- Tokenised traditional assets listed on major crypto exchanges have expanded almost fivefold since January 2025 as exchanges diversify beyond digital assets.
- Investor demand has shifted from precious metals towards US stock perpetual futures, making equity-linked products the market’s leading segment.
- Competitive pressure from decentralised exchanges and traditional brokerages is encouraging crypto platforms to broaden their product offerings.
Crypto exchanges are increasingly adding tokenised traditional financial assets as competition from decentralised platforms and established brokerages reshapes the industry, according to new research.
The report showed the combined market capitalisation of tokenised traditional assets listed across six leading cryptocurrency exchanges increased from US$1.4 billion (AU$2.03 billion) in January 2025 to US$6.6 billion (AU$9.57 billion) by June 2026. These products include tokenised exposure to US equities, commodities, precious metals, global indexes and foreign exchange markets.
Related: CoinFund’s David Pakman Says Crypto Still Has a Tokenomics Problem
From Gold to Growth Stocks
Precious metals led the market’s early expansion before attention shifted towards US equity products. By mid-2026, US stock perpetual futures generated more trading volume and open interest than precious metals, with investor demand centred on semiconductor companies and anticipated IPOs.
According to the report, perpetual futures account for the overwhelming share of trading activity, while spot trading remains limited. The preference for derivatives reflects demand for leveraged products and enables exchanges to list contracts without issuing or taking custody of the underlying tokenised assets.
The findings suggest exchanges are broadening their product ranges to strengthen customer retention as market competition intensifies. Pressure is coming from decentralised exchanges as well as traditional brokerages expanding into digital assets, creating greater convergence between blockchain-based trading platforms and conventional financial services.
Related: Nansen CEO Bets AI Trading Agents Will Outnumber Human Traders Within Two Years
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