(interesting. From Coinbase) Amid this turbulence, blockchain builders have continued their inexorable march forward, with the realm of real-world assets (RWA) emerging as a beacon of innovation and resilience. At its core, real-world asset tokenization creates an investment vehicle on the blockchain that is linked to tangible assets such as real estate or automobiles, or anything else that could exist in physical form. Once ownership is recorded onchain, the asset can be traded, fractionalized, or held securely. 5 Predictions for Real World Assets in 2024 As we step into 2024, here are seven RWA trends poised to reshape the financial landscape: 1. Stablecoins: The Bedrock of Programmable Money As Federal regulation looms, stablecoins – epitome of programmable money – are on the brink of transformative growth, fundamentally altering our perception of what currency looks like. In the US, two issuers dominate this space – Circle (which issues USDC as a multi-chain solution) and Paxos (which offers while labeled solutions such as Paypal’s PYUSD). Globally, stablecoins have ~$125B in market capitalization and form the foundational infrastructure layer that will power the value internet. Offering stability and flexibility, stablecoins are set to revolutionize global payments, remittances, e-commerce, trade finance, and more. 2. Tokenized Treasuries: Bridging Traditional and Decentralized Finance The true convergence of traditional finance and decentralized finance is embodied in tokenized treasuries. As risk-free short-term treasury yields have gone up from near zero at the beginning of 2022 to about 5.4% in October of 2023, companies like Franklin Templeton, Ondo, Backed, Maple, Open Eden, and Superstate have pioneered the tokenization of short-term US Treasuries and bank deposits. According to data token and analytics platform RWA.xyz, this new asset class now boasts a market capitalization of $700 million. Tokenized treasuries are tearing down barriers, offering new avenues for investment and financial inclusivity. 3. Private Credit: Empowering SMEs Through DeFi The private credit market, valued at $1trillion market in the US and $1.7 trillion globally, has long eluded small and medium enterprises. DeFi(DEFTF) lending protocols such as Centrifuge, Goldfinch, Credit, Maple, Huma, and others are changing the game and opening up the floodgates of access to debt capital from the public markets, the banking system and traditional private credit originators. Focused on specific industries or geographies, RWA.xyz currently estimates the market to have about $550M in active loans with a continuation of momentum in the coming months. 4. Backed NFTs: Revolutionizing Collectible Financing With yearly global sales of over $65 billion ($30 billion in the U.S. alone), it’s easy to see there is a lot of money in art. But traditional markets for art and collectibles lack liquidity and are burdened by exorbitant fees (auction houses often add 15-20% fees onto small-ticket items). The global collectibles market (coins, stamps, books, comics, art, toys, and more) is estimated to be around $400 billion and similarly lacks liquidity. Marketplaces like eBay(EBAY) and some smaller bespoke marketplaces cater to this industry, while lending options are generally restricted to pawn shops that have high rates. Luckily, decentralized protocols like 4K and arcade.xyz are shifting the paradigm. By bringing physical collectibles onto the blockchain, borrowing and lending against assets like Supreme T-Shirts and comic books have become reality. These initiatives democratize lending, making it accessible to collectors worldwide. 5. Consumer Brand NFTs: Elevating Customer Engagement Leading consumer brands, including Nike(NKE), Adidas(ADDYY), Louis Vuitton, and Coca-Cola among others, are embracing NFTs. From Starbucks(SBUX) on Polygon to Amazon's rumored private blockchain endeavors, brands are leveraging blockchain to enhance digital footprints, customer engagement, and entertainment experiences. Whether on public blockchains (Starbucks(SBUX) on Polygon) or private blockchains (rumors swirl around Amazon), by incorporating gaming and metaverse elements, these brands are shaping the future of consumer interaction. 6. DeFi(DEFTF) in Climate and Regenerative Finance Amidst growing ESG concerns, blockchain technology is catalyzing positive change in the $2 billion and growing carbon market. Companies like Flowcarbon are harnessing blockchain's potential to enhance transparency in this important market, which must see a 15-fold growth by 2030 to achieve the Paris Agreement’s goals. Blockchain's accuracy and transparency at every stage of the carbon lifecycle are integral in fostering a sustainable future. 7. Tokenized Deposits and Wholesale Bank Settlements: Revolutionizing Cross-Border Transactions Blockchain technology is reshaping the way banks handle tokenized deposits and wholesale settlements. While a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) may not be a pressing issue to solve in the U.S., especially if private issuers can be regulated at Federal or state levels, several banks are experimenting on blockchain technologies on tokenized deposits and wholesale intra or inter-bank settlements. Pilots by industry giants like Citi and J.P. Morgan Chase demonstrate the potential for instantaneous cross-border transactions. This area will continue to expand in the coming months, enhancing efficiency in global finance. These RWA trends herald a new era in finance, offering solutions to longstanding challenges. While their market capitalization may seem modest now, their transformative potential is immeasurable. Stablecoins, tokenized treasuries, decentralized private credit, physical backed NFTs, consumer brand NFTs, DeFi(DEFTF) in climate & regenerative finance, and tokenized deposits/wholesale bank settlements are not merely trends; they are the building blocks of a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable financial future. As we navigate 2024, these innovations will undoubtedly lead the way, unlocking unparalleled opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
The hype is absolutely mind-boggling NFTs ??? Haaaaaaaaaa Coinbase needs to keep the bubble machine going...... Almost time to short COIN !!!!
Don't forget "tokenized deposits" because the anonymous swiss account has been eliminated but governments are totally going to sit still on " tokenized deposits". All the counterparty risk of a bank deposit with all the computer security risks of a cryptocurrency!
Just give it time as it will essentially underperform every asset moving forward.. Bitcoin and crypto is nothing but fairytale money. It's make believe. And now with an etf at play they have another reason to say it's worth $40k It has zerooo intrinsic value .... And to think this will be the main form of payment in the future is just even more Santa clause and toothfairy shanningans!!
Yeah, never heard that before. As for zero intrinsic value - maybe so, but doesn't the same apply to fiat? Money that is inherently disinflationary, totally predictable in supply, not controlled by any government, unstoppable by governments, not confiscatable short of violence, has no counterparty risk, permissionless, trustless, totally accounted for transactionally, but essentially private, non-reversible, transferable globally within minutes, globally known, infinitely storeable, portable, fungible - Bitcoin has different problems, like high fees and very limited tx throughput, but these points are genuine value propositions to large numbers of the global populace. However, these issues are strongly ameloriated by off-chain tx's. Other cryptos completely overcome them, but have no market dominance or presence. Except ETH. Just because it isn't for you, doesn't mean that value is not for other people. I don't like drugs, but it's a big fking market!
Don’t you find it arrogant to know objectively bitcoin has outperformed every asset in the past but you “know” it will stop right now and it will now underperform going forward? Thats something.
It hasn't beat every asset. You're forgetting lotto tickets, winning NCAA brackets, horse track tickets, unopened packs of old trading cards, etc. There may even be a few publicly traded instruments that have done better. And that's only if you look at price appreciation. It's a non-productive asset. It produces nothing. The only money you can get out of it is money someone else puts into it. One of the funny things about all this is Bitcoin maximalists like to act all smug and point out the returns, but they never seem to point to a solid model that previously accurately predicted those returns and predicts them out into the future.