BlackRock and Tokenization: The Bridge Between Crypto and Traditional Finance

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BlackRock and Tokenization: Bridging Crypto and Traditional Finance

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager with $10 trillion under management, is leading a silent revolution that may transform the global financial system: the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA). In 2025, the company not only adopted blockchain technology but is actively building a bridge between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi).

What is Tokenization?

Tokenization is the process of converting ownership rights of a real-world asset (such as properties, stocks, bonds, commodities) into digital tokens on a blockchain. Each token represents a fraction of the underlying asset and can be traded, transferred, or used as collateral.

How Does Tokenization Work?

The tokenization process:

1. Real-world asset (e.g., a $10 million building)
2. Legal structuring (SPV, trust, etc.)
3. Token issuance (10 million tokens at $1 each)
4. Registration on blockchain (ethereum, Polygon, etc.)
5. Distribution (sale to investors)
6. Secondary market trading (exchanges, DEXs)

Advantages of Tokenization

1. Fractionation: Expensive assets become accessible
2. Liquidity: Illiquid assets become liquid
3. Transparency: Ownership registered on blockchain
4. Efficiency: Lower transaction costs
5. Programmability: Smart contracts automate processes

BlackRock and the Tokenization Revolution

Recent History

2023:

• March: BlackRock announces interest in tokenization
• June: Partnership with Coinbase for crypto custody
• August: Launch of BUIDL (tokenized fund)

2024:

• January: Bitcoin ETF approved (IBIT)
• March: BUIDL reaches $500 million AUM
• June: Ethereum ETF approved
• September: Expansion of BUIDL to Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche

2025:

• January: BUIDL surpasses $1.5 billion AUM
• March: Launch of real estate tokenized fund
• June: Partnership with Securitize for large-scale tokenization
• November: Announcement of in-house tokenization platform
• December: BUIDL reaches $2.1 billion AUM

BUIDL: BlackRock's Tokenized Fund

BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL)

Characteristics:

• Launch: March 2024
• Current AUM: $2.1 billion (December 2025)
• Yield: 4.5-5% per annum (equivalent to T-Bills)
• Minimum: $5 million (institutional)
• Blockchains: ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, Arbitrum, Optimism
• Token: BUIDL (ERC-20)
• Asset: 100% in US Treasury bonds and cash

How BUIDL Works

1. Investor deposits USD
2. Receives BUIDL tokens
3. Tokens earn daily interest
4. Can redeem at any time (T+1)
5. Can use BUIDL as collateral in DeFi

Growth

• March 2024: $100 million
• June 2024: $500 million
• December 2024: $1.2 billion
• June 2025: $1.8 billion
• December 2025: $2.1 billion

Projection: $10 billion by the end of 2026

Partnerships

• Coinbase: Crypto custody and infrastructure
• Securitize: Large-scale tokenization and compliance
• Circle (USDC): Integration with stablecoins and liquidity
• ethereum Foundation: Development of standards and scalability
• Chainlink: Oracles and data off-chain

Impact on RWA Market

Total RWA Tokenized (December 2025):

• $12.5 billion
• Growth: +285% in 2025
• Projection 2026: $50-80 billion
• Projection 2030: $10-16 trillion (BCG)

Distribution by Category:

• Private titles: $5.2 billion (42%)
• Public titles: $3.8 billion (30%) - BUIDL leads
• Real estate: $2.1 billion (17%)
• Commodities: $0.8 billion (6%)
• Others: $0.6 billion (5%)

Key Players:

Why BlackRock is Dominating:

1. Credibility: Largest asset manager in the world ($10 trillion AUM)
2. Scale: Unlimited resources
3. Expertise: Sophisticated risk management and compliance
4. Timing: Entered the market at the right time (2023-2024)
5. Vision: Long-term commitment to tokenization

Use Cases for Tokenization:

1. T-Bills (BUIDL)
2. Real estate
3. Private titles
4. Commodities
5. Ações tokenizadas

Integration with DeFi:

1. BUIDL as collateral
2. Yield stacking
3. Liquidity and market trading

Regulation and Compliance:

1. Framework for regulation
2. KYC/AML
3. Auditoria
4. Transparency and reporting

Benefits of Regulation:

1. Protection for investors
2. Confidence and trust
3. Access to capital
4. Legitimacy and growth

Challenges and Risks:

1. Uncertainty in regulation
2. Slow adoption
3. Technological risks (bugs, hacks)
4. Limited liquidity in some assets
5. Complexity and legal risks

Conclusion:

BlackRock's entry into tokenization is not an experiment, but a long-term strategic bet that is:

1. Legitimizing blockchain for institutions
2. Building a bridge between TradFi and DeFi
3. Accelerating the adoption of RWA
4. Transforming the global financial system

For Investors:

1. Historic opportunity in RWA
2. Exposure via DeFi protocols (Aave, Ondo)
3. Infrastructure blockchain (Polygon, Chainlink)
4. Exchanges and custody (Coinbase)

For the Crypto Market:

1. Institutional validation
2. Growth of TVL
3. New use cases
4. Maturity of the ecosystem

Next Steps:

1. Follow the growth of BUIDL
2. Monitor the launch of new BlackRock products
3. Evaluate opportunities in RWA protocols
4. Prepare for the era of tokenization

BlackRock is not only participating in the blockchain revolution, but leading it. The future of finance will be tokenized, and BlackRock is building that future now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. What is BUIDL from BlackRock? BUIDL (BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund) is a tokenized fund that invests 100% in US Treasury bonds and cash, offering 4.5-5% APY. It is the largest tokenized fund in the world with $2.1 billion AUM.

2. How can I invest in BUIDL? BUIDL is restricted to qualified institutional investors with a minimum of $5 million. Retail investors can have indirect exposure via DeFi protocols that accept BUIDL as collateral or by investing in related tokens (ONDO, AAVE).

3. What is tokenization of assets