#RWA #

MANTRA plans to tokenize over $1 billion of DAMAC Group’s assets starting in early 2025, according to an announcement made on Thursday. 

DAMAC Group, led by UAE-based Hussain Sajwani, operates a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate with interests in real estate, hospitality, and data centers.

MANTRA Takes a Major Step in RWA Tokenization

DAMAC began accepting cryptocurrency payments in 2022 and is now moving towards blockchain-based asset tokenization. The initiative will allow investors to access DAMAC’s diverse portfolio, including real estate developments and other ventures, through digital tokens. 

This approach aims to simplify investment processes and expand opportunities for retail and institutional participants. Details on the specific properties and tokenized offerings will be revealed in the coming weeks. The offerings are scheduled to launch in early 2025.

“This partnership with DAMAC Group is an endorsement for the RWA industry. We’re thrilled to partner with such a prestigious group of leaders that share our ambitions and see the incredible opportunities of bringing traditional financing opportunities onchain.” said MANTRA CEO John Patrick Mullin. 

MANTRA launched its mainnet in October. Since then, its native token, OM, has seen a significant rise in market cap. The token rallied by 200% in the past three months to $3.6 billion, recording an all-time high in December. 

DAMAC’s partnership with MANTRA represents a growing shift towards blockchain-powered investment models, which promise to reshape traditional markets by improving efficiency and accessibility for investors globally.

OM Three-Month Price Chart. Source: TradingView Growing Interest in Real-World Asset Tokenization

Tokenization involves converting traditional assets like real estate, securities, and commodities into blockchain-based digital tokens representing ownership. 

This process is gaining traction globally due to its potential to improve settlement speeds and broaden access for investors. Reports estimate that the market for tokenized real-world assets could reach trillions of dollars by the end of the decade.

The sector saw significant activity throughout 2024. BlackRock launched its BUIDL tokenized fund in March. It has since expanded across five major blockchains, including Aptos, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism, and Polygon. 

The fund provides on-chain yield, flexible custody, and integration features. Several projects, such as Ethena and Frax, have already launched stablecoins backed by this fund. 

Also, Tether has advanced its tokenization strategy, preparing to launch Hadron, a platform for RWA tokenization. Starting in February 2025, Hadron will provide a full user interface and API support for institutional use.