- BlackRock is working on tokenizing funds tied to real-world assets like stocks.
- Tokenized ETFs could be traded 24/7 globally with instant settlement.
- Nasdaq and Coinbase are also pushing tokenized equities, signaling regulatory change.
BlackRock is preparing to tokenize funds tied to real-world assets like stocks, according to Bloomberg sources. The asset management giant, already successful with its Spot Bitcoin ETF and its $2 billion tokenized money market fund BUIDL, now wants to take tokenization further by bringing equities and other assets on-chain. This move underscores BlackRock’s belief that blockchain can reshape traditional finance, making assets easier to trade and access.
Turning Funds Into Tradable Tokens
The plan would allow ETFs and other traditional instruments to be converted into blockchain-based tokens. Unlike today’s ETFs, which only trade during market hours, tokenized funds could be traded globally, 24/7, with instant settlement. Tokenization also enables fractional ownership, letting investors buy smaller slices of high-value assets. Exchanges like Kraken and Robinhood already offer tokenized stocks abroad, but BlackRock’s entry would mark the largest institutional push yet.
Regulatory Landscape in Focus
The effort comes as Nasdaq seeks SEC approval to permit tokenized equities and exchange-traded products on its primary market. If approved, tokenized assets could gain the same status as traditional securities in the U.S., accelerating adoption. Coinbase is also preparing to roll out tokenized stocks and prediction markets domestically, signaling that regulatory momentum may finally be shifting in favor of blockchain-based financial products.
Why Tokenization Matters
For investors, tokenization could fundamentally change how markets operate. It allows round-the-clock access to traditionally restricted asset classes, creates more liquidity, and reduces barriers to entry. For institutions like BlackRock, it represents both a new revenue stream and a chance to cement leadership in blockchain-enabled finance. If successful, this shift could mark the beginning of a broader migration of global markets onto blockchain rails.
