Did you know that thanks to blockchain technology you can become a co-owner of a luxury property by investing just USD 100? Tokenization of real assets (RWA – Real World Assets), such as real estate, bonds or works of art, makes it possible to divide these valuable resources into smaller parts that can be bought and sold on blockchain platforms. This means that markets traditionally accessible only to the largest investors are now open to everyone. This technology is not only revolutionizing finance, but also introducing completely new investment opportunities, allowing for greater transparency, inclusiveness and easier access to resources.
How does blockchain affect real assets?
Blockchain is introducing fundamental changes to the way we invest. In the traditional model, assets such as real estate or bonds are not available for quick sale or purchase. Moreover, it is often necessary to have more funds to invest. One of the key elements of tokenization is the ability to break large assets into smaller pieces, accessible to a wide range of investors. Thanks to fractional ownership, investors can buy shares in valuable real estate or works of art, even if they have small funds. Projects like HomebaseDAO, which I will describe later, allow you to invest in real estate for as little as $100, offering lower barriers to entry.
Moreover, blockchain ensures full transparency of transactions thanks to distributed ledger technology (DLT). Every change in ownership is recorded on the blockchain, making transactions easy to track and verify. This means that owners of tokenized assets can be sure of the authenticity and security of their investments. This technology also automates many processes related to the transfer of ownership of assets, which eliminates the need to use intermediaries such as banks or notaries. This contributes to a significant reduction in transaction costs and accelerates transfers, making investing more effective.
Examples of successful RWA projects
As I mentioned, tokenization of real assets (RWA) is revolutionizing the way investors can participate in markets that have traditionally been inaccessible or difficult to access. Below I described several companies that are effectively changing the investment landscape. Some of them were created specifically to provide tokenization services, and some introduced it to their offer to meet market needs.
1. Centrifuge
Centrifuge is a pioneer in the tokenization of private credit loans, which enables the connection of the world of traditional finance with the blockchain. The platform offers the ability to secure loans with real assets, such as invoices and other financial obligations.
Thanks to cooperation with MakerDAO, users can take out loans based on real assets, and the process takes place entirely on the blockchain. This integration allows for quick access to capital while reducing risk because tokenized loans are securely stored on the blockchain. In this way, Centrifuge increases the availability of credit and lowers entry barriers to the financial market for many companies
2. HomebaseDAO
HomebaseDAO is an example of a project that is revolutionizing the real estate market through tokenization. With this platform, investors can purchase real estate shares for as little as $100. Tokens represent an actual share in the property, and each token holder can benefit from renting the property as well as earn passive income.
3. Franklin Templeton
Franklin Templeton, one of the largest asset management firms with assets exceeding USD 1.5 trillion, has also entered the RWA market. The company has started issuing tokenized treasury bonds, which is a breakthrough in the traditional world of finance.
Tokenization of treasury bonds allows for greater flexibility in managing them and also enables access to these safe assets for a wider group of investors. Franklin Templeton is therefore a perfect example of how blockchain can integrate with traditional financial markets, offering new investment opportunities and increasing liquidity even for low-risk assets.
4.WisdomTree
WisdomTree, known for managing ETFs (exchange-traded funds), decided to use blockchain technology to tokenize its products. Thanks to tokenization, ETFs become more accessible to global investors, and blockchain platforms offer lower transaction costs and greater transparency.
5. RealT
RealT is another platform that allows investors to purchase shares in real estate located primarily in the United States. Each property is tokenized, which allows you to purchase a fraction of it in the form of tokens based on the Ethereum blockchain. Token owners receive regular payments from property rentals and can also benefit from the increase in property value. Token prices are extremely low, currently you can invest, for example, USD 50 in a property in Panama.
RWA challenges
RWA sounds synonymous with numerous benefits, but implementing this technology on a large scale is associated with many challenges, especially in the area of regulation. The main problem is the complexity of securities laws, which vary by jurisdiction. Each country has its own rules on the classification and trading of securities, which means that companies that want to tokenize assets and offer them globally must adapt to different regulatory requirements.
For example, in the United States, any tokenized assets that can be treated as securities must comply with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations. This means that companies must register their tokens or meet exemption conditions, which involves costs and lengthy processes. Additionally, in European countries such as Germany, companies must comply with the regulations of local regulatory authorities, such as BaFin, and in the UK – the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Regulations vary not only between countries, but also between asset types, which introduces further legal uncertainty and increases risk for companies. Valuing tokenized assets is also a challenge – in the case of physical assets such as real estate or works of art, the value depends on a number of external factors, such as location or market demand. Translating these variables into token valuation in the decentralized crypto world is not easy and requires new methodologies. So I hope that solid and consistent regulations are only a matter of time. Unfortunately, their lack stops technological development.
RWA and the perception of wealth
Finally, some of my thoughts. How we view wealth depends on culture, times and our place in society. Historically, wealth has been associated with power and status. Owning land, resources or capital has always played a key role in the social hierarchy, and access to wealth was reserved for a few. It was not only an indicator of wealth, but also of political and social power.
Today, in the era of globalization and technology, the perception of wealth is beginning to change. On the one hand, we still value traditional forms of wealth such as real estate, investments and money. However, intangible resources such as knowledge, data and digital capabilities are becoming increasingly important. An example is the growing value of cryptocurrencies or tokens representing real assets that were previously beyond the reach of many people.
The modern perception of wealth is often associated with greater transparency and access to markets that have traditionally been closed to average investors. The role of capital is also changing – it is no longer just about owning, but about participating in new economic models such as sharing, digital economy and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Blockchain technology introduces a new philosophy here – RWA tokenization enables the transformation of tangible assets into digital tokens that can be shared and traded on global markets. This redefines the concept of ownership, because now it is not only the amount of capital that counts, but also access to tools that democratize investments. From this perspective, wealth is no longer just a symbol of power, but becomes a tool for building greater equality and opportunities for all.
I think that wealth is increasingly becoming a tool for conscious choice – what is important is not only its quantity, but also the way we use it to create value, both for ourselves and for others. In a new era of technology, where capital is more liquid and accessible, society can move towards more sustainable and inclusive wealth models where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
