BlackRock Is Reportedly Boarding the Tokenized ETF Train

Core Insights - BlackRock is preparing to bring exchange-traded funds (ETFs) onto the blockchain, reflecting a broader industry trend towards digitization [1][2] - Tokenization of ETFs could revolutionize trading by allowing shares to be traded outside of market hours and increasing access for international investors [2][3] - The move is driven by rising retail demand for digital assets, with BlackRock's existing tokenized money market fund, BUIDL, managing around $2 billion in assets [3][4] Group 1 - BlackRock's initiative to tokenize ETFs is seen as an inevitable step in the industry's shift towards digital assets [1][2] - Current tokenized products include a tokenized money market fund by Franklin Templeton and a tokenized digital mutual fund by WisdomTree, but no tokenized ETFs are yet available on major exchanges [2] - Tokenization is expected to enhance operational efficiencies for issuers and broaden access for retail investors, similar to the decentralization seen in Bitcoin [3] Group 2 - BlackRock's spot bitcoin ETF, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), has attracted $87 billion in assets since its launch last year, indicating strong market interest in digital asset products [4] - The tokenized fund BUIDL, which also launched last year, currently manages approximately $2 billion in assets, showcasing BlackRock's commitment to digital liquidity solutions [4]