Tokenization Will Transform Finance Quicker Than Digital Upended Legacy Media

Tokenization Will Transform Finance Even Quicker Than Digital Upended Legacy Media

A quiet revolution is underway… one that promises to reshape the industry at a pace that might outstrip how the internet forever changed media. Imagine the shift from bulky newspapers and CD collections to instant streaming and online news feeds. That disruption forced media giants to adapt or fade away. Now, according to industry leaders, tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) is poised to do something similar, but potentially even quicker, in the realm of banking and investments.

The Evolution, Not Extinction, of Traditional Finance

Keith Grossman, president of the crypto payments firm MoonPay, draws a compelling parallel between these two transformations. He argues that while many feared digitization would obliterate traditional media, it actually compelled it to evolve. Print publications went online, music labels embraced streaming, and the core players adapted their models to survive in a digital landscape.

The same, Grossman suggests, will hold true for finance. Tokenization…converting physical assets like real estate, stocks, or bonds into digital tokens on blockchain networks… won’t destroy established institutions. Instead, it will push them to innovate. Think of titans like Citi, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase: they’ll likely persist, but in revamped forms, leveraging blockchain for efficiency and speed.

Real-World Examples: Tokenization in Action Today

This isn’t just theoretical speculation. Major players are already diving in headfirst. BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, now offers tokenized funds, allowing investors to trade digital representations of traditional assets seamlessly. Franklin Templeton is running tokenized money market funds directly on public blockchains, bringing transparency and accessibility to what was once a walled-off corner of finance. Even global banks are experimenting with on-chain settlements, tokenized deposits, and real-time asset transfers… moves that could slash transaction times from days to mere minutes.

Looking ahead, the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), which handled a staggering $3.7 quadrillion in settlement volume in 2024, has secured SEC approval to introduce tokenized financial instruments. Their rollout is slated for the second half of 2026, starting with staples like US Treasuries and stock indexes. This signals a broader shift toward 24/7 capital markets, backed by recent joint statements from the SEC and CFTC advocating for round-the-clock trading.

Why Speed Matters: The Advantages of a Tokenized Future

What makes tokenization so disruptive? For starters, it democratizes access. Blockchain enables global-scale asset trading without intermediaries, cutting costs and barriers. Settlement happens in minutes, not days, and markets could operate nonstop — imagine buying stocks at midnight without waiting for Wall Street to open.

Grossman emphasizes that the winners won’t be those clinging to the old ways. “Survivors and winners will be those that get ahead of the change,” he notes, rather than resisting the inevitable move to a blockchain-powered global financial system. Early adopters stand to gain the most, much like how forward-thinking media companies thrived in the digital era.

The Bigger Picture: A Blockchain-Powered World

As regulatory bodies warm up to these innovations, the path forward looks promising. Tokenization isn’t about replacing finance; it’s about enhancing it with the speed, security, and inclusivity of blockchain technology. Just as the digital shift turned media into a more dynamic, accessible force, tokenization could unlock unprecedented efficiency in finance… potentially at an accelerated clip.

If history is any guide, those who embrace this change will lead the charge. For investors, entrepreneurs, and institutions alike, the message is clear: adapt now, or risk being left behind in the tokenized economy of tomorrow. What do you think — will tokenization live up to the hype? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Tokenization Will Transform Finance Quicker Than Digital Upended Legacy Media was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.