Integrating real-world assets into blockchain systems opens new possibilities in the digital asset space. At the recent Benzinga Future of Digital Assets event, panelists explored the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain, highlighting how tokenization creates opportunities for financial innovation and accessibility.

Bridging the Old and New

Panelist Robert Leshner, CEO of Superstate, emphasized the potential of tokenization to merge conventional financial markets with blockchain technology. “We’re seeing firms like Superstate act as bridges between the two by taking traditional assets, creating a token, and moving them on-chain,” Leshner said. This shift is beginning to blur the lines between digital and traditional financial systems.

Emma Marriott, co-founder of Atomic, also noted the increasing demand for streamlined integration. “Consumers expect immediate and efficient transactions,” she said, pointing to Atomic’s role in enabling smooth transitions between traditional and digital asset platforms. “We’re helping firms expand their offerings to meet these expectations, whether they’re moving from crypto to traditional assets or vice versa.”

Driving Institutional Interest

Institutional players closely watch these developments, particularly how tokenized assets can enhance portfolio diversification and liquidity. Leshner explained how tokenization allows assets to be used across various decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. “We’re starting to see assets that began entirely within the crypto ecosystem now being joined by tokenized versions of traditional financial instruments,” he said.

Charlie Sandor, investment partner at CMT Digital, highlighted the broader implications of tokenization for financial efficiency. “Platforms like Coinbase are facilitating payment networks between off-chain and on-chain systems, demonstrating how these worlds are merging in ways that were unthinkable just a few years ago,” he said.

Regulation and Adoption

Panelists also addressed the regulatory hurdles that continue to shape the adoption of tokenized assets. Leshner acknowledged that while the potential is vast, compliance remains a critical challenge. “We’re at an early stage of understanding what open and autonomous financial markets look like,” he said, adding that creating frameworks that satisfy both traditional compliance standards and blockchain’s decentralized ethos is essential for future growth.

Marriott echoed this sentiment, pointing to the role of regulation in driving consumer trust. “As firms navigate these regulatory challenges, they’re building the infrastructure needed to make these systems more accessible and trustworthy for everyday users,” she said.

Looking Ahead

The panel concluded by focusing on what lies ahead for tokenization and its role in the financial ecosystem. Leshner predicted a rise in highly controlled and permissioned assets within DeFi platforms. “These systems will evolve to accommodate both traditional and decentralized markets, creating hybrid models that leverage the strengths of both,” he said.

With traditional and blockchain-based systems converging, tokenization is poised to transform how assets are managed, traded, and utilized. The panelists agreed that this transformation is just beginning, with 2025 expected to bring significant progress in integrating real-world assets into blockchain ecosystems.

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Photo by Corynn Egreczky.