DTCC obtains SEC approval to officially launch asset tokenization services. This matter is quite significant—traditional financial giants are finally moving US stocks, ETFs, US bonds, and other assets onto the blockchain, and with official certification.

Let's first clarify what was approved this time: DTCC will tokenize traditional assets it custodizes within a controlled environment. The scope is quite broad, including components of the Russell 1000 index, mainstream index ETFs, US Treasury securities, bonds, and other fixed-income products. Most importantly, the on-chain versions will enjoy the same rights and protections as traditional ones, not just "copies" or "shadow assets." The rollout is scheduled to begin gradually in the second half of 2026.

This development could have a more complex impact on the entire ecosystem than initially imagined. On the positive side, DeFi protocols will have the opportunity to access truly high-quality collateral, no longer relying on various altcoins with layered scams. Traditional capital may also enter the space at scale through this channel, leading to a qualitative leap in on-chain finance.

However, the other side must also be recognized—traditional institutions entering the RWA (Real-World Asset) space with a compliance halo will put pressure on native crypto projects. These institutions have regulatory backing, brand trust, and mature operational systems, making this a fierce competition.

Deeper impacts are at the regulatory level. The SEC, through this case, is essentially setting boundaries for the industry: what kind of tokenization is compliant, and what processes are acceptable. Once these standards are established, subsequent players will have to follow suit.

In summary, this marks the first real face-off between traditional finance and the crypto world. Whether it results in a win-win or a game of dominance will be revealed in 2026.