DigiTalk Podcast EP60 Recap - The Future of Trading: 24/7 Access to Oil, Gold, and More with RWA Tokens

Introduction

This DigiTalk session explored how tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) are transforming access to global commodities like oil, gold, and private credit. With participants from Metafyed, 8lends, SUEDE AI, and AskDorris, the discussion focused on both the opportunities and structural challenges behind bringing traditional assets on-chain.

Rather than presenting RWAs as a replacement for traditional finance, the conversation emphasized a more realistic direction—one of integration, where blockchain improves accessibility, transparency, and efficiency while still relying on existing financial frameworks.

Q1. What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in bringing RWAs on-chain?

Metafyed

The biggest opportunity lies in opening access to asset classes that have historically been restricted, such as private credit. For decades, these markets have been dominated by institutions, while most retail investors—especially in regions like Asia—have never had exposure to them. Tokenization creates a gateway for global users to participate in real economic growth, rather than being limited to speculative crypto assets.

However, the challenge is structural. There is still a large educational gap, and many users do not fully understand these financial products. Beyond that, infrastructure remains immature, and regulatory barriers continue to limit access. Without solving usability, accessibility, and compliance, the full potential of RWAs cannot be realized.

8lends

The main opportunity is access. Tokenization removes intermediaries and allows users to invest in assets like gold or oil without needing brokers or large capital. It enables fractional ownership and improves transparency, which significantly lowers the entry barrier for global investors.

The challenge is trust and verification. Investors need to know who holds the underlying asset, how it is stored, and whether the token is truly backed 1:1. Without strong legal frameworks and reliable custody, the model cannot sustain itself. This makes RWAs not just a technical problem, but also a legal and operational one.

SUEDE AI

Tokenization introduces a more honest market structure by enabling real 1:1 asset backing. Unlike traditional systems that rely on layered exposure and synthetic liquidity, RWAs can reduce distortions and bring more transparency into how assets are issued and traded.

That said, early markets will face liquidity and volatility challenges, especially during low-activity periods. Building trust through audited systems, third-party custodians, and proper legal frameworks will be critical for long-term adoption.

Q2. How does 24/7 access reshape global trading dynamics?

8lends

24/7 trading removes one of the biggest limitations in traditional markets—restricted trading hours. Investors are no longer bound by geography or time zones, which allows for continuous participation and faster reaction to market events.

This creates a more level playing field globally. Users who previously had limited access can now participate in the same markets as institutional players, fundamentally changing how capital flows.

Metafyed

Continuous access allows capital to move more freely across regions, especially benefiting underserved markets. Investors in Asia or other regions can now access opportunities that were previously closed off due to structural barriers.

However, it also introduces new risks, particularly around liquidity during off-peak hours. Without sufficient participation, markets may experience volatility, making infrastructure and liquidity support even more important.

Q3. How can tokenized RWAs achieve strong liquidity?

8lends

Liquidity comes from integration with DeFi. When tokenized assets can be used as collateral, traded across decentralized exchanges, and included in yield strategies, they become part of a broader financial ecosystem rather than standalone assets.

This composability transforms RWAs into programmable financial tools. Instead of relying purely on buyers and sellers, liquidity can emerge organically from multiple use cases within the system.

SUEDE AI

Arbitrage will play a key role in stabilizing liquidity. As long as there are pricing inefficiencies across platforms or chains, arbitrage bots will step in to capture those opportunities, which naturally improves market depth and efficiency.

Over time, this creates a self-reinforcing cycle where liquidity attracts capital, and capital attracts more liquidity. Once markets reach a certain level of maturity, liquidity can scale rapidly.

Metafyed

Liquidity remains one of the hardest problems to solve. Many projects tend to oversell it, but sustainable liquidity requires real demand and integration into broader financial systems.

Without sufficient market participation and real economic backing, tokenized assets may trade at premiums or discounts, which undermines trust and adoption.

Q4. Can RWAs integrate with traditional finance?

Metafyed

Full replacement of traditional finance is unlikely, at least in the near future. Instead, we are more likely to see coexistence, where traditional systems adopt blockchain elements while Web3 builds parallel infrastructure.

Both systems have strengths—traditional finance offers stability and scale, while Web3 provides accessibility and efficiency. The future lies in combining these advantages.

8lends

Integration is already happening through hybrid models. By combining strong legal frameworks (such as those in Switzerland) with blockchain transparency, platforms can bridge the gap between traditional finance and Web3.

This approach allows RWAs to operate within existing systems while gradually introducing new technology.

AskDorris

RWAs are more likely to evolve as a separate financial niche rather than replacing traditional products like ETFs or stocks. Each system will have its own liquidity pool and user base, operating alongside each other.

Regulation will play a key role in shaping how these systems interact. Once regulatory clarity is established, it will determine how RWAs connect with traditional markets and scale adoption.

Q5. Will decentralized markets replace traditional systems?

Metafyed

Replacement is unrealistic in the short term. Many participants in Web3 underestimate how complex and deeply rooted traditional finance systems are.

Instead, competition between the two systems will drive innovation. Over time, the best elements from both sides will be combined into more efficient financial products.

8lends

The transition will be gradual. Some traditional instruments may become tokenized, but the existing system will not disappear overnight.

Coexistence and gradual evolution are more likely than disruption.

AskDorris

RWAs will likely form a parallel system rather than replacing traditional finance. The development timeline is still long, and adoption depends heavily on regulatory direction.

As the space matures, RWAs may grow into a distinct market with its own structure and liquidity.

Q6. What will drive mass adoption of RWAs?

Metafyed

Education and accessibility are critical. Many users still do not understand how these products work, which limits adoption.

Simplifying user experience and providing clear entry points will be key to onboarding a broader audience.

8lends

Trust and regulation will be the main drivers. Users need confidence that assets are properly backed and securely managed.

Without clear legal frameworks, large-scale adoption will be difficult to achieve.

SUEDE AI

Demonstrating real value is essential. Users need to see clear benefits, such as better access, efficiency, and transparency compared to traditional systems.

As these advantages become more visible, adoption will follow naturally.

Q7. What is the long-term outlook for tokenized RWAs?

Metafyed

RWAs have the potential to become a major part of global finance, especially in sectors like private credit that are currently underutilized in retail markets.

As access improves, these asset classes could see significant growth.

8lends

Tokenized RWAs are likely to become a foundational layer of future financial infrastructure, particularly as they integrate more deeply with DeFi systems.

Their role will expand as technology and regulation evolve.

SUEDE AI

In the long term, RWAs could redefine how assets are owned and traded globally. As markets mature and trust increases, they may become a standard part of financial systems.

However, this will require time, infrastructure, and continuous development.

Conclusion

Tokenized RWAs are not simply a new narrative—they represent a structural shift in how financial assets are accessed and utilized. While challenges around liquidity, trust, and regulation remain, the direction is clear: a gradual convergence between traditional finance and Web3.

Rather than replacing existing systems, RWAs are more likely to expand them—bringing new participants, new efficiencies, and new opportunities into global markets.