecoin law would likely stall without a Republican majority in both chambers. The crypto industry has invested heavily ($288 million) in the elections to push for favorable legislation before the midterm window closes in mid-2026. While Trump remains the most crypto-friendly US president to date, advancing key reforms may be delayed until after 2028 if the legislative window is missed. The overall pro-crypto shift in US politics is seen as irreversible, even if progress slows temporarily.

marsbit2 ч. назад

What Does the Outcome of the Midterm Elections Mean for Trump and Crypto?

marsbit2 ч. назад

Cardano Leadership Structure Comes Under Scrutiny, Clouding Its Future – See Why

Cardano is recognized as one of the most decentralized blockchains, yet recent criticism highlights its lack of clear leadership. Analyst Cardano Yoda argues that despite the introduction of on-chain governance—which involves DReps (governance decision-makers) and Pentad (leadership and execution)—the network remains centralized in practice. While DReps control treasury spending, they lack coordination and strategic direction, relying instead on founding entities like IOG, the Cardano Foundation, and EMURGO. This creates fragmented leadership and accountability issues. Yoda suggests that DReps should evolve into a more coordinated body, possibly through a board or DAOs, to define strategy and improve governance effectiveness. Enhanced cooperation between DReps, founding entities, and Intersect is essential for Cardano’s future leadership clarity and operational unity.

bitcoinist4 ч. назад

Cardano Leadership Structure Comes Under Scrutiny, Clouding Its Future – See Why

bitcoinist4 ч. назад

Торговля

Спот
Фьючерсы

Популярные статьи

Как купить S

Добро пожаловать на HTX.com! Мы сделали приобретение Sonic (S) простым и удобным. Следуйте нашему пошаговому руководству и отправляйтесь в свое крипто-путешествие.Шаг 1: Создайте аккаунт на HTXИспользуйте свой адрес электронной почты или номер телефона, чтобы зарегистрироваться и бесплатно создать аккаунт на HTX. Пройдите удобную регистрацию и откройте для себя весь функционал.Создать аккаунтШаг 2: Перейдите в Купить криптовалюту и выберите свой способ оплатыКредитная/Дебетовая Карта: Используйте свою карту Visa или Mastercard для мгновенной покупки Sonic (S).Баланс: Используйте средства с баланса вашего аккаунта HTX для простой торговли.Третьи Лица: Мы добавили популярные способы оплаты, такие как Google Pay и Apple Pay, для повышения удобства.P2P: Торгуйте напрямую с другими пользователями на HTX.Внебиржевая Торговля (OTC): Мы предлагаем индивидуальные услуги и конкурентоспособные обменные курсы для трейдеров.Шаг 3: Хранение Sonic (S)После приобретения вами Sonic (S) храните их в своем аккаунте на HTX. В качестве альтернативы вы можете отправить их куда-либо с помощью перевода в блокчейне или использовать для торговли с другими криптовалютами.Шаг 4: Торговля Sonic (S)С легкостью торгуйте Sonic (S) на спотовом рынке HTX. Просто зайдите в свой аккаунт, выберите торговую пару, совершайте сделки и следите за ними в режиме реального времени. Мы предлагаем удобный интерфейс как для начинающих, так и для опытных трейдеров.

1.1k просмотров всегоОпубликовано 2025.01.15Обновлено 2025.03.21

Как купить S

Sonic: Обновления под руководством Андре Кронье – новая звезда Layer-1 на фоне спада рынка

Он решает проблемы масштабируемости, совместимости между блокчейнами и стимулов для разработчиков с помощью технологических инноваций.

2.2k просмотров всегоОпубликовано 2025.04.09Обновлено 2025.04.09

Sonic: Обновления под руководством Андре Кронье – новая звезда Layer-1 на фоне спада рынка

HTX Learn: Пройдите обучение по "Sonic" и разделите 1000 USDT

HTX Learn — ваш проводник в мир перспективных проектов, и мы запускаем специальное мероприятие "Учитесь и Зарабатывайте", посвящённое этим проектам. Наше новое направление .

1.8k просмотров всегоОпубликовано 2025.04.10Обновлено 2025.04.10

HTX Learn: Пройдите обучение по "Sonic" и разделите 1000 USDT

Обсуждения

Добро пожаловать в Сообщество HTX. Здесь вы сможете быть в курсе последних новостей о развитии платформы и получить доступ к профессиональной аналитической информации о рынке. Мнения пользователей о цене на S (S) представлены ниже.

活动图片

Топ вопросы

Популярные категорииright-arrow

Популярные тегиright-arrow