Tokenized stocks, tokenized ETFs! The year 2025 is showering us with quite a lot of stories about the tokenization of Real-World Assets (RWA). Now, the news comes: Ondo Global Markets debuts 100 tokenized US stocks and ETFs on Ethereum! xStocks brings 60 tokenized stocks on Ethereum!
Is tokenization becoming fruitful, or is it simply a trend worth watching? Why are several fintech and crypto platforms tokenizing equities and ETFs? Curious about how to invest in tokenized assets? Dive in with me to get the hidden pearls from the deep financial ocean.
Ondo does a great job of tokenization on-chain
On September 3, Ondo Global Markets, a tokenization platform created by Ondo Finance and the Ondo Foundation, was launched with its 100 tokenized US stocks and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) on Ethereum. As a company pioneering RWA tokenization, Ondo Finance has made a bold move amid the run towards tokenization.
Ondo’s tokenized assets are only for non-US investors
Usually, the US investors are exposed to accessing tokenized stocks or ETFs. Although Ondo is showcasing US stocks and ETFs, qualified investors in Europe, the UK, and Switzerland can only access these assets.
The reason: These tokenized assets are not registered under the US Securities Act of 1933. “They are offered and sold in the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom solely to qualified investors, and in Switzerland solely to professional clients.”
Notable tokenized stocks/ETFs: Apple, Nvidia, QQQ ETF, and more NYSE and NASDAQ-listed securities.
All the tokenized assets are fully backed and secured by US stocks and ETFs.
Supporting hands from every nook and corner
Ondo Global Markets made its dream happen with extensive support from multiple crypto platforms — Bitget Wallet, OKX Wallet, MEXC, CoinMarketCap, Trust Wallet, Chainlink, LBank, and more.
Big ambitions by 2025
The future stays sparkling for Ondo, with plans to expand its tokenized assets from 100 to 1,000 by year-end! The first is also looking ahead to integrate on Solana and BNB Chain.
How to apply for tokenized stocks on Ondo Global Markets?
Getting started with tokenized assets on Ondo’s platform requires following these processes:
- Create an account on Ondo Global Markets.
- Connect a crypto wallet for storing tokenized assets.
- Deposit crypto or stablecoins backed by the platform.
USDY or Ondo US Dollar Yield Token is Ondo’s native stablecoin. - Explore available stocks or ETFs.
- Buy tokens representing the shares of equities or ETFs you prefer.
How does tokenization work on Ondo?
- Buys real stock
Ondo Global Markets acquires the actual AAPL (Apple) or any other stocks or ETFs via a U.S.-registered broker‑dealer. - Safe custody
The acquired AAPL shares are kept with a regulated custodian. - Getting the token
Now, users can receive a fully backed 1:1 AAPLon token (Apple-Ondo), representing a share. - Swapping and minting
AAPLon tokens can be minted or swapped for stablecoins and vice versa. - Users can also transfer the tokens between wallets, use them as collateral, and deploy into DeFi pools 24/7.
Why is Ethereum the center point for tokenization?
Ethereum’s solid DeFi ecosystem fuels tokenization
Ethereum has mostly become the default hub for tokenization. And the reasons are simple, as you may know:
- Ethereum’s blockchain has large liquidity pools, integrations with wallets, custodians, and exchanges. The platform is also home to huge tokenized assets.
- Largest Decentralized Finance (DeFi) ecosystem – holds deepest smart contracts, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), liquidity mechanisms, and lending protocols.
- DeFi allows tokenized assets to be broken down into fractions of tokens. It also helps to swap for other tokens and stablecoins.
- Security and institutional confidence play an important role.
- Flexibility and 24/7 features combined in the DeFi ecosystem ease investment in tokenized assets.
But, Ethereum is not the endgame
Yes, Ethereum is not the only blockchain witnessing tokenized equity launches. Recently, competitors like xStocks (1:1 tokenized representations of real-world U.S. equities and ETFs) have launched on Ethereum with 60 equities. xStocks has also debuted on Solana, BNB Chain, and Tron blockchains. The total value of RWA tokenization on Solana has crossed $500 million, hitting a new all-time high.
Why is tokenization leading the charge in 2025?
Tokenization is much more than a technological upgrade. Putting traditional stocks on-chain brings in
- Global accessibility devoid og a traditional broker
- 24/7 trading unlike
- Fractional ownership, allowing anyone to buy a fraction of an asset with less money.
- Faster settlement when compared to the traditional 2 business days.
- Transparency and security over recording transactions.
Closing thoughts
Stocks are becoming digitized, making it easier for users to invest and earn profits. With the emerging tokenization trend, more investors are expected to cling to the wave, eyeing gains. While the concern over the tokenization of RWAs, like real estate, raises concerns — particularly around the so-called ‘liquidity paradox’—stocks and ETFs are positioned to remain highly liquid. As clear regulations are rolling out in several countries, the huge waves of tokenization are set to impact crypto firms, opening new opportunities for investors.
