Tokenized assets poised for boom, Bitcoin steps into macro hedge role

January 13, 2026 (MLN):  The transformation of real-world assets into blockchain-based tokens is accelerating beyond theoretical discussions into mainstream financial infrastructure.

Tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) are forecast to surpass $500bn in total value locked by 2026, which represents a dramatic leap from approximately $35bn in 2025, according to a State of Crypto Market Outlook 2026 report.

This explosive growth, a more than 14-fold increase will be propelled by institutional adoption, yield-seeking capital, and the deployment of large-scale blockchain networks like Canton, which is expected to bring over $400bn in tokenized assets online in the near future.

Private Credit and Equities Lead Adoption

Private credit has emerged as the dominant use case, with platforms like Maple Finance, USD.AI, and Neutrl Finance bridging institutional demand with DeFi liquidity.

According to the State of Crypto report, tokenized credit funds may exceed $50bn in assets under management by 2026, a 150% increase with at least three $1bn+ vaults expected to secure investment-grade ratings from Moody's or S&P.

Tokenized equity markets, currently valued at approximately $700m, could balloon to over $10bn by the end of 2026.

Platforms like xStocks are already facilitating continuous trading for companies including OpenAI and SpaceX.

The report anticipates the first tokenized IPO settled entirely on a public blockchain by year-end 2026, accompanied by over $1bn in onchain secondary trading volume.

Bitcoin's Evolution Beyond the Four-Year Cycle

Bitcoin's traditional four-year halving cycle is losing its grip on market dynamics as the asset matures. With annual issuance now below 1% lower than gold's inflation rate Bitcoin is transitioning away from boom-bust patterns toward behaving like a global macro hedge.

While gold saw $50bn in net flows in 2025, Bitcoin attracted $20bn. ETFs, corporations, and sovereign entities have absorbed over six times the total Bitcoin mined in 2025, representing patient capital.

Since 2024, Bitcoin's decline from all-time highs has never exceeded 30%, compared to 60%+ corrections in previous cycles.

The report notes that structural inflows, macro realignment, and regulatory clarity now anchor the market.

Bitcoin could be positioned to reach new all-time highs in 2026, with broader markets potentially benefiting from improved liquidity and rising institutional participation.

Crypto ETPs Approach $400bn Milestone

After briefly touching $250bn in assets under management, the State of Crypto Market Outlook 2026 report projects that global crypto ETPs are on track to surpass the largest Nasdaq-100 ETF at $400bn by year-end 2026.

The SEC's generic listing standards opened the door for over 10 eligible assets including Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin, with over 120 ETP applications awaiting review by late 2025.

Globally, the UK lifted its retail ban, Luxembourg's sovereign fund allocated 1% to Bitcoin ETFs, and Pakistan and the Czech Republic are exploring national Bitcoin reserves.

Furthermore, stablecoin supply has exceeded $300bn, up tenfold over five years.

The State of Crypto report projects circulation will reach $1 trillion by end of 2026, a 3.3x increase.

DeFi, Digital Asset Treasury Companies, and Emerging Sectors

The report projects DeFi will exceed $300bn in total value locked by 2026, up over 130% from today's $130bn.

Digital Asset Treasury companies are expected to hold more than $250bn in crypto assets by end of 2026, up approximately 130% from roughly $110bn in 2025.

Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are expected to surpass $100bn in annual traded volume by 2026. Meanwhile, public token sales through platforms like Legion and Echo have revived the ICO spirit with compliance and institutional backing.

Legion facilitated over $30m across 17 launches, while Echo raised more than $200m across 351 startups before Coinbase acquired it for $375m in October 2025.

The convergence of tokenization, regulatory clarity, and institutional adoption signals a fundamental restructuring of global capital markets.

As traditional finance embraces blockchain rails, the distinction between conventional and crypto markets is increasingly blurring. From tokenized bonds settling instantly to prediction markets capturing real-world uncertainty, 2026 appears poised to mark the year when digital assets transition from alternative investment to core financial infrastructure.

The four-year cycle may be fading, but the structural transformation it set in motion is just beginning ushering in an era where programmable money, onchain assets, and decentralized finance form the foundation of a more accessible, efficient, and transparent global financial system.

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