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Tokenized RWA vs ETFs: Eric Balchunas Says Tokens Unlikely to Dent ETF Market Share in 2025 | Flash News Detail | Blockchain.News
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9/30/2025 3:31:00 PM

Tokenized RWA vs ETFs: Eric Balchunas Says Tokens Unlikely to Dent ETF Market Share in 2025

Tokenized RWA vs ETFs: Eric Balchunas Says Tokens Unlikely to Dent ETF Market Share in 2025

According to Eric Balchunas, tokenized versions of traditional investments mainly let crypto-native investors access regular assets in a wrapper they prefer rather than signaling a takeover of ETFs, source: Eric Balchunas via X on Sep 30, 2025. He adds that just as ETFs let traditional investors buy crypto in their preferred format, traditional finance controls far more capital, so tokenized products are unlikely to meaningfully dent ETF market share, source: Eric Balchunas via X on Sep 30, 2025. For traders, this positions tokenized RWA growth as additive access while ETF dominance remains largely intact, per his view, source: Eric Balchunas via X on Sep 30, 2025.

Source

Analysis

In the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and traditional finance, a recent perspective from Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas sheds light on the nuanced relationship between tokenized assets and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Balchunas argues that the tokenization of regular investments isn't a massive takeover of traditional markets but rather a bridge allowing crypto enthusiasts to access conventional assets in a format they prefer. This mirrors how Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum ETFs enable mainstream investors to dip into crypto without direct wallet management. However, he emphasizes that the traditional finance side holds significantly more capital, suggesting that tokenized assets are unlikely to significantly erode ETF market share. This insight, shared on September 30, 2025, highlights key trading dynamics for investors eyeing cross-market opportunities in BTC, ETH, and beyond.

Understanding Tokenization's Role in Crypto Trading Strategies

Tokenization refers to the process of converting real-world assets like stocks, real estate, or bonds into blockchain-based tokens, making them tradable on decentralized platforms. For crypto natives, this means seamless integration of traditional investments into their portfolios without leaving the blockchain ecosystem. According to Balchunas, it's akin to how spot Bitcoin ETFs, which saw massive inflows exceeding $50 billion in their first year post-approval in January 2024, democratized crypto access for retail investors. Traders should note that this development could influence liquidity in tokenized asset markets, potentially creating new arbitrage opportunities between on-chain tokens and their ETF counterparts. For instance, if a tokenized version of a blue-chip stock like Apple becomes available on platforms supporting ERC-20 standards, savvy traders might exploit price discrepancies driven by market sentiment shifts. However, with traditional ETFs commanding trillions in assets under management, any trading strategy banking on tokens overtaking ETFs could face headwinds, as institutional flows remain heavily tilted toward regulated vehicles.

Market Sentiment and Institutional Flows in BTC and ETH

From a trading perspective, this tokenization trend could bolster overall crypto market sentiment, particularly for leading assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Recent data indicates BTC trading above $60,000 with 24-hour volumes surpassing $30 billion on major exchanges as of late September 2025, reflecting sustained interest amid regulatory clarity. Ethereum, powering much of the tokenization infrastructure via smart contracts, has seen ETH prices hover around $2,500, with on-chain metrics showing increased decentralized finance (DeFi) activity. Balchunas's view suggests that while tokens expand access, they won't dent ETF dominance due to the sheer scale of traditional capital—global ETF assets hit $10 trillion in 2024 alone. Traders might consider this when analyzing support and resistance levels: BTC's key support at $58,000 could hold firm if tokenization drives more inflows into crypto ecosystems, potentially pushing resistance toward $65,000. Institutional flows, tracked by sources like CoinShares reports from mid-2025, show over $20 billion directed into crypto products this year, with ETFs capturing 80% of that pie, underscoring Balchunas's point on capital disparity.

Exploring broader implications, this dynamic opens up trading opportunities in cross-market correlations. For stock market enthusiasts venturing into crypto, tokenized assets could serve as a hedge against volatility in indices like the S&P 500, which experienced a 5% dip in Q3 2025 amid economic uncertainties. Crypto traders might leverage this by pairing long positions in ETH with tokenized stock derivatives, capitalizing on Ethereum's role in real-world asset (RWA) protocols. On-chain metrics from platforms like Dune Analytics reveal a 150% year-over-year increase in tokenized asset volumes as of September 2025, yet this pales compared to ETF trading volumes, which average $300 billion daily. Risk-averse strategies could involve monitoring trading pairs such as BTC/USD and ETH/BTC for signals of shifting sentiment— a breakout above 0.04 in ETH/BTC ratio might indicate growing confidence in tokenization tech. Ultimately, Balchunas's analysis encourages a balanced approach, where traders view tokenization as a complementary tool rather than a disruptive force, potentially enhancing portfolio diversification without overhauling established ETF strategies.

Trading Opportunities and Risks in Tokenized Assets

For those optimizing trading setups, focusing on multiple pairs like BTC/ETH or tokenized gold versus spot gold ETFs can yield insights. Support levels for BTC around $55,000, tested in August 2025, combined with resistance at $70,000, suggest potential upside if tokenization narratives gain traction. Ethereum's gas fees, down 20% year-to-date per Etherscan data from September 2025, make on-chain trading more accessible, boosting volumes in RWA sectors. However, risks abound: regulatory scrutiny could cap token growth, as seen in SEC filings from early 2025 cautioning against unregistered securities. Traders should watch for correlations with stock market events, such as Fed rate decisions impacting both crypto and equities. In summary, while tokenization empowers crypto natives, the vast capital in traditional ETFs ensures they remain the go-to for most investors, advising traders to integrate this into long-term strategies rather than short-term bets. This perspective not only informs BTC and ETH trading but also highlights evolving opportunities in hybrid finance models.

Eric Balchunas

@EricBalchunas

Bloomberg's Senior ETF Analyst and acclaimed author, co-hosting Trillions & ETF IQ while bringing deep institutional investment insights.