Core Insights - BlackRock identifies cryptocurrency and tokenized assets as significant investment themes shaping markets in 2026, alongside artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure [1][2] Investment Themes - The report emphasizes that cryptocurrencies like bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), and stablecoins are part of a broader list of themes driving market changes [2] - Tokenization is highlighted as a growing trend, representing real-world assets in digital formats, which is changing how investors access markets [4] Market Trends - The iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), BlackRock's spot bitcoin ETF, is noted as the fastest-growing exchange-traded product in history, with net assets exceeding $70 billion, indicating strong investor interest in bitcoin [3] - The Ethereum blockchain is recognized for its dominance in tokenized assets, holding over 65% of the market share, and is seen as a key player in the growth of tokenization [5] Broader Implications - The inclusion of crypto and tokenized assets in the report suggests that BlackRock views them as part of transformative "mega forces" affecting economies and portfolio management [6] - The report indicates a shift towards mainstream acceptance of blockchain technologies, with potential for modernizing financial infrastructure [7]

Everyone says tokenization is being held back by regulation, custody infrastructure, or institutional conservatism. But I don't think that's true. The technology works. Assets settle perfectly onchain. Yields are competitive, ranging from safe US Treasury bets at 3% up to 10% for riskier instruments. Compliance frameworks exist. Custody solutions from reputable providers are live. But even with all that working smoothly, institutional adoption is only moving forward at a fraction of what its speed could ...

Core Insights - The NYSE's announcement of a new platform for tokenized securities marks a significant moment for blockchain technology, indicating its mainstream acceptance [2] - There is a strong likelihood that Congress will pass legislation to integrate crypto services into the financial system, suggesting a future where equities are tokenized and regulated [3] - Despite the optimistic outlook, there are doubts about the NYSE's ability to maintain its dominance in the evolving financial landscape, similar to AT&T's experience in the late 1990s [4] Group 1 - The NYSE's announcement is filled with hype but lacks specific details regarding its plans for tokenization, raising questions about its seriousness in the blockchain space [5] - Key unanswered questions include which blockchains and stablecoins the NYSE will support, the programming languages and token standards it will adopt, and the jurisdictions it will serve [6] - The NYSE's plans are pending regulatory approvals, and the lack of detailed information is particularly concerning given the complexities involved for a major exchange [7]

Partnership brings compliant institutional grade market infrastructure to support a secondary market for GLDYLOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Streamex Corp. (“Streamex”) (NASDAQ: STEX), and tZERO Group, Inc. (“tZERO”), leading innovators in blockchain-powered tokenization infrastructure, are joining forces to support secondary trading of GLDY, a soon-to-be-launched, gold-linked tokenized security, on tZERO’s SEC- and FINRA-regulated alternative trading system (ATS). The collaborat ...

Core Viewpoint - NewGenIVF Group Limited is advancing its tokenization strategy by appointing Joshua Chu as Senior Counsel and engaging Evident Capital to support the launch of its inaugural tokenized bond issuance of up to USD 30 million, aimed for completion by Q1 2026 [1][2][5] Group 1: Tokenized Bond Issuance - The first tranche of tokenized bonds will have subscriptions of up to USD 30 million, with a tentative closing scheduled for Q1 2026, depending on market conditions and regulatory requirements [2] - The issuance aims to create a repeatable, institution-grade framework for future tokenized financings by the Group [2] - The Company is preparing to tokenize bond issuances linked to its UAE real estate project, enhancing capital efficiency and diversifying its funding base [3] Group 2: Strategic Leadership and Partnerships - Daniel Siu, Director of Business Development, has been pivotal in shaping the Group's strategic real-asset opportunities and tokenized financing initiatives [4] - Joshua Chu is recognized as a leading lawyer in Web3 law, with a track record in digital service and tokenized legal instruments, which is expected to aid in designing compliant tokenized bond structures [6] - Evident Capital provides an institutional-grade tokenization platform, offering end-to-end support for issuers, including legal coordination and compliant distribution [7] Group 3: Financial Transformation and Growth Strategy - The tokenized bond program is projected to increase total assets and capital commitments by approximately USD 28 million in Q1, positioning the Group for accelerated growth through 2026 [5] - The strategy aims to connect real-world assets with next-generation capital markets through tokenization, while minimizing dilution for existing shareholders [8][9] - The UAE real estate project is a cornerstone of the diversification strategy, showcasing the potential of tokenized financing for high-quality, differentiated assets [8][9]

Core Insights - Blockchain technology has the potential to accelerate global GDP by reducing the "friction tax" in payments, settlement, recordkeeping, and ownership verification [1] - The adoption of blockchain can lead to economic expansion through faster capital velocity, a larger investable universe, and improved infrastructure for a digital, AI-enabled world [1] Group 1: Institutional Adoption - Major institutions are increasingly implementing on-chain infrastructure, with the New York Stock Exchange planning to launch a tokenized securities platform for 24/7 trading of U.S. equities and ETFs, pending regulatory approval [2] - This integration of blockchain into core systems by market operators aims to capture new opportunities and mitigate disruption [3] Group 2: Economic Impact - The initial economic impact of blockchain will manifest through faster capital velocity, enabling around-the-clock markets and near–T+0 settlement, which can reduce trapped collateral and counterparty risk [4] - This will free up balance sheets, allowing the same pool of capital to support more real economic activity [4] Group 3: Tokenization and Asset Liquidity - Over time, tokenization can broaden the investable universe by making it feasible to issue, trade, and finance currently illiquid or complex assets, including traditional securities and new asset classes linked to the digital economy [5] - Tokenization refers to the conversion of real-world assets into blockchain-based tokens [5] Group 4: Alignment with Digital Economy - Blockchain technology is well-suited for an increasingly digital, AI-driven economy, as automation increases machine-initiated transactions [6] - The always-on, programmable nature of blockchain supports the rising demand for real-time settlement, authentication, and auditability at scale [6]

Core Insights - The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and its parent company, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), are developing a blockchain-based platform for 24/7 trading of tokenized US equities and ETFs, pending regulatory approval [2] - Tokenized securities, which are digital representations of traditional assets, promise faster trade execution and greater liquidity, with projections of $30 trillion in tokenized assets by 2034 [3][4] Group 1: NYSE Developments - NYSE plans to operate its fully electronic exchange, Arca, for 22 hours a day on weekdays, while Nasdaq seeks regulatory approval for 23-hour trading with a short maintenance pause [4] - The initiative aims to support tokenized securities as part of ICE's strategy for on-chain market infrastructure [2] Group 2: Market Implications - Analysts express uncertainty about the real advantages of 24/7 trading, suggesting it may lead to marginal activity rather than significant trading benefits [3] - Concerns have been raised regarding lower liquidity and higher volatility during non-standard trading hours, as well as regulatory challenges associated with tokenized assets [5] Group 3: Industry Participation - Major firms like BlackRock, WisdomTree, and Franklin Templeton are beginning to tokenize money market funds and mutual funds, while platforms like Robinhood and Kraken have tokenized hundreds of US stocks and ETFs for foreign investors [7]

Company Performance - Bitmine Immersion Technologies Inc. (NYSEAmerican:BMNR) experienced a decline of 9.37 percent, closing at $28.24 per share, amid overall market pessimism due to renewed tensions between the US and the European Union [1] - The company raised its Ethereum holdings to 4.2 million tokens after acquiring 35,268 tokens last week [3] - Bitmine Immersion invested $200 million in Beast Industries, a company owned by vlogger MrBeast, positioning itself as a significant player in the creator-led platform space [5] Market Context - President Donald Trump threatened to impose 10 percent tariffs on goods from eight countries, which could escalate to 25 percent if no deal is reached by June 1 [2] - The European Union announced plans to retaliate with $108 billion in levies on American goods, contributing to market uncertainties [2] - The uncertainties led to a wait-and-see approach among investors, impacting global markets [3] Industry Insights - The price ratio of Ethereum to Bitcoin (ETHBTC) has been steadily increasing since mid-October, indicating investor recognition of Ethereum's potential in tokenization and other use cases being developed by Wall Street [4]

Core Insights - Hong Kong is set to issue its first batch of stablecoin issuer licenses in Q1 2025, aiming to enhance its position as a regional hub for digital assets amid global competition [1][8] - The approach to crypto regulation in Hong Kong is described as "responsible and sustainable," with a focus on building a comprehensive digital asset ecosystem [2][3] Regulatory Framework - The stablecoin licensing regime, established in 2025, includes strict requirements for fiat-referenced stablecoin issuers, focusing on reserve backing, redemption rights, governance, and risk management [4][8] - The Securities and Futures Commission has already licensed 11 virtual asset trading platforms, including notable operators like OSL, HashKey, and Bullish [5] Digital Finance Strategy - Stablecoins are positioned as a key component of Hong Kong's broader digital finance strategy, which includes regulated stablecoin issuance, licensed trading platforms, and tokenized financial products [3][8] - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority launched a pilot project in November 2025 to test real-value transactions using tokenized deposits and digital assets, involving major banks and asset managers [6] Industry Concerns - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Professionals Association has raised concerns that tighter virtual asset management rules may deter traditional asset managers due to increased compliance costs [7]

Core Insights - The combined market capitalization of stablecoins and tokenized funds on the Avalanche blockchain has increased by approximately 70% from January 2024 to January 2026, rising from around $1.2 billion to over $2 billion [1][2]. Group 1: Stablecoins - Stablecoins are designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to assets like the U.S. dollar, distinguishing them from volatile cryptocurrencies [3]. - The use of stablecoins for cross-border payments and settlements is increasing, as they trade 24/7, unlike the traditional banking system which is inactive on weekends and holidays [4]. - The total stablecoin market cap has grown significantly, from under $135 billion in mid-January 2024 to over $310 billion in mid-January 2026 [5]. Group 2: Tokenized Funds - Tokenized funds represent digital ownership of various funds, such as money market funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), on a blockchain network [6]. - The rise in tokenized funds on Avalanche is part of the broader trend of digital asset adoption in the financial sector [1].