With tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) poised to reshape financial markets, Robinhood has officially petitioned the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to establish a national framework for digital asset trading. The company’s 42-page proposal, revealed by Forbes on May 20, outlines a compliance-first approach to enable tokenized trading of traditional financial assets.
Robinhood’s Vision for a Blockchain-Powered Exchange
The Real World Asset Exchange (RRE), Robinhood’s proposed platform, would separate transaction speed and security by using off-chain order execution and on-chain settlement. To ensure regulatory alignment, the exchange would leverage Jumio and Chainalysis for identity verification and anti-fraud detection.
“Robinhood’s move represents a shift toward systemic integration, where digital and traditional markets converge,” said Mati Greenspan, CEO of Quantum Economics. “If the SEC supports this plan, it will show that blockchain doesn’t have to operate outside of mainstream finance—it can redefine it.”
The SEC has yet to respond, but the proposal could become a legal template for firms seeking clarity in how RWAs are governed at the federal level.
Tokenized Future: $30T Opportunity by 2030
Analysts estimate that RWAs could unlock $30 trillion in market value by 2030, especially as investors seek speed, transparency, and global access. While tokenization isn’t new, Robinhood’s proposal represents the first large-scale attempt by a U.S. broker-dealer to formalize such a framework.
Globally, regulators are accelerating similar efforts. Singapore and the U.K. are piloting blockchain-based financial products like tokenized bonds and mutual funds. These projects aim to modernize financial markets without compromising regulatory oversight.
The outcome of Robinhood’s request may shape how U.S. firms build and distribute blockchain-native financial products. A formal endorsement from the SEC could prompt a cascade of similar filings—and set the tone for the next decade of fintech innovation.
