Tokenization Set to Accelerate Financial Industry Transformation, Says MoonPay Executive

Keith Grossman, president of crypto payments provider MoonPay, predicts that asset tokenization will revolutionize the financial sector more rapidly than the digital upheaval that transformed traditional media. As blockchain technology finally integrates deeply into financial services, enterprises are increasingly adopting tokenized assets, signaling a profound shift toward digital representations of real-world holdings.

Key Takeaways

Major financial institutions like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton are actively implementing tokenized funds and money market products on public blockchains.
Large banks are piloting blockchain-based settlement, deposits, and asset transfers, signaling mainstream adoption.
The market value of real-world asset tokenization exceeds $19 billion, excluding stablecoins.
Policy frameworks by regulators such as the SEC and CFTC are paving the way for 24/7 global capital markets through tokenized assets.

Tickers mentioned: None

Sentiment: Optimistic about the transformative potential of tokenization in finance

Price impact: Positive, as major institutions and regulators embrace tokenized assets, suggesting increased liquidity and efficiency gains.

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold, given the growing institutional acceptance and regulatory clarity supporting tokenized asset markets.

Market context: The ongoing shift reflects a broader transition towards blockchain-enabled financial infrastructure, fostering continuous trading and global accessibility.

Tokenization of real-world assets is poised to accelerate the evolution of financial markets, according to Grossman. He emphasizes that this technological shift will incentivize traditional institutions to adapt, as major players such as BlackRock and Franklin Templeton already offer tokenized funds and are experimenting with blockchain-based products. Additionally, global banks are conducting pilots on on-chain settlement and real-time asset transfers, signaling a significant paradigm shift.

The sector’s market capitalization underscores its burgeoning growth — nearly $19 billion, excluding stablecoins — highlighting the increasing interest in transforming conventional assets into digital tokens. This evolution promises numerous benefits, including 24/7 market access, worldwide asset class reach, reduced transaction costs via disintermediation, and drastically lowered settlement times to mere minutes. This contrasts sharply with traditional markets, which operate within fixed hours and face delays due to settlement processes.

Regulatory developments are also advancing the cause. In September, the SEC and CFTC issued a joint statement to establish a framework supporting 24/7 capital markets, aiming to modernize and liberalize trading environments. Notably, the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), which processed approximately $3.7 quadrillion in settlement volume in 2024, has received SEC approval to begin offering tokenized financial instruments, starting with U.S. Treasuries and stock indices expected to launch in late 2026.

This momentum underscores a fundamental shift in financial infrastructure, mirroring the digital transformation seen in media decades ago. As regulatory clarity increases and institutional interest grows, tokenized assets are positioned to reshape traditional finance, fostering greater efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.