The US Needs a Competitive Moat Around Secure Tokenized Assets to Remain Relevant in Digital Finance

The United States needs to create a strong foundation of secure, highly competitive tokenized real-world assets to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital finance. Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov made this assertion during an interview with Cointelegraph’s Turner Wright at the 2025 Digital Asset Summit in New York.

Nazarov pointed out that blockchain technology is a global phenomenon, relying on open-source software and decentralized systems. This distinction separates it from earlier technological shifts, such as the development of internet infrastructure, which gave the US a temporary advantage due to its head start.

The Chainlink co-founder emphasized that the transition to online commerce does not apply in the age of digital finance. Nazarov stressed:

"The US really has to push its other two advantages – a very strong domestic market and the ability to create highly reliable financial assets. This is what I think the administration and people in the legislature are now starting to understand."

The shift towards tokenized real-world assets could potentially reach $100 trillion within the next few years, according to Nazarov’s prediction, as more global assets move onto blockchain platforms.

Tokenization of Real-World Assets: A Growing Trend

Real-world tokenized assets have witnessed significant growth in recent times. According to RWA.xyz, the total value of such tokens reached an all-time high of $18.8 billion in 2025, with private credit dominating the market capitalization at over $12.2 billion.

Tokenization can be a game-changer for previously illiquid assets, such as real estate, by increasing their liquidity and eliminating intermediaries. For instance, projects like Lumia Towers in Turkey demonstrate how tokenizing real-world assets can transform these sectors by fractionalizing ownership and reducing settlement costs.

The Real-Estate Overhaul: Tokenization Across the Globe

Tokenization is taking place not only in Turkey but also across other regions. The United Arab Emirates has witnessed a significant boom in tokenized real-world assets due to proactive digital asset regulations, attracting institutional investors and developers alike.

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