Core Viewpoint - The rise of Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization is challenging traditional financing models, such as IPOs and REITs, by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and democratizing access to assets [3][4][5]. Group 1: RWA Tokenization Advantages - RWA tokenization automates issuance, trading, and settlement processes through smart contracts, significantly shortening financing cycles and enabling 24/7 trading with near-instant settlement (T+0) [4]. - By reducing reliance on traditional intermediaries like investment banks, RWA tokenization simplifies the issuance process and lowers ongoing management and compliance costs [4]. - The ability to split ownership and income rights lowers investment barriers, allowing broader participation in the market [4][5]. Group 2: Theoretical Foundations - RWA tokenization aligns with Ronald Coase's theorem, which states that low transaction costs enable efficient resource allocation regardless of initial property rights [5]. - Traditional financial markets face high transaction costs that hinder efficient resource allocation, which RWA tokenization aims to overcome [5]. Group 3: Current Trends and Challenges - RWA tokenization is gaining momentum globally, with major financial institutions and tech companies exploring various asset classes for tokenization, including real estate, bonds, and intellectual property [6]. - Despite its potential, RWA tokenization faces regulatory and market infrastructure challenges that need to be addressed for it to become a mainstream financing model [6]. Group 4: Historical Context and Risks - Historical financial crises, such as the 2008 global financial crisis, highlight the risks associated with financial innovation, where complex products obscured underlying asset quality [7][8]. - RWA tokenization, while promising, could replicate past mistakes if underlying assets are of poor quality, leading to the creation of "digital lemons" [8][11]. Group 5: Essential Conditions for RWA Tokenization - Successful RWA tokenization requires assets to generate predictable cash flows, ensuring that financing is based on sustainable value rather than speculation [9][12]. - The quality of underlying assets is crucial; without reliable cash flows, tokenization efforts may lead to financial instability [9][12]. Group 6: Standards for RWA Projects - RWA projects must meet three core standards: predictable cash flows, clear ownership rights, and transparent information disclosure to protect investor interests [18][19][20]. - Legal frameworks must ensure that investors have enforceable rights over the underlying assets, and that the tokenization process adheres to regulatory requirements [19][20]. Group 7: Responsible Issuance Practices - RWA tokenization issuers should prioritize financial risk management and investor protection, ensuring thorough due diligence and compliance with legal standards [23][24]. - A responsible issuer views itself as a trustee for investors, focusing on asset quality and long-term value rather than short-term gains [25].