Institutional Investors Increased Tokenized Equity Trading
A survey of 200 institutions revealed widespread growth in the adoption of tokenized assets over the past year.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Investing
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Professional investors significantly boosted their involvement in tokenized equity trading throughout the last year. According to an August 2026 survey, 88% of respondents reported increased activity in this emerging asset class.
Why it matters
Investors are increasingly turning to tokenized equities for the promise of continuous market access and instant settlement. Lower transaction fees and fractional ownership models are also primary drivers behind this institutional shift.
On-chain trading volume for tokenized equities reached $3.86 billion in May 2026. A majority of 51% of institutional participants now trade these assets regularly, while 41% engage on an experimental basis.
The players
PureProfile
This research agency specializes in conducting large-scale consumer and institutional surveys.
Grand View Research
This market research firm provides long-term projections and data analysis for global industries.
The details
Institutional adoption is split, with half of the surveyed firms treating tokenized assets like traditional listed holdings, while the other half requires special exceptions or secondary approvals for such investments. Projections indicate the market is poised for significant expansion, with 65% of professionals expecting on-chain trading volumes to reach at least $10 billion by June 2027.
Timeline
May 2026: On-chain trading volume reached $3.86 billion.
August 2026: PureProfile conducted a survey of 200 institutional investors.
June 2027: Analysts project trading volumes could reach $10 billion.
2033: Global asset tokenization is projected to reach $24.5 trillion.
Market Dynamics
The recent rise in tokenized equity activity reflects a significant shift from traditional finance toward on-chain infrastructure. This transition follows the trajectory forecasted by Grand View Research, which expects the asset tokenization market to reach $24.5 trillion by 2033.
Institutional adoption of tokenized assets suggests a forthcoming move toward greater market efficiency and 24/7 trading availability for retail investors. As firms standardize these products, individual portfolio managers may gain access to the same settlement speeds and fractional ownership currently enjoyed by large funds.
The takeaway
Tokenized equities are transitioning from experimental pilot programs to standard components of professional investment strategies. Investors should monitor how the integration of instant settlement and reduced fees continues to reshape global asset management standards.
Further reading
For more information on current market trends, visit the Investing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Opalesque.
Live Poll
Would you consider buying fractional shares of companies through tokenized investment platforms?
