Wall Street Faces $80 Billion Shift with ‘Tokenization of Everything’
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is embarking on a significant transformation as it introduces a tokenized securities platform. This innovative venture aims to provide 24/7 trading, instant settlement, and stablecoin-based funding specifically for U.S. equities and ETFs.
NYSE’s Tokenization Initiative: Key Details
The NYSE’s project marks a major shift in the traditional finance landscape. As part of this initiative, BNY Mellon and Citigroup are collaborating with ICE, NYSE’s parent company, to support tokenized deposits across its clearinghouses.
Lynn Martin, President of NYSE Group, emphasized the importance of this advancement, stating, “We are leading the industry toward fully on-chain solutions, grounded in unmatched protections and high regulatory standards.”
The Emergence of Tokenization in Finance
This move is not an isolated incident. Tokenization is gaining traction across various asset classes, indicating a broader industry trend. For instance, Streamex Corp (NASDAQ: STEX) plans to launch a yield-bearing gold token designed to provide annual returns of up to 4% to investors.
- Target Market: $22 trillion gold market.
- Launch Timeline: Expected within weeks.
In cultural assets, Devin Finzer, CEO of OpenSea, highlighted the potential for tokenization to encompass diverse markets, including prediction markets, on-chain stocks, and collectibles.
Market Growth and Projections
According to RWA.xyz and Bernstein, the real-world asset tokenization market currently sits between $18 billion and $37 billion. Bernstein forecasts that this market could double to roughly $80 billion by the end of 2026.
| Entity | Market Segment | Valuation |
|---|---|---|
| BlackRock’s BUIDL Fund | Tokenized Treasury Securities | $2.5 billion+ |
| Securitize | Tokenization Platform | $1.25 billion valuation |
Factors Driving Change
The recent advancements in the finance sector can be attributed to two main drivers: regulatory clarity and the rise of stablecoins. The GENIUS Act, which passed the Senate with a vote of 68-30 in June 2025, provided a more structured federal framework for stablecoins.
In addition, the SEC’s DTC no-action letter initiated a pilot program for tokenizing equities, ETFs, and fixed-income securities. Without these developments, the NYSE’s announcement may not have been possible.
The Shift Towards Shared Financial Infrastructure
As traditional financial institutions adopt crypto infrastructure, firms like Circle and Securitize are transitioning into the public markets. Over 150 new digital asset treasury companies emerged in 2025 alone, according to Alex Tapscott of CMCC Global.
This evolution is paving the way for a blurred line between traditional finance and cryptocurrency, both leveraging shared technological foundations.
What This Means for Investors
The implications of these changes will be tangible for everyday investors. Trading will eventually expand beyond traditional hours, allowing for real-time transactions and immediate settlements. For instance, Streamex’s GLDY product enables investors to earn yields while holding gold investments.
- Current Trading Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern.
- Future Trading Model: 24/7 trading with instant settlement.
This transformation parallels the shift from floor trading to electronic markets seen in the 1990s and 2000s. As the financial landscape evolves, the focus will increasingly shift from asset ownership to user experience.
The Impending Competitive Landscape
As both traditional financial institutions and crypto-native companies vie for dominance in this new era, it will be crucial to understand that the infrastructure war has concluded. The real competition lies in delivering the best user experience on top of these integrated financial systems.
In summary, Wall Street is on the brink of an $80 billion shift, driven by the tokenization of various asset classes. Both sectors must adapt to this reality to thrive in the future financial landscape.
