Is the US Inching Closer to Adopting the RWA Trend? SEC Hints of More Discussions

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is preparing for a major discussion on tokenization. One that may signal a growing openness toward the RWA trend, or real-world asset tokenization. 

The upcoming roundtable event, announced by the SEC’s Crypto Task Force, will bring together a wide array of financial giants including BlackRock, Fidelity, Nasdaq, and Robinhood. 

While nothing has been finalized, the focus of this discussion suggests the US is giving more serious thought to the role of RWA in the next phase of capital markets.

SEC Organizes Key Roundtable to Explore Tokenization

Scheduled as part of the SEC’s ongoing effort to engage with the crypto and digital asset industry, this roundtable will be divided into two main sessions. 

The first, titled “Evolution of Finance: Capital Markets 2.0,” is expected to address how traditional financial institutions are approaching tokenized assets and blockchain-based instruments. 

The second panel, “The Future of Tokenization,” will likely dive deeper into real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and its potential to bridge conventional finance with blockchain.

Although the Commission first mentioned its intention to explore tokenization in March 2025, this newly released agenda provides the clearest sign yet of how the US might be laying the groundwork for broader RWA discussions.

Read also: Algorand RWA Coming Soon? Here's What Just Leaked

Why Is the US Paying Attention to Real-World Assets?

The RWA trend has been gaining traction globally, especially as institutions look to digitize traditional financial products such as real estate, bonds, and commodities. 

Unlike speculative cryptocurrencies, RWA tokens represent tangible assets and are often seen as a more stable and compliant way to bring real-world value onto the blockchain.

In April 2025, the SEC signaled preliminary interest by planning a regulatory sandbox focused on real estate tokenization in partnership with private firms and international bodies in El Salvador. 

Although the outcomes of that initiative remain unclear—and none of those participants are involved in the upcoming roundtable—it marked an early step in the Commission’s engagement with RWAs.

Now, with prominent firms like Securitize and Robinhood joining the roundtable, there is cautious optimism that the US may be starting to recognize the value of RWAs, especially in light of global economic uncertainty.

Read also: How Rayls is Shaping the Future of Real-World Asset Tokenisation

Institutional Support and Market Data Add to the Momentum

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, often seen as one of the Commission’s more crypto-friendly voices, described tokenization as a “technological development that could substantially change many aspects of our financial markets.” 

Her comment underscores a broader realization that blockchain is no longer a fringe innovation—it is becoming an integral part of modern finance.

Recent research from Binance further supports this view. According to their study, RWA tokens are among the most resilient segments of the crypto industry. 

Even as broader digital asset markets experienced downturns, the RWA sector showed notable growth. This trend could offer a compelling reason for regulators to explore frameworks that support tokenized financial instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are real-world assets (RWAs)?

Real-world assets are physical or traditional financial assets—such as real estate, commodities, or bonds—that are represented on a blockchain through tokenization.

What is an example of an RWA in crypto?

An example would be a token that represents ownership in a piece of real estate or gold, allowing these assets to be traded digitally on blockchain platforms.

Which coins are classified as RWA tokens?

Coins like Chainlink (LINK), Maker (MKR), Ondo (ONDO), and Centrifuge (CFG) are known for supporting real-world asset tokenization in the DeFi space.