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$13 t asset manager highlights ethereum’s dominance in tokenization

$13T Asset Manager Calls Ethereum the Key Player | 65% of Tokenized Assets in 2026 Outlook

By

Emily Zhang

Jan 23, 2026, 08:19 AM

3 minutes reading time

A graphical representation of Ethereum's dominance in tokenization, showcasing 65% of total tokenized assets, with vibrant visuals symbolizing digital finance and asset management.

A top asset manager with $13 trillion under management has labeled Ethereum the "toll road" for asset tokenization, highlighting its dominance as host to 65% of all tokenized assets, according to their latest thematic outlook. This bold statement has stirred discussions about Ethereum's potential within the evolving crypto space.

Ethereum's Credibility in the Market

The emphasis on Ethereum's credibility stems from its strong network effect. As one commentator noted: "Institutions don’t need the faster chain; they need the most credible settlement, deepest liquidity, and strongest security assumptions." This reflects a growing consensus among financial players where Ethereum's established infrastructure is viewed as a competitive advantage over faster alternatives.

Layer 2 Solutions: The User Layer

People are closely watching layer 2 (L2) solutions as a way to enhance Ethereum's scalability. The conversation is shifting towards whether these L2s can capture significant value through settlement demand and transaction fees. Some express skepticism, pondering if the rise of L2s may dilute Ethereum’s fee capture: "Will L2 fragmentation dilute it?" Discussions like these suggest a clear divide among prescribers and cautious observers about the future profitability of Ethereum's transaction model.

A Turning Point for Tokenization?

As countries and institutions begin to embrace Ethereum for tokenization, some speculate that "more than 70% of real-world assets (RWA) could be on Ethereum starting this year." This optimism is palpable but tempered by past disappointments; many have noted that tokenization has been the "next big thing" for several years, with actual implementation lagging.

Insights from the Community

A diverse range of opinions shows a mix of anticipation and skepticism in the community:

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This sentiment indicates that while many remain excited about Ethereum’s prospects, there’s a tinged caution among those who have watched these promises unfold slowly.

Key Highlights

  • 🔑 65% of tokenized assets are on Ethereum according to the asset manager report.

  • 💬 "Big names endorsing ETH is nice, but execution matters," is echoed by numerous commentators.

  • 📈 Institutions are reportedly starting to favor Ethereum for real-world asset tokenization, forecasting a potential rise above 70%.

With the crypto market continuously evolving, Ethereum's role as a critical player in asset tokenization will warrant ongoing scrutiny. The coming months will likely reveal if these projections hit the mark or become another example of unfulfilled expectations.

The Road Ahead for Ethereum

As 2026 unfolds, many experts predict practical implementations of tokenization on Ethereum will gain momentum, with a potential increase to over 70% of real-world assets on the platform. There’s a strong chance that institutional interest will spike, driven by the network’s reliability and security. This is likely to occur due to Ethereum's established credibility and the growing demand for secure digital asset management. If layer 2 solutions can enhance transaction speed and efficiency without diluting Ethereum's core, it may attract further investments and innovations within the ecosystem.

Resilient Innovations in History

A striking parallel can be drawn with the rise of GPS technology in the 1990s. Initially, skeptics questioned its utility, while early adopters saw its potential to revolutionize navigation. Over time, GPS became indispensable, even as it faced challenges and delays in widespread acceptance. Much like how Ethereum is navigating its potential in asset tokenization, the journey of GPS underscores the importance of patience and consistent innovation amidst skepticism. Both technological advances faced early doubts but ultimately transformed their respective fields, hinting at a similar path for Ethereum in the coming years.