March 31, 2026 —The main event for blockchain technology will be the tokenization of stocks, bonds, and other traditional investment assets- a shift that will unlock unprecedented capital efficiencies and transform global capital markets.

That’s the opinion of capital markets and technology professionals surveyed by Crisil Coalition Greenwich in a Q1 2026 study. These study participants see the most powerful innovations of tokenization not for trading, but in post-trade operations. Approximately 55% of market participants cite continuous clearing and settlement as a top benefit from tokenization.

Tokenization creates an environment in which assets are always on. Continuous settlement allows for 24/7 movement of assets, opening up greater possibilities for extended market hours. “Always-on” tokenized assets, including cash, allow for margin efficiencies as well.

“Through a continuous clearing and settlement model, tokenization can improve capital efficiency,” says David Easthope, Senior Analyst in the Market Structure & Technology Practice at Crisil Coalition Greenwich and author of How the capital markets feel about tokenization. “As such, the ability to tokenize stocks, bonds and other traditional assets, transfer them instantaneously and post them as collateral is going to be a potent force for positive change.”

Tokenization likely to start in bonds, on regulated venues 
Capital markets and technology professionals believe that fixed income will lead the way in tokenization. While equities tokenization will be popular, 1 in 3 study participants believe fixed income will benefit the most from tokenization, driven by the need for more efficient post-trade operations, improved settlement and easier collateral movement.

Study participants prefer that the secondary trading of tokenized stocks, bonds and other assets occur on regulated venues. Despite the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) markets, 53% of market participants prefer tokenized assets to trade on regulated venues, such as securities exchanges and ATSs.

How the capital markets feel about tokenization presents the results of the Coalition Greenwich 2026 Tokenization Study. The report breaks down the different types and top benefits of tokenization, and identifies the asset classes and trading venues in which capital markets professionals and technology experts expect to see tokenization have the biggest initial impact.