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The Global Landscape ofDigital Asset andTokenisation Growth

The Significance of Digital Assets and Tokenisation in the Modern EconomyReal Estate Market size and tokenisation potential 2025 and beyond

Introduction

The digital asset sector has experienced exponential growth over the past decade, driven by advancements in blockchain technology and increasing interest from investors and institutions. Tokenisation, the process of converting assets into digital tokens, has emerged as a transformative force in this landscape.
 
Digital assets encompass a wide range of instruments, including cryptocurrencies, security tokens, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These assets leverage blockchain technology to provide transparency, security, and efficiency in transactions. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are among the most well-known digital assets, operating on decentralized networks and often used as a medium of exchange or store of value.​
 
Tokenisation extends beyond cryptocurrencies, enabling the digital representation of real-world assets such as real estate, commodities, and even intellectual property. By tokenising assets, ownership can be divided into smaller, tradable units, making it easier to buy, sell, and trade these assets on digital platforms. This process enhances liquidity and accessibility, allowing a broader range of investors to participate in markets that were previously out of reach.

DigitalAssets

01

Cryptocurrencies:

 

  • These are digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography for security and operate independently of a central authority. Examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

02

Security Tokens:

 

  • These are digital forms of traditional securities like stocks or bonds. They represent ownership in an asset and are subject to  securities regulations.

03

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs):

 

  • These are unique digital assets representing ownership of a specific item or piece of content, often used in art, gaming, and entertainment industries.

Digital Asset & Tokenisation Significancein the Current & Future Economy

Financial Inclusion

One of the most significant impacts of digital assets and tokenisation is their potential to enhance financial inclusion. By lowering the barriers to entry, these technologies allow individuals in emerging markets to access financial services previously unavailable to them. For example, tokenised real estate investments enable people to invest in property markets with smaller amounts of capital, democratizing access to valuable assets.

Continued Growth and Adoption

The adoption of digital assets and tokenisation is expected to continue growing as more industries recognize their benefits. Governments and regulatory bodies are also beginning to develop frameworks to support and regulate these technologies, further legitimizing their use in the economy.

Efficiency and Transparency

Blockchain technology, which underpins digital assets, offers unparalleled transparency and efficiency in transactions. Every transaction is recorded on a public ledger, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring accountability. This level of transparency is particularly valuable in industries like supply chain management, where tracking the provenance of goods is crucial.

Empowering Emerging Economies

Emerging countries can particularly benefit from the adoption of digital assets and tokenisation. These technologies can provide access to global financial markets, enabling local businesses to raise capital more efficiently. Additionally, the transparency and security offered by blockchain can help combat corruption and build trust in financial systems.

Innovation in Traditional Sectors

Digital assets and tokenisation are driving innovation across traditional sectors. In finance, for example, tokenised securities facilitate faster and more efficient trading processes, reducing settlement times and costs. In healthcare, blockchain can be used to secure patient data, ensuring privacy and confidentiality while enabling seamless sharing of information across different stakeholders.

Asset Classes and Sectorsset to benefit from tokenisation

01.

Real Estate

Real estate emerges as the frontrunner in tokenization adoption and potential growth. The global real estate market, valued at US$637.80 trillion by 2024 according to Statista, stands to gain significantly from tokenization

 

  1. Fractional Ownership: Tokenization allows for the division of high-value properties into smaller, more accessible investment units. This democratizes access to real estate investments, previously limited to high-net-worth individuals or institutional investors.

  2. Increased Liquidity: Traditionally illiquid assets become more easily tradable through tokenization, potentially creating a more dynamic real estate market.

  3. Global Accessibility: Tokenized real estate can be traded 24/7 on global platforms, removing geographical barriers to investment.

  4. Transparency: Blockchain technology provides an immutable record of ownership and transactions, enhancing trust and reducing fraud risks.

  5. Efficiency: Smart contracts can automate many processes in real estate transactions, reducing costs and time associated with property transfers.

03.

Commodities

Commodities, particularly precious metals and energy resources, are another sector ripe for tokenization:

  1. Fractional Ownership: Investors can own small portions of commodities, making them more accessible.

  2. Efficient Trading: Tokenized commodities can be traded more easily and with lower transaction costs.

  3. Improved Traceability: Blockchain technology can enhance the tracking of commodities from source to end-user, improving supply chain transparency.

05.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets, such as intellectual property, carbon credits, and renewable energy certificates, are emerging as a promising area for tokenization

 

  1. Improved Liquidity: Tokenization can create markets for traditionally illiquid intangible assets.

  2. Enhanced Traceability: Blockchain technology can provide a clear record of ownership and usage rights.

  3. Efficient Trading: Tokenized intangible assets can be more easily bought, sold, and transferred.

02.

Private Equity and Venture Capital

Private equity and venture capital are also prime candidates for tokenization, offering several advantages:

  1. Democratized Access: Tokenization can lower minimum investment thresholds, allowing a broader range of investors to participate in private equity deals.

  2. Improved Liquidity: Traditionally illiquid private equity investments can become more easily tradable through tokenization.

  3. Transparency: Blockchain technology can provide real-time updates on portfolio company performance and valuations.

  4. Efficient Capital Raising: Tokenization can streamline the fundraising process for private equity firms and startups.

04.

Financial Assets (Stocks, Bonds, Derivatives)

Traditional financial assets are also being tokenized, offering several benefits:

  1. 24/7 Trading: Tokenized securities can be traded around the clock, unlike traditional stock exchanges.

  2. Faster Settlement: Blockchain technology can enable near-instantaneous settlement of trades.

  3. Reduced Costs: Tokenization can eliminate intermediaries, potentially lowering transaction costs.

  4. Global Access: Tokenized securities can be more easily traded across borders, increasing market accessibility.

real estate markettokenisation potential

United States

  • 2025 tokenisation Projection: Estimated at $4.2 billion.

  • Tokenization Potential: High

The U.S. real estate market is vast and diverse, with residential, commercial, and industrial sectors all contributing significantly to its size. The U.S. is a leader in real estate tokenization due to its advanced financial markets and regulatory frameworks that support blockchain technology. Tokenization allows for fractional ownership of high-value properties, making it easier for smaller investors to participate in the market.

 

Opportunities Beyond 2025:

  • Increased Liquidity: Tokenized assets can be traded on secondary markets, providing liquidity to an otherwise illiquid asset class.

  • Democratization of Investment: Lower entry barriers will allow more retail investors to access high-value properties.

  • Integration with DeFi: Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms can further enhance liquidity and provide new financial products tied to real estate.

Germany

  • Tokenization Potential: High

  • Germany’s stable economy and strong property market make it a prime candidate for real estate tokenization. The country’s emphasis on technological innovation and regulatory support for digital assets further enhances its potential.

 

Opportunities Beyond 2025:

  • Sustainability Initiatives: Tokenized green buildings could attract ESG-conscious investors.

  • Fractional Ownership: High-value commercial properties in cities like Berlin and Munich could be tokenized, allowing smaller investors to participate.

Japan

  • Tokenization Potential: Medium

  • Japan’s aging population and low-interest-rate environment make it an attractive market for innovative investment solutions like tokenized real estate. The country has already seen successful security token offerings (STOs) in its property sector.

 

Opportunities Beyond 2025:

  • Urban Redevelopment: Tokenization could facilitate investment in urban redevelopment projects in cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

  • Integration with IoT: Combining tokenization with IoT (Internet of Things) could improve property management and valuation accuracy.

Indonesia

  • Tokenization Potential: Medium

  • Indonesia’s rapidly growing economy and increasing urbanization make it an attractive market for real estate investment. While still developing its digital infrastructure, Indonesia has significant potential for tokenizing residential and commercial properties in cities like Jakarta.

 

Opportunities Beyond 2025:

  • Affordable Housing Projects: Tokenizing affordable housing developments could attract both domestic and international investors.

  • Tourism-related Properties: Indonesia’s booming tourism industry presents opportunities for tokenizing hospitality assets like hotels and resorts.

Hong Kong

  • Tokenization Potential: Medium

  • Hong Kong remains a key financial hub despite recent political challenges. Its proximity to mainland China and strong legal framework make it an attractive market for real estate tokenization.

 

Opportunities Beyond 2025:

  • Luxury Properties: Tokenizing high-end residential properties could attract international investors looking for exposure to Hong Kong’s luxury market.

  • Commercial Real Estate: Tokenizing office spaces could provide liquidity in Hong Kong’s commercial property sector.

Thailand

  • Tokenization Potential: High

  • Thailand’s booming tourism industry and growing expatriate community present significant opportunities for real estate investment, particularly in cities like Bangkok and Phuket.

 

Opportunities Beyond 2025:

  • Tourism-related Properties: Tokenizing luxury villas or hotels could attract international investors looking to capitalize on Thailand’s tourism sector.

  • Sustainable Development Projects: Green buildings or eco-friendly developments are likely candidates for future tokenized investments.

United Kingdom

  • Tokenization Potential: Medium

The UK has a robust real estate market driven by London’s status as a global financial hub. The country’s progressive approach to fintech regulation makes it an attractive market for real estate tokenization. However, challenges such as Brexit-related uncertainties may temper growth.

 

Opportunities Beyond 2025:

  • Cross-border Investment: Tokenization can attract international investors looking to diversify into UK properties.

  • Smart Contracts: The use of blockchain-based smart contracts can streamline property transactions and reduce legal costs.

China

  • Tokenization Potential: Medium

  • China’s real estate market is the largest in the world but faces challenges such as oversupply and regulatory hurdles. Despite these issues, China’s embrace of digital technologies presents significant opportunities for tokenization, especially in tier-one cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Opportunities Beyond 2025:

  • Government Support: If the Chinese government continues to support blockchain technology, tokenization could become a key tool for managing liquidity in the property sector.

  • Secondary Markets: Tokenized assets could help stabilize China’s secondary property markets by increasing liquidity.

Singapore

  • Tokenization Potential: High

  • Singapore is a global financial hub with a proactive regulatory environment that supports fintech innovations like blockchain and tokenization. The city-state’s limited land supply makes its real estate market highly competitive, driving interest in fractional ownership through tokenized assets.

 

Opportunities Beyond 2025:

  • Smart Cities: Singapore’s push towards smart city infrastructure could integrate well with tokenized real estate investments.

  • Cross-border Investments: Singapore could become a hub for cross-border tokenized property investments due to its favorable regulatory environment.

Philippines 

  • Tokenization Potential: High

  • The Philippines’ growing middle class and increasing demand for residential properties make it a prime candidate for real estate tokenization. The country is emerging as a notable contender in the realm of fintech and blockchain technology. With a young, tech-savvy population and a rapidly growing economy, the nation is well-positioned to harness the benefits of tokenisation. The Philippine government has been supportive of fintech innovations, spearheading initiatives to integrate blockchain technology into various sectors, including finance and real estate. The country’s vibrant real estate market and ongoing developments in digital infrastructure make it a promising landscape for tokenisation projects 

 

Opportunities Beyond 2025:

  • Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW): Tokenized real estate could attract investments from OFWs looking to invest in domestic properties while working abroad.

  • Digital Platforms: Proptech platforms offering tokenized investments could see rapid adoption among younger investors.

Vietnam 

  • Tokenization Potential: Medium

  • Vietnam’s rapidly urbanizing population and strong economic growth are driving demand for new housing units, particularly in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The country’s growing digital infrastructure supports the potential for real estate tokenization.

 

Opportunities Beyond 2025:

  • Industrial Zones: Tokenizing industrial properties could attract foreign investment into Vietnam’s growing manufacturing sector.

  • Residential Growth: High-rise apartments and condominiums are prime candidates for fractional ownership through tokenized platforms.

Benefits oftokenisationforbusiness expansionandcapital raise

01.

Enhanced Access to Capital

Tokenisation allows businesses to raise capital by issuing digital tokens, which can represent ownership stakes, debt, or other forms of value. This broadens the investor base, enabling companies to attract funds from global investors who might not have been accessible through traditional means. By lowering the barriers to investment, tokenisation can facilitate easier and faster capital raising, essential for business growth and innovation.

02.

Increased Liquidity

One of the significant advantages of tokenisation is the increased liquidity it brings to traditionally illiquid assets. By converting assets like real estate, art, or even intellectual property into digital tokens, businesses can offer fractional ownership to a broader audience. This not only democratizes investment opportunities but also ensures that the assets can be traded more easily on secondary markets, providing investors with greater flexibility and enhancing overall market efficiency.

03.

Cost Efficiency

Tokenisation can reduce the costs associated with raising capital by minimizing the need for intermediaries such as banks and brokers. Blockchain technology, which underpins tokenisation, offers a more streamlined and transparent process, reducing administrative costs and the risk of errors. This cost efficiency can be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often face higher relative costs when accessing traditional financial markets.

04.

Transparency and Security

Blockchain technology provides a transparent and immutable ledger of all transactions related to the digital tokens. This transparency builds trust among investors, as they can verify the authenticity and ownership of the tokens. Additionally, the security features of blockchain technology help protect against fraud and ensure the integrity of the tokenized assets, offering peace of mind for both businesses and investors.

05.

Global Reach

The digital nature of tokenisation allows businesses to tap into a global pool of investors, breaking down geographical barriers. This global reach can be particularly advantageous for companies in emerging markets, providing them with access to international capital and enabling them to compete on a larger stage. By connecting with a diverse range of investors, businesses can secure the funding needed to scale operations and enter new markets.

Benefits for Emerging Countries

Emerging countries stand to benefit significantly from the growth of digital assets and tokenisation.Here are some ways in which these innovations can drive economic development and financial inclusion.

01.

Financial Inclusion

Digital assets and tokenisation can provide access to financial services for the unbanked and underbanked populations. In countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, where a large portion of the population lacks access to traditional banking services, digital wallets and cryptocurrencies can bridge the gap, enabling people to save, invest, and transact securely.

02.

Remittances

Remittances are a vital source of income for many families in emerging countries. Digital assets offer a faster, cheaper, and more secure alternative to traditional remittance channels. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based platforms can reduce transaction costs and transfer times, ensuring that more funds reach the intended recipients.

03.

Economic Growth

Tokenisation can unlock new avenues for investment and economic growth. By tokenising assets such as real estate and infrastructure, emerging countries can attract global investors, enhance liquidity, and stimulate development. This can lead to job creation, improved infrastructure, and overall economic progress.

04.

Regulatory Innovation

Emerging countries have the opportunity to become leaders in digital asset regulation. By adopting forward-thinking policies and creating conducive environments for innovation, countries like Thailand and Malaysia can attract blockchain startups and technology companies, positioning themselves as hubs for digital asset development.

Conclusion

The global landscape of digital asset growth and tokenisation is evolving rapidly, presenting numerous opportunities and challenges. Asset tokenization in particular is poised to transform various sectors of the global economy, with real estate, private equity, commodities, and financial assets standing to gain the most. The technology promises to increase liquidity, improve accessibility, enhance transparency, and reduce costs across these asset classes.

 

By leveraging new opportunities, businesses can position themselves to capitalize on the evolving landscape. As market size continues to expand and technological advancements drive innovation, digital assets are poised to become integral components of the global financial system. Emerging countries, in particular, stand to benefit from these developments, leveraging digital assets to achieve financial inclusion, economic growth, and global competitiveness. As we look to 2025 and beyond, the future of digital assets and tokenisation appears promising, with transformative potential for economies worldwide.

Unlock hidden value and fuel your company's expansion through our innovative tokenization solutions. Speak with our specialists now to explore untapped growth potential. 

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