Blockchain tokenization is rapidly changing how people define, store, and move money, extending far beyond traditional fiat currencies like the US dollar. According to Kraken’s head of consumer, Mark Greenberg, tokenization allows virtually any asset to function as money, enabling faster transfers, broader access, and more flexible savings options across global platforms.
Speaking with CNBC, Greenberg explained that the concept of money is no longer limited to local currencies. With tokenization, individuals can hold value in assets such as Bitcoin, tokenized stocks, stablecoins, or even commodities like gold, all within a single digital ecosystem.
Tokenized Assets Are Expanding How People Save and Trade
Kraken’s xStocks offering is one of several tokenized stock products launched this year as crypto exchanges move beyond pure cryptocurrency trading. Competitors like Coinbase and Gemini have also entered the space, offering tokenized equities and prediction market products to attract a wider user base.
Greenberg noted that Kraken’s tokenized stocks, which are currently unavailable in the United States, have already attracted more than 80,000 wallets and generated approximately $14 billion in trading volume since launching in the second quarter of the year. This growth highlights strong demand for blockchain-based alternatives to traditional investment platforms.
Data from RWA.xyz shows that nearly $415 billion worth of real-world assets are already tokenized on-chain. Looking ahead, Boston Consulting Group estimates this figure could grow to $16 trillion by 2030, while McKinsey & Co offers a more conservative projection of $2 trillion over the same period. Together, these forecasts suggest tokenization could become a major pillar of global finance.
Faster Transfers and Instant Settlement Drive Adoption
One of the biggest advantages of tokenization is how easily assets can move between platforms. Greenberg pointed out that transferring equities between brokers in countries like Canada can take weeks or even months. In contrast, crypto-based assets can be transferred between exchanges such as Coinbase and Kraken in seconds.
Tokenization also enables near-instant settlement of equity transactions, addressing inefficiencies in traditional securities systems that have remained largely unchanged for decades. This improvement could significantly reduce costs, counterparty risk, and settlement delays for investors worldwide.
Other major financial platforms are also pursuing tokenization strategies. Robinhood is focusing on tokenizing private company shares such as OpenAI and SpaceX, while Coinbase is building a real-world asset tokenization platform aimed at institutions as part of its broader vision to create an “everything app.”
As tokenization continues to evolve, industry leaders believe it could fundamentally reshape how money, assets, and value move across the global financial system.
