The tokenisation of real-world assets (RWAs) is accelerating as blockchain technology transforms conventional banking. Global regulators and financial behemoths have taken notice of this innovation, which entails transforming physical assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate into blockchain-based tokens.
Tokenised RWAs’ Ascent
John Patrick Mullin, co-founder of MANTRA, a blockchain-based platform that specialises in RWA tokenisation, is one of the most prominent voices in this shift. MANTRA recently strengthened its position in the industry by obtaining a regulatory licence in the United Arab Emirates.
According to Mullin, tokenised RWAs have the potential to become the next trillion-dollar market, radically changing the financial landscape of the world. He talked on the quick ascent of RWAs, their potential to outpace the adoption of traditional cryptocurrencies, and the expanding role of places like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in this development in an interview with CCN.
“RWAs Will Play a Major Role in the Global Economy”
RWAs are having an effect already. Mullin said that the World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts that by 2027, blockchain networks would hold about $10 trillion, or 10% of the world’s GDP.
The RWA cryptocurrency market is presently valued at $62.22 billion, according to CoinMarketCap, after reaching a peak of over $70 billion in early 2025. By 2030, the tokenised RWA market may be worth between $2 trillion and $30 trillion, according to some projections.
From January 1 to September 30, the value of tokenised treasuries and other bonds increased by $557.05 million, according to Mullin. “That is demonstrating demand, not chasing it.”
According to statistics from RWA.xyz, 86,354 investors across 110 asset issuers on public blockchains currently hold $17.59 billion in on-chain RWAs. RWAs have already been adopted by big organisations like WisdomTree and BlackRock, who have issued millions of tokenised assets.
Interest from Institutions and Market Growth
By introducing BUIDL, the first tokenised treasury fund, in July 2024, BlackRock has taken a leading position in the industry. By investing in U.S. Treasury notes, cash, and repurchase agreements, the fund enables investors to purchase blockchain-based tokens that are directly correlated with the U.S. dollar and pay out dividends every day.
The RWA Boom in the Middle East
RWA usage is rising in the Middle East, where MANTRA has quickly expanded. For the Dubai-based MAG Group, the company tokenised $500 million worth of real estate in July 2024, allowing investors to profit in stablecoins and MANTRA’s OM tokens.
Targeting a minimum tokenised asset value of $1 billion, MANTRA recently teamed up with DAMAC Group to expand tokenised financing across important industries, such as data centres, real estate, and hotels.
“By providing their users and investors with an exceptional experience, the industries that adapt the fastest will reap the greatest rewards,” Mullin said.
Because of its large oil, gas, gold, and real estate reserves, as well as its tech-savvy populace, the MENA area is especially well-suited for tokenised assets.
According to Mullin, “a sizable section of the population is digitally native, meaning they are extremely at ease with technology and Web3.”
Regulation: An Initiator of Development
RWAs are developing in tandem with regulatory frameworks, in contrast to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which acquired popularity before regulators could keep up. According to Mullin, this will greatly accelerate adoption.
As an asset class, he claims that RWAs have “almost limitless potential.” Governments and financial institutions are aggressively promoting and speeding up RWA tokenisation initiatives in areas like Asia-Pacific and Europe, especially in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UK.
This contrasts with the larger bitcoin space, where institutional hesitancy and sporadic crackdowns have frequently resulted from regulatory ambiguity.
Mullin clarified, “RWAs are evolving more quickly than traditional crypto.” “Because, unlike Bitcoin, they are being implemented in tandem with regulatory frameworks rather than playing catch-up.”
Difficulties and RWAs’ Future
The RWA industry still confronts a number of obstacles in spite of its quick ascent, including as investor education, regulatory standardisation, and infrastructure development. Mullin is still hopeful about the industry’s long-term prospects, though.
RWAs seem to be well-positioned for further expansion if governments, financial institutions, and blockchain businesses coordinate their efforts. Tokenised assets are not merely a fad; their growing popularity is influencing the direction of finance globally.
