BlackRock: Ethereum Is Anchoring Wall Street's Tokenization Race
BlackRock highlighted Ethereum's dominant role in asset tokenization, noting its potential to serve as a “toll road” for blockchain-based financial markets. The firm’s 2026 outlook states Ethereum underpins 65% of tokenized assets and stands to benefit as traditional financial institutions increasingly shift to blockchain technology. Adoption of stablecoins now surpasses spot crypto trading, signifying real-world utility for tokenized assets beyond speculation. Jay Jacobs, U.S. Head of Equity ETFs, suggests Ethereum could accrue value as more firms tokenize assets on its network, driving additional trading and issuance activity. BlackRock sees “the convergence” of traditional and crypto markets accelerating, evidenced by its leading Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs and interest in tokenized products like its $1.6 billion BUIDL fund. However, broader adoption depends on regulatory clarity and further market development to realize the full benefits of tokenization, such as instant settlement and round-the-clock trading. BlackRock believes investor and institutional interest is growing, but emphasizes that widespread innovation and tangible benefits for markets are still emerging.
