Bitcoin Breaks Records - RWA Joins The Game

When bitcoin flirts with unprecedented highs, the spotlight once again shines on the crypto universe. This spectacular rebound, fueled by ETFs and growing institutional adoption, coincides with the emergence of another phenomenon: the tokenization of Real World Assets (RWA). These hybrid instruments, halfway between traditional finance and Web3, attract a new wave of investors seeking stability and diversification.

Why Are RWAs So Attractive to Investors?

RWAs are real-world assets (real estate, gold, bonds…) represented by tokens on the blockchain. This innovation allows access to investments previously reserved for a minority.

In 2025, this market exploded: +260% in six months. Market capitalization rose from $8.6 to $23 billion. The reason? A favorable context: rising rates, banking credit crisis, attraction to stable returns.

Investors find several advantages here:

• Regular income, through real estate rental or bond coupons;
• Lower entry capital, thanks to fractional investment;
• Better regulatory clarity, with leading projects registered or recognized by authorities;
• Potential decorrelation from volatile crypto markets, as RWAs are linked to the real economy.

Added to this is a more mature infrastructure. Platforms like Centrifuge, Ondo, or RealT have gained notoriety and legitimacy. Their offering, backed by tangible assets, appeals to both curious newcomers and seasoned investors. RWAs are no longer a DeFi gimmick, but an emerging pillar of on-chain finance.

Diving Into the Main Families of RWA Assets

Since 2023, initiatives have multiplied to allow everyone to invest in RWAs. Here are the main categories to know.

Tokenized Real Estate: RealT and Real Estate in Pieces

Tokenized real estate is the most intuitive segment. RealT, a pioneer in the sector, offers to buy fractions of rental properties in the United States via ERC-20 tokens. Each token entitles holders to a share of the collected rents, paid in USDC.

With investments starting at $50, accessibility is maximized. Everything is regulated, with a legal structure through local LLCs. Gross yields can range from 8 to 12% annually, depending on the properties. A strong example of finance made accessible through blockchain.

Bonds and Treasury: Ondo, Credefi and Treasury Bills

For cautious investors, tokenized bonds offer stability and returns. Ondo Finance tokenizes U.S. Treasury bills as digital assets (OUSG, USDY…). These tokens generate a net yield close to 5%, accessible without going through a traditional broker.

Credefi goes further by offering loans backed by European companies, combining traditional risk analysis and execution via smart contracts. This is a mix between private bonds and DeFi, with an estimated return between 8 and 12%.

Receivables and Factoring: Centrifuge and RealT Tokenize Invoices

Factoring or commercial receivables financing also finds its place on the blockchain. Centrifuge, in partnership with Aave or MakerDAO, enables SMEs to tokenize their invoices or leasing contracts. RealT also offers this service.

Investors advance cash in exchange for stable returns, with yields up to 13%. This model opens access to an asset class once reserved for banks or specialized funds.

Commodities: Digital Gold with Paxos Gold and Tether Gold

Owning gold without a safe or carrier? Now possible. Paxos Gold (PAXG) and Tether Gold (XAUT) allow holding an ounce of gold backed by a physical bar stored in a secure vault.

These tokens, compatible with Ethereum standards, trade like any crypto asset. Gold retains its safe-haven status, and these digital versions make it liquid, portable, and easier to integrate into a Web3 wallet.

Tokenized Stocks and ETFs: Backed Finance Replicates the Stock Market

The latest trending category: tokenization of stocks or ETFs. Backed Finance offers tokens like bCSPX (equivalent to an S&P 500 ETF) or bAAPL (Apple). These assets replicate the performance of listed securities but are accessible without securities account or complex KYC.

Holders do not directly own the stock but an economic representation. The benefit? Fast, fractional exposure, usable as collateral in the DeFi ecosystem.

Three Tips to Get Started Well with RWAs

The RWA universe is still young. Here are some best practices to avoid pitfalls:

• Aim for transparency: prefer projects publishing audits, with a visible team and clear regulatory framework;
• Diversify your investments: don’t put all your money in real estate or gold. Combine bonds, stocks, and factoring to smooth risk;
• Keep an eye on liquidity: some tokens trade little or are locked for some time. Always check if quick resale is possible.

Also remember tax issues, which vary by your country of residence. Finally, like any digital asset, RWAs depend on blockchain infrastructure: a secure wallet and vigilance are essential.

RWAs are not just a fad. They reshape the decentralized finance landscape, one asset at a time. RealT is a perfect example, making real estate investment as simple as a few clicks. We conducted an R2E quest in partnership with the project, which you can explore if you want to learn more about the project while earning rewards. As tools mature, the lines between traditional finance and crypto blur, opening a world of opportunities for today’s investors.