Some tokens tied to U.S. stocks follow share performance without making their holders shareholders, illustrating how a blockchain-based product can differ from owning the underlying asset.
Tokenization uses digital tokens to represent conventional financial assets on blockchain networks. Treasurys, equities and money market funds are among the products in the broader effort to connect those networks with traditional finance.
An earlier EconoTimes account of the tokenized asset market put its global value at about $39.1 billion in early September 2026. U.S. Treasurys, corporate loans and money market funds made up about 61% of the total.
The distinction between a token and its underlying asset matters for certain U.S. stock-linked products: holders gain exposure to share performance without acquiring ownership in the company. Eligibility rules can also exclude some investors from tokenized U.S. Treasury and fund offerings.
South Korea has outlined a planned rollout of tokenized securities. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) said legal changes are scheduled to take effect Feb. 4, 2027, with private money market funds and bonds for institutional investors included in the first phase. The FSC is accepting comments on proposed implementation rules through Nov. 11.
