The president of MoonPay, Keith Grossman, has made a bold assertion regarding the future of finance, claiming that tokenization will disrupt the financial landscape at a pace that surpasses the transformation seen in digital media. Grossman emphasizes that the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) is not merely a theoretical concept; it is actively reshaping the global financial environment.
In his comments, Grossman pointed out that many initially feared the rise of digitization would spell doom for traditional media. However, it instead catalyzed its evolution. He stated, “This is no longer hypothetical,” referencing major financial players like BlackRock, which is now offering tokenized funds, and Franklin Templeton, which has launched tokenized money market funds using public blockchains.
As the market for RWAs, excluding stablecoins, approaches a valuation of nearly $19 billion, significant players such as Citi, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase are also adapting to this new medium. Grossman predicts that these institutions will continue to thrive, albeit in a transformed landscape akin to how media companies adapted to the shift to digital formats in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Grossman”s insights highlight a crucial takeaway: those who embrace the changes brought about by tokenized finance will likely emerge as leaders, while those who resist innovation may find themselves at a disadvantage.
Tokenization offers an array of benefits, including round-the-clock market access, reduced transaction costs due to the elimination of intermediaries, and significantly faster settlement times—reducing the standard process from days to mere minutes. These advantages not only enhance market efficiency but also decrease counterparty risks for institutional investors.
In September, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued a joint statement endorsing a regulatory framework that supports 24/7 capital markets. This aligns with the growing trend toward tokenized finance, which must also navigate a complex regulatory landscape to succeed. Companies venturing into this space will need to implement strong cybersecurity measures and ensure compliance with international securities laws.
Currently, the majority of the tokenized RWA market operates on the Ethereum blockchain. The shift toward continuous trading represents a significant divergence from traditional market hours, which typically close during evenings, weekends, and holidays. The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), which managed around $3.7 quadrillion in settlements last year, has received SEC approval to begin facilitating tokenized financial instruments. It is anticipated that by late 2026, the DTCC will commence trading tokenized assets like U.S. Treasuries and stock indices.
Ultimately, the rise of tokenization could pave the way for a financial system that is more efficient, inclusive, and transparent. Early adopters of these innovations may secure a significant competitive edge, while those resistant to blockchain technology risk becoming obsolete.
