The tokenization of assets is one of the most discussed topics when talking about the convergence between the traditional market and the crypto universe. Among the assets that attract the most attention in this context are precisely the shares of companies listed on exchanges.
The proposal is simple yet powerful: to transform securities traded on B3, Nasdaq, or NYSE into digital tokens that can be bought, sold, and held globally, transparently, and in a decentralized manner.
But is this trend just a passing experiment, or can it actually change the way we trade equity stakes? And how is the adoption by large funds and institutions?
In this article, we will analyze the opportunities and challenges of the tokenization of shares in 2025.
What is the tokenization of shares?
Tokenizing a share means representing it digitally on a blockchain, through a token that equals, either wholly or partially, the original security.
For example: a share of Apple can be fractioned into digital tokens backed by it, allowing investors to have exposure to price fluctuations and receive dividends proportionally, even without trading on the traditional exchange.
This opens up possibilities for fractional trading (buying small pieces of expensive shares), international access, 24/7 operations, and instant settlement via blockchain. In theory, all of this makes the market more accessible, efficient, and inclusive.
What makes tokenization so attractive?
The tokenization of assets is not a new idea, but it has only recently gained traction with the maturation of platforms like Polygon, Avalanche, and Ethereum, which provide infrastructure for issuing and trading these tokens. In addition to these platforms, specialized companies have been developing solutions for regulatory compliance, secondary liquidity, and integration with traditional exchanges and brokers.
Another important point is the possibility of democratization. With tokenization, an investor living outside major financial centers can access assets that were previously restricted to a limited audience with a high cost of entry.
In countries with limited banking systems or low financial inclusion, this model represents a watershed moment, and when we talk about countries with a high level of banking - like Brazil, which recently reached 200 million people with bank accounts - the possibilities of integration with the traditional market become even more evident.
Platforms that are making this possible
Some names are already standing out at the forefront of share tokenization. Synthetix, for example, allows the creation of "synthetics" of shares and other assets via smart contracts. The Mirror Protocol has also already offered tokenized versions of securities like TSLA and AAPL.
Moreover, exchanges like Nasdaq and SIX (from Switzerland) are testing tokenization platforms with full regulatory support (which shows how this integration with traditional markets is already in full development).
Another highlight is the use of stablecoins and networks like Stellar and XDC Network to enable these tokens to be traded with lower costs and greater scalability. In other words, it’s no longer just a theoretical idea, but something that is already beginning to be executed on a large scale.
Challenges: liquidity, regulation, and institutional interest
Despite the potential, there are considerable challenges. One of the main ones is liquidity. Even if the token represents a listed share, it is not automatically integrated into the liquidity of the corresponding exchange. This can lead to price discrepancies and difficulties in finding a counterparty in trades.
Another hurdle lies in regulation. In many countries, there are no clear guidelines on how share tokens should be classified: are they securities? Digital assets? Is registration required with CVM or SEC? This uncertainty stalls projects and deters institutional players.
Furthermore, the interest from traditional funds is still timid. Even asset managers operating with crypto assets prefer to keep their resources in instruments with clear regulation and high liquidity. What could change this is precisely regulatory advancement and the integration of major players into the ecosystem.
Competition with traditional exchanges: is it possible?
In the short term, tokenization is not expected to replace traditional exchanges. But it is likely to complement existing models, creating parallel markets with instant settlement, global operation, and 24/7 trading.
This ecosystem can mainly benefit investors who want quick and flexible access to the securities of global companies, without necessarily opening an account in each market. It can also be a solution for smaller companies looking to raise funds outside conventional channels.
In practice, tokenization can usher in a new era of interoperability between markets. Imagine being able to use a token backed by Tesla shares as collateral in a DeFi protocol, or exchanging it for stablecoins in real-time. This integration is one of the greatest potentials of the tokenization of shares.
Could the tokenization of shares be a point of no return?
The tokenization of shares still faces technical, legal, and institutional barriers, but it already demonstrates its value as a bridge between the traditional and digital markets. With clearer regulations, adoption by major platforms, and efficient liquidity solutions, it could become a serious investment alternative for a global audience.
In the end, the tokenization of shares could transform the world into a huge stock exchange without barriers, with local representations for assistance and execution being the local exchanges. This broader scenario may seem very complicated, but we cannot dismiss the possibility that it may occur in the future.
For the investor following the crypto market, this is a movement worth watching closely. The integration of real assets into blockchain networks is one of the strongest trends of 2025, and the tokenization of shares is at the center of this revolution.
The future may not just be digital, but tokenized. Have you thought about that?
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Image by tonodiaz, available on Freepik
