BlackRock to Build Its Own Tokenization Tech Larry Fink Pushes “Next Generation” Finance
Why BlackRock Is Building Tokenization Tech
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Control & differentiation: Owning the stack gives BlackRock advantages over using third-party systems.
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Seamless integration: Tokenization can streamline settlement, compliance, and trading across its massive product universe.
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Future-proofing: If markets migrate to token-based rails, being early confers strategic power.
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Synergy with its crypto initiatives: BlackRock already has crypto ETFs and the BUIDL tokenized money-market fund, so building tech is a logical extension.
Still, transforming talk into tech is harder than it sounds. The challenges are numerous regulatory alignment, identity verification, custody security, interoperability, and liquidity. Tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs) is promising but still nascent.
What to Watch Next
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Will BlackRock adopt public or permissioned blockchains?
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How will regulators respond? These tokenized assets will still be subject to securities law.
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Which asset classes will BlackRock prioritize equities, bonds, real estate?
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Will this help or hurt liquidity in token markets? Many tokenized assets currently suffer low secondary trading.
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How soon will BlackRock deploy this in live products for investors?
FAQs
Q: Does BlackRock already have tokenized products?
Yes. BlackRock launched its BUIDL tokenized money market fund, which digitizes cash, Treasuries, and repos into tokens.
Q: Why does BlackRock want its own tokenization technology?
To control infrastructure, integrate tokenized assets seamlessly into its offerings, and gain competitive advantage if markets shift to token rails.
Q: Is tokenizing everything realistic?
It may take a while. Many assets today, especially RWAs, face low liquidity, regulatory uncertainty, and infrastructure gaps.
Q: Do tokenized assets still count as securities?
Yes tokenization doesn’t change the legal nature. Tokens tied to equities, bonds, or funds remain subject to securities and compliance laws.
Q: How will individual investors benefit?
Tokenization could enable fractional ownership, 24/7 markets, lower fees, and global access to previously illiquid assets.