Investment firms are increasingly exploring quantum computing, with BlackRock, HSBC and WealthRyse leading initiatives that combine quantum with artificial intelligence to enhance bond classification and algorithmic trading. However, the rise of quantum computing also poses significant security threats, particularly to current encryption methods, prompting regulators in Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK to urge financial institutions to prepare for post-quantum cryptography.

The market value of tokenized real-world assets has exceeded $20 billion, driven by significant growth in tokenized treasuries and the introduction of innovative funds. Securitize reports that the market grew from $5.5 billion at the start of 2025 to $18.2 billion by the end of the year, with tokenized treasuries doubling to $9 billion. Major milestones include BlackRock's BUIDL fund surpassing $1 billion in assets under management and VanEck's VBILL fund being integrated as collateral on the Aave platform.

Tokenized US Treasuries have experienced a dramatic 125% surge over the past year, growing from $3.95 billion in January 2025 to $8.86 billion by January 2026. This rapid expansion has positioned Treasuries as the anchor of the distributed real-world asset (RWA) market, with major institutions like BlackRock and JPMorgan leading the charge through products such as the BUIDL fund and MONY. These tokens are increasingly treated as programmable cash, automating interest payments and enabling peer-to-peer transfers.

The tokenization of asset classes is expected to become a major trend this year, says John D'Agostino, head of institutional strategy at Coinbase. D'Agostino likens tokenization to the shift from open outcry to electronic trading, noting that recording transactions on blockchain is faster, cheaper and more efficient.

Asset tokenization is a multifaceted concept that intersects financial market infrastructure, private law and distributed systems engineering, according to a study by the Blockchain Council. The study emphasizes the need for conceptual clarity, comparative analysis and grounding discussions in observed market behavior, and notes that tokenization is not a single market or technology but a family of arrangements with varying legal structures, governance and operational dependencies. The study also highlights the importance of legal enforceability as a constraint on the scalability of tokenized assets.

Digital assets are expected to see major growth this year, driven by regulatory clarity and increased enterprise deployment. Singapore and the UAE have been leaders in digital asset regulation, with the US considering the Clarity Act to further define market structure. Stablecoins are becoming a key bridge between fiat and decentralized systems, with transaction volumes rising. Tokenization is also gaining momentum, with traditional financial institutions exploring blockchain for asset management.

Digital bonds are gaining traction globally, with Europe leading a 260% growth in distributed ledger technology-based fixed-income issuance in 2024. However, liquidity remains a challenge, prompting some DLT platforms to offer dual listing of tokenized bonds. Regulatory support in regions such as the EU, the UK and Asia is bolstering adoption, with initiatives such as the UK's Digital Securities Sandbox and Hong Kong's government-backed tokenized issuances.

The CFTC has established the Innovation Advisory Committee to guide regulation of emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI. The committee, replacing the Technology Advisory Committee, aims to shape practical market regulations and includes industry leaders such as Gemini CEO Tyler Winklevoss and Intercontinental Exchange CEO Jeff Sprecher.