Is RWA tokenization the next big wave in crypto and blockchain? If TOKEN2049 Dubai 2025 was any indication, the answer is a resounding yes. The event brought together over 15,000 attendees from over 160 countries. Speakers shared insights on the future of decentralized finance, AI integration, regulatory frameworks, and the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs).

Our main takeaway: RWA tokenization is no longer just a niche idea – it's becoming a big deal for institutions.

RWAs Are Gaining Momentum

RWAs - Real World Assets - are making headlines for good reason. In a world where crypto markets can be volatile, RWAs offer stability and real-world relevance. Think of tokenized real estate, art, or even infrastructure projects. These are assets that carry intrinsic value, unaffected by market hype.

The discussions around this at TOKEN2049 were fueled by a key trend: institutional adoption. The event showcased how traditional finance is gradually integrating blockchain solutions, driven by increasing regulatory clarity and strategic partnerships.

Building the Future of RWA

Sascha Kubisch, our Co-founder and CTO, shared these key insights from TOKEN2049:

“One of the most impressive aspects was Dubai’s proactive stance on tokenizing real estate assets. It’s more than just a tech experiment - it’s a government-backed initiative aimed at transforming how real estate transactions happen,” Sascha shared.

At the "RWAfi Live" event, speakers focused on how institutions are starting to use blockchain, especially in the UAE.

Sascha’s key takeaway? The industry is maturing fast. With increased engagement from traditional finance and regulatory bodies, the lines between blockchain and conventional finance are blurring.

During a LawBlocks discussion, Sascha emphasized balancing business requirements with regulatory compliance. His advice to fellow innovators was clear: Start simple, launch lean, and adapt quickly. “By being proactive and flexible, companies can reduce legal risks and establish themselves faster,” he noted. Panelists also discussed the challenges of global regulations, DAO governance, and crypto tax rules.

TOKEN2049 made it clear that RWA tokenization is moving forward, supported by institutions, clearer regulations, and new partnerships, bringing blockchain and traditional finance closer together.

Driving the Vision of Sustainable Finance

Jasvir, our Co-founder and CEO, approached TOKEN2049 with a clear goal: advancing sustainable infrastructure financing through blockchain.

Here's Penomo's journey throughout TOKEN2049:

Event with Plume

Penomo joined the invite-only Plume event, following Plume's recent investment from Apollo Global, one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers.

Penomo and Plume initiated an early partnership to issue and distribute Real World Assets (RWA) via the Plume ecosystem.

Presenting at Invest Web3 Forum

Penomo pitched at the Invest Web3 Forum (IWF 2025), organized by Gaikaa Capital, attended by key figures including Claudia Pinto and Ahmad Al-Mahmood.

Jasvir presented Penomo’s vision for light-speed infrastructure financing rails, aiming for sustainable development on Earth and beyond.

Later, Penomo attended the RWA Gulf Summit at DIFC, organized by Qatar National Bank and DMZ Finance.

Key insights included:

• Regulatory Landscape: Challenges and opportunities in the face of evolving regulations like MiCA, MiFID II (EU), and VARA (Dubai).

• TradFi Integration: The entry barriers for traditional finance funds in managing digital wallets and the need for education to bridge this gap.

• On-Chain and Off-Chain Asset Management: Addressing the complexity of ownership rights when on-chain assets lack direct claims over underlying collateral.

• DeFi and Lending Potential: Exploring RWA as collateral, an area with substantial untapped potential.

Navigating the Side Events

Penomo participated in multiple side events, connecting with VCs and industry leaders. Jasvir noted that while these gatherings offer high networking potential, they also risk becoming overwhelming without careful planning. Nonetheless, Penomo got a good opportunity to connect with many of its partners in real life.

Exploring New Collaborations

An invite-only event organized by Decubate proved fruitful, leading to at least two promising collaborations. This marked an important step in expanding Penomo’s strategic alliances in the RWA space.

Media Engagement

The day was dedicated to valuable interactions with Cointelegraph, New Tribe Capital, and the Orbital Beam Consortium for RWA & DePIN, solidifying media relationships and exploring collaborative initiatives.

Strengthening Key Partnerships

Penomo was approached by The Wealth Today, known for its prominent collaboration with the UAE’s asset management sector, including Apex Group. Discussions with the COO marked the beginning of a potential strategic partnership.

Additionally, Penomo established valuable connections with key law firms, the Abu Dhabi Royal Office, and the UAE Sovereign Wealth Funds office, enhancing its regional presence.

Final Thoughts after the TOKEN2049 event

• Big crypto events like Token2049 often have a high noise-to-signal ratio. To maximize value, it’s crucial to be selective when choosing which events to attend and to strategically plan in-person meetings to avoid wasting energy and gaining a false sense of progress.

• Institutions have strong confidence in Real World Assets (RWAs), more than in any other segment of the crypto space. During bear markets, when most assets lose value, RWAs keep delivering reliable returns.

• RWA allocators are increasingly seeking new asset classes beyond U.S. Treasury-backed instruments, looking to mainstream hard assets. Infrastructure finance is poised to be disrupted by tokenization.

• UAE is adopting RWA and digital asset technology fast - leaving no stone unturned to be a leader in the space. By creating a business-friendly environment and making quick decisions, it’s attracting more companies to the region.

Explore the Future of RWA Tokenization with Penomo

Penomo is at the forefront of leveraging blockchain for sustainable infrastructure finance - its coming faster than likely anticipate. Want to know more about our initiatives and how you can be part of the RWA revolution? Connect with us today!