Last updated: February 21, 2026, 3:44 am
Introduction
The recent survey conducted in the fourth quarter of 2023 sheds light on the evolving landscape of Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization. As the market matures, issuers are increasingly navigating complex regulatory environments while striving to achieve capital formation. This report reveals that a significant majority of issuers are actively engaged in tokenization, despite facing regulatory challenges that could impact their rollout strategies.
With 69.2% of surveyed issuers currently operational and 84.6% indicating that regulatory friction affects their tokenization efforts, the findings underscore a critical moment for the industry. Understanding these dynamics is essential for stakeholders as they seek to leverage the potential of RWAs in a compliant manner.
Background & Context
The tokenization of real-world assets has gained traction as a method to enhance liquidity and democratize access to investment opportunities. However, the pace of adoption has been tempered by regulatory scrutiny across various jurisdictions. Issuers are tasked with not only developing innovative financial products but also ensuring compliance with existing legal frameworks.
This survey, conducted by Brickken, highlights the dual focus of issuers on capital formation and navigating regulatory landscapes. As the industry evolves, understanding the interplay between these factors will be crucial for future growth and sustainability.
What’s New
- 69.2% of issuers are currently operational.
- 84.6% report regulatory challenges influencing their tokenization strategies.
- Capital formation is prioritized over liquidity by most issuers.
- Increased interest in RWAs amid market volatility.
The survey results indicate a clear trend among issuers to prioritize capital formation. With the majority of respondents actively pursuing operational status, it is evident that the focus is shifting towards securing funding for projects rather than merely enhancing liquidity through tokenization.
Moreover, the high percentage of issuers acknowledging regulatory friction suggests that compliance is a significant barrier to broader adoption. This friction not only affects the speed of tokenization rollout but also shapes the strategies that issuers adopt in the current market environment.
Market/Technical Impact
The findings from the survey may have profound implications for the market dynamics surrounding RWAs. As issuers emphasize capital formation, there could be a shift in the types of assets being tokenized, with a potential focus on those that can attract investment more readily. This could lead to a diversification of the asset classes available in the tokenized market.
Technically, the emphasis on compliance may drive innovations in blockchain technology to better accommodate regulatory requirements. Solutions such as compliance-as-a-service platforms could emerge, enabling issuers to streamline their operations while adhering to legal standards.
Expert & Community View
Industry experts have weighed in on the survey results, emphasizing the importance of regulatory clarity for the future of RWAs. Many believe that a collaborative approach between regulators and issuers is necessary to foster an environment conducive to innovation while ensuring investor protection.
Community sentiment reflects a cautious optimism. While there is recognition of the challenges posed by regulatory frameworks, there is also a strong belief in the long-term potential of RWAs to transform traditional investment landscapes. Discussions in forums and conferences often center around best practices for compliance and the sharing of experiences among issuers navigating similar challenges.
Risks & Limitations
Despite the promising outlook, several risks and limitations persist. The regulatory landscape remains fluid, with potential changes that could further complicate compliance for issuers. Moreover, the focus on capital formation may inadvertently lead to a neglect of liquidity considerations, which are essential for attracting a broader investor base.
Additionally, the reliance on survey data may introduce biases, as the responses may not fully represent the entire spectrum of issuers in the market. The diversity of experiences and strategies among issuers could lead to varying interpretations of the survey findings.
Implications & What to Watch
The implications of this survey are significant for all stakeholders in the RWA ecosystem. Investors should closely monitor how issuers adapt their strategies in response to regulatory challenges and shifting market conditions. The focus on capital formation could lead to a new wave of investment opportunities, particularly in sectors previously deemed too risky or illiquid.
Looking ahead, it will be crucial to watch for developments in regulatory frameworks that could either facilitate or hinder the growth of RWAs. Engaging with industry groups and participating in dialogues with regulators may help shape a more favorable environment for tokenization.
Conclusion
The survey conducted by Brickken reveals critical insights into the current state of RWA issuers, highlighting their focus on capital formation amid regulatory challenges. With a significant number of issuers operational and actively navigating compliance issues, the landscape is poised for transformation. Stakeholders must remain vigilant and adaptive as the market evolves, ensuring that they are prepared for both opportunities and challenges ahead.
FAQs
Question 1
What is the primary focus of issuers in the RWA market according to the survey?
The primary focus of issuers in the RWA market is capital formation, as indicated by the majority of respondents in the survey.
Question 2
How does regulatory friction impact the tokenization rollout?
Regulatory friction impacts the tokenization rollout by creating barriers to compliance and influencing the strategies that issuers adopt, often slowing down the process.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research.













