Real-World Assets’ Market Value Surges in 2025

In 2025, the real-world asset (RWA) sector reported a dramatic 300% increase in total value locked, primarily driven by institutional investment and improved regulatory clarity in the United States and Europe.

On-chain RWA value rose by $7.5 billion in early 2025, highlighting increased liquidity and mainstream adoption through tokenized treasuries and commodities.

U.S.-based investment firm BlackRock, with its BUIDL token , has notably taken a lead in the tokenized U.S. Treasury market. Ethereum remains the main platform for these transactions, supporting most of the RWA activity.

The integration of traditional finance assets into the DeFi ecosystem has revitalized interest and possibilities within the blockchain space. Institutions show growing confidence in using the technology, which has injected life into a sector previously defined by volatility. As noted in the CEX.IO Industry Report, 2025, “Real-world assets are no longer a side bet in DeFi — they’re becoming the main event. After adding $7.5 billion in on-chain value, the number of RWA holders has also crossed a key milestone, surpassing 100,000 addresses.”

Real-world assets are no longer a side bet in DeFi — they’re becoming the main event. After adding $7.5 billion in on-chain value, the number of RWA holders has also crossed a key milestone, surpassing 100,000 addresses.

Financial markets are experiencing noticeable shifts with this trend, as the tokenization push influences both DeFi product landscapes and trading volumes. The involvement of substantial entities like Franklin Templeton underscores the changing economic panorama.

Significant outcomes include the potential expansion of existing frameworks for asset exchanges, possibly optimizing liquidity pipelines globally. Historical trends support that regulatory clarity spurs growth, with the sector’s trajectory likely continuing its upward momentum.