Tokenized Stocks Surge 220% in July Driven by Growing Investor Confidence

Tokenized stocks experienced a 220% surge in July, capturing market attention with their resemblance to the early DeFi boom of 2020–2021 [1]. The real-world asset (RWA) tokenization sector, which includes tokenized equities, reached a market capitalization of $370 million by the end of the month, with Exodus Movement (EXOD) shares contributing the majority of the value at $260 million [1]. Excluding this single asset, the sector’s market cap still rose to $53.6 million, reflecting a sharp increase in broader investor interest [1].

The rapid adoption was underscored by a dramatic rise in the number of blockchain addresses holding tokenized stocks, increasing from 1,600 in June to over 90,000 in July [1]. This surge in on-chain activity signals growing confidence among investors in the benefits of tokenized equities, including 24/7 trading, commission-free transactions, and the ability to transfer assets freely [1]. These features distinguish tokenized stocks from traditional counterparts and position them as more accessible and efficient instruments for a global investor base.

Binance Research noted that if just 1% of the global equity market were tokenized, the sector could reach a $1.3 trillion market cap—eight times the size of the DeFi market at its peak [1]. The report emphasized that tokenized equities may be approaching a major inflection point in the transition toward hybrid financial systems that blend traditional and blockchain-based assets [1]. The growth parallels the early DeFi boom in terms of pace and enthusiasm, when total value locked (TVL) grew from $1 billion to $100 billion in under two years [1].

Kraken and Bybit have already launched tokenized stocks on their platforms, with projects like Solana’s xStocks offering exposure to blue-chip companies such as Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft [1]. These products are designed not merely to replicate traditional financial instruments but to redefine them, leveraging blockchain’s advantages to create a more dynamic and inclusive financial system [1]. Mark Greenberg, global head of Kraken’s Consumer Business Unit, stressed that tokenized equities must feel like the internet—always on, self-directed, and globally accessible [1].

While the market is still in its early stages, the performance of tokenized stocks in July indicates strong foundational support driven by actual trading volumes and investor behavior [1]. Analysts, however, caution that long-term success will depend on continued innovation, regulatory clarity, and the performance of the underlying assets [1]. Unlike speculative forecasts, the recent surge is backed by concrete market data, signaling that tokenized stocks are not just a passing trend but a potential catalyst for mainstream blockchain adoption in finance [1].