Tokenization has become one of those words that gets tossed around a lot in fintech circles, often next to terms such as “blockchain” and “Web3.” But beyond the buzz, something meaningful is happening. What we’re actually starting to see is a new digital framework for handling real-world value. This isn’t about futuristic coins or NFTs — it’s about turning everyday assets into something programmable and tradable, without needing an overhaul of how those assets are structured at their core.

The idea is simple but powerful: You take an existing financial asset — such as a loan, a share of real estate or a government bond — and create a digital version of it on a blockchain. Once that happens, that asset becomes easier to move, quicker to settle and more accessible to a broader range of investors. It’s not a new kind of value — it’s a new way of moving what’s already there.

Let’s break down where that’s starting to happen, and which markets