In a shaky market, tokenized RWAs could be worth their weight in gold | Opinion

As a researcher with years of experience in the ever-evolving world of finance, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that everyday investors face when it comes to finding safe and accessible investment opportunities. The traditional pathways to safety – like gold or blue-chip stocks – often come with hefty price tags, complexities, and barriers that leave many on the sidelines.


At times, individuals might choose to stick with what they know, valuing safety and consistency over the possible exhilaration of new experiences or adventures that change could bring. Despite our desire for excitement beyond our usual habits, the apprehension about the unknown usually keeps us tied to established patterns.

Many investors tend to emulate a cautious method in their financial strategies today. They typically lean towards safer investments, preferring options that carry little risk and provide consistent earnings. This preference for security stems from people’s goal of safeguarding their accumulated wealth while maximizing their returns on investment.

Cryptocurrencies aren’t exempt from these views. Even though they offer the possibility of significant gains, many people consider them risky because of their volatility and the uncertainty surrounding regulations and safety. For those who are used to the relative stability of traditional investments, the unfamiliar landscape of sectors like decentralized finance might be incredibly intimidating.

However, the “safest” returns aren’t always the most accessible to everyone. The gap between accessibility and safety highlights the trade-offs investors must consider when evaluating investment opportunities.

What actually makes an investment safe?

As a crypto investor, I’ve always been drawn to the stability offered by assets like gold, known for their low volatility and minimal risk. Over time, it has proven resilient during periods of economic uncertainty, political upheaval, or market fluctuations, primarily due to its inherent physical properties and scarcity that give it a safe-haven status. Not long ago, Costco was moving as much as $200 million in gold bars every month, demonstrating its enduring appeal.

While gold is generally seen as a secure investment option, it’s not always simple. Acquiring physical gold, whether in the form of bars, coins, or jewelry, involves a significant upfront expense. To put it into perspective, an average gold bar weighing around 400 troy ounces can cost approximately $1 million. Additionally, the costs of storing and insuring physical gold can be prohibitive for some investors, unless they intend to hide their gold bars in their backyard.

While exchange-traded funds are more accessible than possessing a bar of gold, owning gold stocks comes with its own set of trade-offs. Recently, the spot price of gold has risen to over $2,500, making it challenging for everyday people to make such an investment. 

Tokenized assets, particularly those representing real-world items like precious metals, hold a strong allure due to their potential to draw in risk-averse investors seeking more tangible investment opportunities within the crypto sphere. While there have been many debates about its application in real estate and fine art, investing in precious metals through tokenization seems especially appealing for attracting investors.

That being said, buying tokenized gold is mostly restricted to financial stalwarts like HSBC, who have their own “Gold Token” that many retail investors likely can’t get their hands on. Regular investors who want to explore tokenized gold deserve a way to do so at their own pace.

For example, FreeBnk is a fintech firm utilizing blockchain technology to connect conventional and modern finance. Lately, this application, previously providing tokenized property services, has expanded investment possibilities for its users, now including tokenized gold.

Currently, users have the opportunity to invest fractionally in digital assets via the app. This means they can decide on and contribute any amount they choose towards an asset. In essence, this expands investment opportunities in gold, making it more accessible as individuals no longer need a second mortgage or extensive knowledge in tokenomics to participate.

Investing in tokenized real-world assets gives all investors the chance to connect with traditionally “secure” assets. By removing typical investment hurdles, these assets foster an environment where a wider array of individuals can strive for financial stability and prosperity. This emerging type of finance, which merges crypto with traditional finance, not only helps individuals achieve their financial objectives but also fosters a more diverse and fair financial system.

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2024-08-24 14:20