BlackRock’s Larry Fink Says Asset Tokenization Could Expand Access While Bitcoin May Serve as an Alternative

• BlackRock plans to digitize ETFs and traditional assets to broaden investor access.

• BlackRock holds $13.5 trillion AUM and reports $104 billion in crypto assets, about 1% of its portfolio.

• Asset tokenization market estimated over $2 trillion in 2025, projected to exceed $13 trillion by 2030 (Mordor Intelligence).

BlackRock tokenization: BlackRock moves to digitize ETFs and traditional assets to expand investor access and integrate crypto, with funds and teams focused on tokenized cash products — COINOTAG analysis.

By COINOTAG | Published: 2025-10-15 | Updated: 2025-10-15

How is BlackRock approaching tokenization of assets?

BlackRock tokenization is being positioned as a long-term strategic initiative to digitize traditional financial instruments—ETFs, bonds, equities and real estate—to increase accessibility and retain investors within a digital ecosystem. CEO Larry Fink frames this as a multidecade opportunity to onboard crypto-native and new retail investors into conventional long-term products.

What is the BlackRock BUIDL fund and how does it relate to tokenization?

BlackRock’s BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) is the firm’s largest tokenized cash market fund, launched in March 2024 and reported at $2.8 billion in size. BlackRock’s broader position includes $13.5 trillion in assets under management and roughly $104 billion allocated to crypto-related assets (about 1% of AUM), indicating measured but meaningful exposure.

Executives told investors during the latest earnings remarks that teams across the company are exploring tokenization opportunities, from tokenized ETFs to digitized fixed income and real estate instruments. Market research from Mordor Intelligence places the asset tokenization market at over $2 trillion in 2025 with projections to exceed $13 trillion by 2030, underscoring the anticipated scale.

Source: Nate Geraci

Frequently Asked Questions

How will tokenized ETFs affect investor access and fees?

Tokenized ETFs can lower friction for small and digital-first investors by enabling fractional ownership and 24/7 trading on certain platforms. They may reduce some distribution costs, but regulatory frameworks, custody solutions and market-making infrastructure will determine actual fee impacts and liquidity outcomes.

Can I expect tokenized assets to be safer than current crypto products?

Tokenized assets represent traditional instruments in digital form and often carry underlying regulatory protections of the original product, though safety depends on custody, governance, and compliance. Properly structured tokenized ETFs should offer investor protections similar to their traditional equivalents.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic initiative: BlackRock views tokenization as a multidecade opportunity to digitize ETFs and other assets and to reach new investors.
• Measured exposure: The firm reports $13.5 trillion AUM and $104 billion in crypto-related assets (~1%); tokenization efforts complement existing digital cash and liquidity products like BUIDL.
• Market scale: Independent market data (Mordor Intelligence) estimates >$2 trillion in tokenized assets in 2025, with forecasts to exceed $13 trillion by 2030—highlighting potential growth.

Conclusion

BlackRock’s public statements position BlackRock tokenization as a deliberate strategy to digitize traditional financial instruments and extend the firm’s reach to crypto-native and retail investors while preserving long-term retirement solutions. With established tokenized offerings like BUIDL and company-wide exploration of token solutions, the move is paced to match regulatory clarity and infrastructure readiness. Expect continued product announcements and internal pilots as BlackRock scales its tokenization efforts; COINOTAG will monitor developments and report updates.