Summary
- BlackRock suggests Ethereum is well-positioned to capitalize on the ongoing tokenization trend.
- The platform is becoming a preferred method for settling real-world assets.
- The firm also noted that stablecoins are increasingly showing practical economic utility.
BlackRock acknowledged Ethereum’s leadership in tokenization on Wednesday, dedicating a section of its
2026 thematic outlook
to discussing its potential influence on Wall Street.
The report speculated that Ethereum might serve as a “toll road” to blockchain-based markets, suggesting it
“could be poised to benefit” from institutional shifts involving entities from the
DTCC
to the New York Stock Exchange.
Currently, Ethereum is responsible for 65% of all tokenized assets. The report indicates that the proliferation
of stablecoins is surpassing spot cryptocurrency trading volumes, suggesting that tokenized assets might serve
purposes beyond mere speculation.
According to Jay Jacobs, U.S. Head of Equity ETFs at BlackRock and author of the report, if more firms turn
to Ethereum for representing real-world assets digitally, its value could increase. He stated, “If we see
more tokenized assets utilizing the Ethereum blockchain, it would ultimately benefit from increased trading activity.”
Jacobs emphasized the growing interest in “the convergence” where traditional markets and cryptocurrencies
are becoming more intertwined. He noted that BlackRock supports spot exchange-traded funds for digital
assets, reinforcing this trend.
Despite the interest, Jacobs pointed out several hurdles, including the need for regulatory clarity and the
establishment of supportive markets around tokenization technologies. He stated, “It’s early…but you need
to see the benefits of tokenization realized for investors and the trading community.”
