Insights from the webinar: RWA Tokenization In A Turbulent Global Economy, featuring XDC Network, Plug and Play Genfinity, and InvestaX.

As blockchain technology continues to mature, one concept stands out for its transformative potential: Tokenized Real-World Assets (RWAs). In a recent webinar hosted by Genfinity, leaders from InvestaX, Plug and Play, and the XDC Network came together to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the RWA space. With an impressive ~90,000 participants tuning in, the event underscored growing interest in the projected $30 trillion tokenization market and its role in reshaping financial markets.

Here’s a recap of the most compelling insights from the conversation, with actionable takeaways for issuers.

The First-Mover Advantage

The panel emphasized a pivotal moment for businesses and institutions to embrace tokenization. As Julian Kwan, CEO of InvestaX, explained:

"In the past, institutional players hesitated. Even a $5 trillion real estate manager would see the opportunity but hold back, waiting for competitors to make the first move. That time has passed. Now, those who tokenize their assets first—whether it’s real estate, debt, or equity—will gain the most. The platforms are ready. The market is ready. And the opportunity to access global platforms like Coinbase or Binance is within reach.”

Julian described the current state of tokenization as an “inflection point” for financial markets. He likened this moment to the early days of Bitcoin—when bold innovators had the foresight to invest in transformative technology. Today, tokenization is not just about digitizing assets but creating liquidity, accessibility, and entirely new opportunities for businesses and investors.

Tokenization allows issuers to:

• Expand Access to Capital: By democratizing access, tokenization opens global markets for traditionally illiquid assets.
• Enhance Asset Usability: Platforms like InvestaX and IX Swap now enable tokenized RWAs to serve as collateral, addressing a long-standing utility challenge.
• Build Community and Liquidity: Issuers can tokenize equity and debt offerings, allowing investors to participate actively in their growth journey.

Growing Institutional Interest in Tokenization

The tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) has captured the attention of institutional players, with global giants like BlackRock, JPMorgan, and Franklin Templeton entering the space. This growing interest signals a broader shift in the financial landscape, as traditional institutions increasingly recognize the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility tokenization offers.

As Max Wiesenthal from Plug and Play highlighted during the webinar, the participation of institutional players not only validates tokenization as a viable financial model but also creates a ripple effect for adoption across industries.

“Institutions jumping into the space bring credibility and resources,” Wiesenthal remarked. “Their interest helps establish a more robust ecosystem that benefits everyone, from large enterprises to startups.”

This institutional momentum is driven by clear benefits:

• Increased Transparency: Blockchain’s immutable ledgers enable better record-keeping and fraud prevention.
• Operational Efficiency: Tokenization streamlines processes like asset issuance and settlement, reducing time and costs.
• Global Market Access: Institutions can tap into a broader pool of investors by tokenizing traditionally illiquid assets.

Beyond Institutions: How RWA Tokenization Empowers SMEs and Startups?

While institutions often dominate the conversation, the true democratizing power of tokenization lies in its ability to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups. Historically, these businesses have struggled to access global capital markets due to regulatory complexities, high costs, and limited networks. Tokenization removes many of these barriers.

Here’s how tokenization benefits smaller businesses:

1. Easier Access to Capital: Startups and SMEs can tokenize equity or debt, raising funds from a global investor base without the need for traditional intermediaries.
2. Fractional Ownership: Tokenization allows companies to offer fractional ownership of assets, making investments more accessible to retail investors and increasing liquidity.
3. Enhanced Liquidity Options: By listing tokenized assets on platforms like IX Swap, businesses provide investors with liquidity options while boosting their own fundraising capabilities.
4. Transparency and Trust: Blockchain-based tokens come with built-in transparency, making it easier for companies to build investor trust.

For startups, tokenization also opens up innovative funding opportunities. As Julian Kwan, CEO of InvestaX, pointed out:
“Imagine raising capital from a million customers who are also stakeholders in your company. Tokenization allows you to build a community that actively drives your growth while accessing the liquidity you need to scale.”

This dual benefit of raising capital and creating liquidity is particularly powerful for emerging businesses. By enabling early liquidity through secondary markets or collateralization, startups and SMEs can attract investors who might otherwise hesitate to commit.

Example: InvestaX’s tokenization platform simplifies tokenization for businesses of all sizes, offering a one-stop SaaS solution for compliant issuance, management, and trading of RWA tokens. This streamlined approach reduces the complexity and cost of entering the tokenization market.

Addressing the Challenges of RWA Tokenization

While the potential is immense, tokenization faces hurdles, particularly around compliance, liquidity, and utility. Here are three key takeaways for issuers:

1. Compliance Drives Confidence

Regulatory clarity is crucial for institutional and retail participation in the RWA space. InvestaX, as one of the few regulated platforms in the APAC region, sets a benchmark for compliant tokenization. With licenses secured under Singapore’s progressive regulatory framework, InvestaX provides issuers a safe and scalable pathway to tokenization.

“Compliance isn’t optional,” Kwan emphasized. “It’s the foundation for building trust and unlocking institutional adoption.”

2. Overcoming Liquidity Gaps

Traditionally, RWAs have been synonymous with illiquidity. Tokenization changes that by enabling assets to be traded on platforms like IX Swap, the world’s first automated market maker (AMM) for security tokens. With partnerships like the recent collaboration between IX Swap and Clearpool, tokenized RWAs can now be used as collateral for crypto or fiat loans.

This integration not only enhances liquidity but also introduces practical use cases for tokenized assets—a vital factor in their mainstream adoption.

3. Utility Beyond Tokenization

Tokenization isn’t just about digitizing assets; it’s about creating value. The webinar highlighted the need for RWAs to evolve from static representations to dynamic, revenue-generating instruments. Use cases like fractional ownership, real-time dividends, and collateralization are paving the way for a more functional and integrated tokenized economy.

Relevant topic: RWA Tokenization - 5 Exponential Values Beyond Fundraising by Julian Kwan

Strategic Partnerships: The Flywheel of Innovation

The webinar spotlighted the importance of collaboration in accelerating tokenization adoption. Plug and Play’s Max Wiesenthal described their role as a bridge between startups, corporates, and technology providers, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing innovation through accelerators and mentorship programs.

“Tokenization isn’t a solo journey,” Kwan remarked. “It’s about ecosystems—protocols, corporates, and platforms—working together to create scalable, compliant, and impactful solutions.”

A Glimpse into the Future

The discussion ended on an optimistic note. Panelists projected that the tokenization of RWAs would redefine not only private markets but also public assets. From tokenized real estate to collateralized gold, the possibilities are endless. As economic conditions shift, tokenization offers a more resilient, transparent, and democratized financial system.

Final Thoughts

For issuers, the time to explore tokenization is now. The technology is no longer experimental—it’s a viable, compliant, and scalable solution for accessing global capital and enhancing asset utility. As Kwan aptly put it, “Those who tokenize their assets first will gain the most.”

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Watch the recording of the webinar 'RWA Tokenization In A Turbulent Global Economy' below.