The Evolution of Real-World Asset Tokenization: From NFTs to Memecoin-Like Liquidity

Real-world assets (RWAs) have undergone a significant transformation this cycle, shifting from NFT-like structures to models resembling memecoins in liquidity dynamics. Tarun Chitra of Gauntlet highlighted this evolution on the Empire podcast, noting the improved composability and reduced infrastructure burden compared to earlier iterations. "The liquidity aspect was previously missing," Chitra observed, contrasting RWAs with NFTs’ standalone Stacks that faded as interest waned.

The discussion centered on private credit tokenization, featuring insights from Securitize’s Carlos Domingo and Apollo’s Christine Moy. This shift reflects broader institutional adoption trends, where tradable liquidity now takes precedence over the novelty-driven approaches of previous cycles.