For years, crypto's promises were mostly digital dreams — intangible tokens, speculative trading, and faraway visions of decentralization. But in 2025, a new (but not so new) player has been making waves across the industry: Real-World Assets (RWA).

What was once a niche corner of blockchain experimentation is now turning into one of the most tangible narratives in crypto — so much so that at TOKEN2049 Singapore, you could practically see the RWA trend taking physical shape. Multiple projects showcased their real-world asset integrations, signaling that tokenizing the tangible might just be the next frontier for Web3 adoption.

What Is RWA, Really?

RWA, or Real-World Assets, refers to the tokenization of physical or traditional financial assets — like real estate, gold, treasury bills, invoices, art, and even luxury goods — into digital tokens on the blockchain.

In simple terms, RWA bridges the gap between the digital and physical economy. It allows investors to trade, fractionalize, and manage assets that were once reserved for institutions or high-net-worth individuals, all with blockchain transparency and efficiency.

Why RWA Is Suddenly Everywhere

The concept isn't new, but its momentum is. As DeFi markets mature and traditional yield opportunities shrink, investors are searching for stable, real-backed value — and RWAs deliver exactly that.

Recent data from leading blockchain analytics firms show a surge in tokenized U.S. Treasury products, stablecoin reserves tied to short-term bonds, and platforms enabling fractional ownership of property or commodities. Major protocols like MakerDAO, Ondo Finance, and Centrifuge have already paved the way, showing that RWA can sustain DeFi yields without relying on speculative trading.

Even institutions are taking note. BlackRock's entry into tokenized funds and the rising number of RWA-focused startups signal a growing convergence between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi).

The Good, the Bad, and the Tangible

The advantages are hard to ignore:

• Stability: Real-world assets anchor blockchain economies with real collateral.
• Accessibility: Fractional ownership lowers the entry barrier for retail investors.
• Liquidity: Tokenization brings 24/7 global liquidity to traditionally illiquid markets.
• Transparency: On-chain records enhance traceability and accountability.

However, it's not without controversy. Some people think RWAs go against what crypto was meant to be — decentralized and free from middlemen. Since real-world assets still need banks, lawyers, or companies to manage and verify them, it raises questions like: Who's making sure these assets are real? Who's in charge if something goes wrong? And at the end of the day, can something truly be“decentralized”if its value still depends on a company or legal body in the real world?

RWA Takes the Stage at TOKEN2049 Singapore

The RWA momentum was on full display at this year's TOKEN2049 Singapore, where several emerging players proudly showcased their ventures into tokenized real-world assets.

Ju.com / XBrokers

Dr. George Lam, former Cyberport Chairman and now Honorary Chairman of the RWA Institute, says Hong Kong needs to take real action on real-world assets (RWA) — treating it as new financial infrastructure that lowers costs and makes investing more accessible. It’s not about buzzwords, but about rebuilding how finance works.

Ju.com, with over 50 million users in 30+ countries, is already moving in this direction through its partnership with xBrokers. By using standardized disclosures and a T+1 return system, they've shortened the usual fundraising time from 6–12 months to just 2–3 months, and cut costs to around 2–3% — a big win for small and medium-sized businesses seeking global investors.

1:1 Real Stock Custody + On-Chain Verification

Stocks are actually held through licensed brokers (“real”shares) and simultaneously there is on-chain verification. This means investors can prove ownership via the blockchain while still using traditional regulated financial infrastructure.
Standardized Disclosure Templates

Key status changes and asset info are disclosed in a standard format. This helps with transparency and allows verification/auditing more easily.
Dividends + Dual-Yield / Staking Incentives

Investor returns come from two sources: traditional dividends (as a shareholder), plus incentives (e.g. through staking) for holding the tokenized asset. This is designed to encourage longer-term holding and stability in the secondary market.
Reserve or Buffer Pool Mechanism

They have a “buffer pool” or reserve fund component to protect investor rights in more extreme or volatile cases. This is meant to assure smoother redemption, dividend payments, or risk isolation.
Dual Settlement / Dual Capital Channels

Investors can use fiat currency or stablecoins (e.g. USDT, USDC) to participate in some offerings, which lowers barriers for cross-border investors.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Control

The design embeds several compliance features:

• Using licensed brokers, ensuring KYC/AML checks.
• Independent custody of actual shares.
• Transparent risk disclosure, audit, and use of on-chain proof to reduce trust risk.

BIGOD

Unlike typical RWA tokens, BIGOD makes gold personal, digital, and ready for DeFi.

Bingold has rolled out BIGOD, a new digital token that brings together the stability of physical gold and the power of decentralized finance (DeFi). Think of it as a hybrid: not quite a stablecoin, and not just a utility token—BIGOD is a real-world asset (RWA) backed by 24-karat gold.

Each BIGOD token is anchored by actual gold stored in secure, audited vaults. That means its value isn't just based on hype—it has tangible metal to support it. BIGOD is built on the Binance Smart Chain (BEP-20 standard). Its maximum total supply is capped (about 2,500,000 tokens), so there's scarcity built in.

While BIGOD has been in planning for about four years, it only“soft launched”in December last year. They are also not trying to skirt rules. It aims to stay on the right side of regulation, with plans to list or establish operations in Singapore, according to BiGod's external advisor. Currently, Bingold has a presence in Dubai and Hong Kong.

All-in-one digital asset benefits:

• Gold-backed security — your investment has real gold behind it.
• On-chain verification — you can check records of ownership transparently via blockchain.
• Staking rewards — holding BIGOD in certain ways gives you rewards over time.
• DeFi utility — you can use it in DeFi applications (e.g. transferring, trading, etc.).
• Fast global transfers — digital tokens move quickly across borders.
• Long-term wealth preservation: — gold historically holds value over long terms; this token combines that with digital convenience.

The gold reserves are stored in audited insured vaults, and there is a“proof-of-reserve”mechanism in place so that token holders can see that the gold backing does indeed exist. Also, the smart contract has undergone security audits. For example, the contract was audited by Certik as of mid-2025.

Also, you don't need to buy a whole gold bar. BIGOD allows fractional ownership, meaning even smaller investors can participate without large minimums.

NEWBIT

Unlike traditional luxury goods, Newbit is bringing high-end items into the digital age. Founded in Hong Kong, the company is celebrating its 15th anniversary on November 5th this year. Originally in the insurance industry, Newbit has pivoted to tokenize premium physical products—such as Rimowa-style luggage, Da Hong Pao tea sets, and premium domestic alcohol—into digital assets. Their goal is to offer consumers a way to invest in and own a piece of luxury, all through Web3 technology.

Beyond luxury goods, Newbit is building a full digital asset ecosystem that integrates blockchain, cryptocurrency management, and real-world commerce. Key initiatives include:

• Digital Asset Physical Chain Trading: Users can trade cryptocurrencies and directly exchange them for physical products, creating a seamless link between virtual and real worlds.
• UNImall & UniGo.Shop: Online-to-offline platforms where users can spend digital assets on premium goods, with blockchain ensuring transparency and supply chain traceability.
• Community-Driven Platform: Through a“trade-to-mine”model, token holders can earn rewards, participate in governance, and share platform revenue, encouraging co-creation and shared success.
• Digital Restaurant in Singapore: A blockchain-enabled restaurant where users can reserve tables, order, and pay with digital assets, while improving efficiency and personalizing service.
• Health & Wellness Applications: Digital assets are used for medical, fitness, and nutrition services, allowing secure purchases, crowdfunding, and improved user data management.

With offices in Taiwan for tech development and Singapore for operations, Newbit is expanding globally, boasting 17 branches, including an exchange in Turkey. Their RWA products aim to provide fractional ownership of high-quality items, allowing individuals to represent their best selves digitally.

Disclaimer: Coinlive is not promoting, endorsing, or providing financial advice regarding any digital assets mentioned. All content is for informational purposes only. Readers should conduct their own research and make independent decisions before engaging in any financial or investment activities.