Tokenized Real-World Assets Surge 13.5% Amid Crypto Market Decline
By John Nada·Feb 16, 2026·4 min read
Tokenized real-world assets see a 13.5% increase despite a $1T crypto market decline, reflecting growing institutional interest and resilience.
Demand for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) has surged 13.5% over the past month, even as the broader cryptocurrency market faced significant selling pressure. This trend highlights the resilience and growing institutional involvement in the sector, as more tokenized securities are brought onto public blockchains. The increase in value reflects both higher asset issuance and a rise in unique wallet addresses holding these assets, indicating expanding market participation.
As of mid-February, all major blockchain networks tracked recorded increases in tokenized asset value, with Ethereum leading the way at approximately $1.7 billion in net growth. Arbitrum and Solana followed with $880 million and $530 million, respectively. These figures represent the increase in total onchain value of tokenized assets issued or circulating on those networks, excluding stablecoins. The notable net growth in tokenized securities, such as US Treasurys and private credit, underscores the shift towards more stable yield-bearing instruments during this turbulent period.
Tokenized US Treasurys and government debt represent the largest category of RWAs, with over $10 billion in outstanding onchain products. During this period, flows into these instruments remained robust, while tokenized stocks and exchange-traded products also saw gains. This steady demand, especially from major institutions like BlackRock, JPMorgan, and Goldman Sachs, suggests deeper institutional engagement, as asset managers increasingly utilize public blockchains for the issuance and settlement of traditional financial products.
The increased interest in tokenized RWAs signifies a pivotal moment for the financial landscape. BlackRock's recent formal entry into decentralized finance (DeFi) through its USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund, which includes tokenized US Treasury products on Uniswap, illustrates how traditional financial giants are beginning to embrace blockchain technology. This move not only enhances liquidity options for institutional investors but also showcases the increasing recognition of the potential benefits of decentralized finance.
The ongoing growth in tokenized RWAs stands in stark contrast to the broader cryptocurrency market, which has lost roughly $1 trillion in value over the same period. The total crypto market has been under considerable pressure since October, with a sharp deleveraging event in derivatives markets contributing to a wider sell-off across digital assets. Factors such as fragile market sentiment and ongoing volatility have prompted investors to seek safer, yield-bearing assets, further driving interest in tokenized RWAs.
Interestingly, the trend towards tokenization is not just limited to government securities. Tokenized money market funds are evolving beyond mere yield vehicles, beginning to serve as collateral in certain trading and lending markets. This evolution highlights the versatility of tokenized assets and their potential to integrate more deeply into existing financial ecosystems. Major institutions like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs are not merely observers; they are actively participating in this innovative space, suggesting a long-term commitment to exploring the possibilities that tokenization offers.
Moreover, the growth of tokenized gold has been significant, accounting for 25% of RWA net growth in 2025 after a staggering 177% rise in market capitalization. This further demonstrates the diverse applications of tokenization beyond just government and corporate debt, as investors look to diversify their portfolios with alternative assets that retain intrinsic value.
As more institutions adopt these innovative solutions, the implications for liquidity and market structures could be profound. The integration of tokenized assets could lead to improved efficiency in trading, settlement, and custody processes, ultimately benefiting all market participants. The ability to tokenize real-world assets allows for fractional ownership, broadening access to a wider array of investors and reducing barriers to entry.
It is crucial for stakeholders to monitor these developments closely, as the tokenization of real-world assets could redefine traditional financial markets. The resilience of RWAs amid the broader cryptocurrency turmoil offers a hint of where the future of finance may be headed, with the potential for enhanced transparency, security, and efficiency in asset management.
As institutions continue to explore and implement tokenization strategies, the landscape of finance may witness a transformative shift. The growing institutional footprint in the RWA space not only reinforces the viability of blockchain technology but also positions tokenized assets as a cornerstone of future financial innovation. The evolution of these assets will be pivotal in shaping how we think about ownership, investment, and the movement of capital in the years to come.