Tokenized Assets and the Future of Post-Trade Infrastructure: The Strategic Imperative for Institutional Investors to Adopt Blockchain-Based Settlement Platforms

The post-trade infrastructure landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as institutional investors increasingly adopt blockchain-based settlement platforms for tokenized assets. This transformation is driven by a confluence of technological innovation, regulatory evolution, and market demand for efficiency. For institutional investors, the strategic imperative to integrate blockchain into their operational frameworks is no longer speculative—it is a competitive necessity.

Institutional Adoption: From Niche Experimentation to Mainstream Infrastructure

Blockchain’s adoption in institutional finance has accelerated beyond early-stage pilots. In the B2B payments sector, the global blockchain B2B payments market is projected to grow from USD 9.58 million in 2024 to USD 21.81 million by 2033, driven by a 10.83% CAGR [2]. This growth is underpinned by the demand for real-time settlement and transparency, with 72% of financial institutions reporting improved transparency after implementing blockchain [2]. Cross-border transactions using blockchain saw a 43% increase from 2023 to 2024, a trend amplified by the rise of stablecoins like USDC, which processed $415.09 billion in trading volume in July 2025 alone [4].

In supply chain management, blockchain’s role in enhancing traceability and reducing intermediation is equally transformative. Walmart’s collaboration with IBM to track food products—reducing tracking times from seven days to 2.2 seconds [1]—demonstrates how blockchain can address systemic inefficiencies. Similarly, JPMorgan’s Onyx division has launched a blockchain platform for wholesale payments using tokenized deposits and smart contracts, signaling a shift toward decentralized post-trade systems [1].

Tokenized Real-World Assets: A New Asset Class Emerges

The tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) is redefining institutional investment strategies. By 2024–2025, over $1.5 billion in RWAs had been tokenized, with treasuries and real estate leading the charge [3]. Platforms like RealT have tokenized $101 million in real estate properties, serving 16,100 global investors [3], while BlackRock and Franklin Templeton have launched blockchain-based platforms for tokenized fund issuance [1]. These developments are not merely experimental; they represent a fundamental reengineering of capital market infrastructure.

Tokenized assets offer institutional investors several advantages:
1. Liquidity: Fractional ownership enables previously illiquid assets (e.g., real estate, infrastructure) to be traded in real time.
2. Cost Efficiency: Smart contracts automate settlement, reducing counterparty risk and operational overhead.
3. Global Access: Tokenized assets can be traded across jurisdictions without the need for complex legal intermediation.

Regulatory Tailwinds and Institutional Confidence

Regulatory frameworks are evolving to accommodate blockchain’s integration into post-trade infrastructure. Singapore’s Project Guardian, a collaboration between JP Morgan Onyx, DBS, and regulators, has trialed tokenized government bonds and money-market funds on public blockchains [3]. The European Union’s DLT Pilot Regime similarly allows tokenized securities and bonds to be traded on distributed ledgers within sandboxed markets [3]. These initiatives signal a growing institutional confidence in blockchain’s compliance and auditability.

Moreover, the rise of blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) platforms—offered by cloud providers like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services—is lowering entry barriers for institutions [1]. By 2025, BaaS is expected to become a standard tool for firms seeking to tokenize assets without building proprietary infrastructure.

The Crypto Payroll Revolution: A Glimpse into the Future

Blockchain’s impact extends beyond traditional finance. By 2025, 25% of global businesses used cryptocurrency for payroll, with stablecoins like USDC dominating due to their compliance advantages [4]. This shift is driven by cost efficiency: international payroll costs are reduced by 95% when using crypto compared to traditional banking methods [4]. For institutional investors, the crypto payroll trend underscores blockchain’s potential to disrupt not just settlement but broader financial infrastructure.

Strategic Implications for Institutional Investors

Institutional investors who delay adoption risk being left behind in a market where blockchain is becoming the default infrastructure. Key strategic actions include:
1. Pilot Tokenized Asset Portfolios: Start with low-risk RWAs like treasuries or real estate to test operational workflows.
2. Partner with BaaS Providers: Leverage cloud-based blockchain solutions to reduce upfront costs.
3. Engage with Regulators: Advocate for frameworks that balance innovation with investor protection.
4. Invest in Talent: Build in-house expertise in blockchain analytics and smart contract auditing.

Conclusion

Blockchain-based settlement platforms are not a passing trend but a foundational shift in post-trade infrastructure. For institutional investors, the strategic imperative is clear: adopt blockchain to unlock efficiency, liquidity, and global access in an increasingly tokenized world. As the market matures, early adopters will reap disproportionate rewards, while laggards face obsolescence.

**Source:[1] Enterprise Blockchain Adoption and What's Next, [https://londonblockchain.net/blog/blockchain-in-action/breaking-the-chain-enterprise-blockchain-adoption-and-whats-next/][2] Blockchain B2B Payments Market Size, Trends | Report [2033], [https://www.marketreportsworld.com/market-reports/blockchain-b2b-payments-market-14721684][3] Real World Assets in 2025: Adoption, Regulation, and ... - Pivot, [https://blog.0xpivot.com/real-world-assets-in-2025-adoption-regulation-and-the-road-ahead-4478c4ceea55][4] 2025 Crypto Payroll Report: Global Adoption, Market Share ..., [https://www.riseworks.io/blog/2025-crypto-payroll-report]