Regulators Signal Tokenization of Real-World Assets and On-Chain Market Infrastructure
US regulators are signaling that tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) and on-chain market infrastructure may become the next major shift in financial plumbing.
CFTC Chair Michael Selig argued at the US Treasury Market Conference that markets should prepare for 'mass tokenization', positioning RWAs as a foundation for faster settlement and real-time collateral movement.
The CFTC has submitted a regulatory action covering crypto asset transactions and markets for White House review, but it remains in the 'prerule' stage.
The SEC is also advancing tokenized market mechanisms, including through targeted permission structures rather than waiting for broad rulemaking. The agency granted a temporary 'Innovation Exemption' for tokenized US stock trading on September 17.