BlackRock’s pilot project to digitize ETFs on blockchain networks could revolutionise asset management, paving the way for more liquid, transparent, and accessible markets amid regulatory hurdles and industry momentum.

BlackRock is currently diving into the world of tokenized assets, specifically exploring how its exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could be digitized on public blockchain networks. This is quite a notable move, signaling a big shift towards blending traditional finance with blockchain tech. At the moment, the project is still in the pilot phase and depends heavily on getting the green light from regulators. The main idea? To turn real-world assets—stuff like stocks, bonds, or even commodities—into digital tokens. If successful, this could really shake up how assets are managed by making them more liquid and opening up wider market access worldwide.

This push for tokenized ETFs is strongly backed by BlackRock’s CEO, Larry Fink, who sees blockchain infrastructure as the way forward for finance. He’s gone so far as to describe Bitcoin ETFs as just the first step in a much larger wave of technological change. According to him, tokenizing things like gold and ETFs is just a subsequent phase—one that could bring about some serious major shifts. Fink talks about how tokenization could improve transparency and make transactions more efficient—fingers crossed—highlighting BlackRock’s dedication to modernizing financial markets through blockchain. Recently, Fink also shared positive thoughts about Ethereum ETFs, framing them as key milestones on the path towards the bigger goal of tokenizing all sorts of assets.

BlackRock's approach isn’t coming out of nowhere. It builds on their earlier successes, such as the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund, known as BUIDL. This was a tokenized cash-management product that quickly amassed about $2.2 billion. Many industry experts believe that if ETFs get tokenized, it could pave the way for 24/7 trading and a more active secondary market—something that could really shake up existing trading patterns. This trend isn’t limited to BlackRock either. Other heavyweights like Goldman Sachs and BNY Mellon are also experimenting with tokenizing fund products, which suggests that institutional confidence in blockchain’s potential to streamline and democratize markets is growing.

Looking ahead, the impact of BlackRock’s ETF tokenization isn’t just about one product. It hints at a future where a huge array of assets—stocks, bonds, real estate—could also be digitized on blockchain platforms. Fink envisions a world where all financial assets might eventually be tokenized, transforming ownership and trading into fully digital processes. Of course, he also admits there are still hurdles—regulatory approval remains a challenge, as does navigating the complexities of digital verification. Nonetheless, the momentum behind this idea seems to be gaining traction.

It’s worth noting, too, that BlackRock’s efforts are part of a broader trend. For example, Abu Dhabi-based firm Realize recently launched a tokenized U.S. Treasury fund on blockchain networks like IOTA and Ethereum—pretty significant for the Middle Eastern market’s move into digital finance. Other asset managers, such as Janus Henderson, are jumping into the mix, experimenting with securities tokenization with hopes of boosting operational efficiency and cutting costs. This broader industry acceptance of blockchain tech signals a shift from fringe innovation to mainstream adoption.

As BlackRock advances with its pioneering efforts, the finance world might be standing at a real turning point. If these pilot programs clear regulatory hurdles and are scaled successfully, we could see blockchain-based asset management go mainstream. That would mean more transparency, better liquidity, and increased inclusivity across markets worldwide. It’s a pretty exciting time, honestly—things are changing quickly.


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Source: Noah Wire Services

Verification / Sources

  • https://www.kanalcoin.com/blackrock-tokenizing-etfs-blockchain/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
  • https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/12/blackrocks-larry-fink-says-bitcoin-etfs-are-just-the-first-step-in-the-technological-revolution-of-finance.html - In January 2024, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink stated that Bitcoin ETFs are 'step one in the technological revolution in the financial markets,' with tokenization being the subsequent phase. He highlighted the potential of tokenizing real-world assets like gold, noting that such tokenization could enhance transparency and efficiency in financial transactions. Fink expressed optimism about the future of Ethereum ETFs, viewing them as a progression towards broader asset tokenization. This perspective underscores BlackRock's commitment to integrating blockchain technology into traditional finance, aiming to modernize and streamline financial markets.
  • https://coinmarketcap.com/academy/article/blackrocks-larry-fink-sees-value-in-ethereum-etfs-future-of-tokenization - In a recent interview, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink expressed support for Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs), indicating the firm's growing interest in cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin. Fink stated, 'I see value in having an Ethereum ETF,' describing these ETFs as 'stepping stones towards tokenization.' This aligns with BlackRock's broader strategy of embracing tokenization, which involves representing real-world assets as digital tokens on the blockchain. Fink believes that tokenization can improve transparency and efficiency in financial markets, potentially transforming traditional investment processes.
  • https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/12/tokenization-stock-bond-real-estate-trading-market-coming-blackrock.html - In April 2025, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink envisioned a future where all assets, including stocks, bonds, and real estate, are tradable online via blockchain technology. He referred to this concept as 'tokenization,' describing it as a potential revolution in financial ownership and investing. Fink acknowledged the challenges, particularly in digital verification, but emphasized the transformative potential of tokenization in modernizing financial markets and enhancing transaction efficiency.
  • https://www.reuters.com/technology/abu-dhabi-firm-launch-tokenized-us-treasuries-fund-2024-10-31/ - In October 2024, Realize, an Abu Dhabi-based technology firm, launched the Realize T-BILLS Fund, aiming to invest in U.S. Treasury-focused ETFs from BlackRock and State Street. The firm plans to tokenize these assets, converting them into digital tokens tradable on blockchain networks like IOTA and Ethereum. This initiative marks the first tokenized fund domiciled in the Abu Dhabi Global Market, approved by its regulatory authority, highlighting the growing interest in tokenized financial products in the Middle East.
  • https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/09/11/blackrock-weighs-tokenized-etfs-on-blockchain-in-push-beyond-treasuries/ - In September 2025, BlackRock began exploring the tokenization of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on public blockchains, building upon its previous experience with tokenized U.S. Treasury products. The firm introduced the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL), a tokenized Treasury fund that quickly grew to manage nearly $2.2 billion. Tokenizing ETFs would allow shares to be issued and transacted as tokens on the blockchain, potentially enabling 24/7 trading and enhancing liquidity, marking a significant step in integrating blockchain technology into traditional finance.
  • https://www.ft.com/content/648f2249-5783-4e98-8412-4056f56ad1b0 - In a recent development, Janus Henderson, a prominent asset manager, announced its plans to join BlackRock, Fidelity, and Franklin Templeton in experimenting with securities tokenization. The firm intends to manage the $11 million Anemoy Liquid Treasury Fund, aiming to leverage blockchain technology to streamline financial services and potentially disrupt the industry beyond ETFs. This move reflects a broader trend among traditional financial institutions to explore blockchain's potential in enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in asset management.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We've since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative presents recent developments regarding BlackRock's exploration of tokenized ETFs on blockchain, with references to statements by CEO Larry Fink from January 2024. The earliest known publication date of similar content is January 12, 2024. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The content has been republished across various platforms, including low-quality sites and clickbait networks, which raises concerns about its originality. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, earlier versions show different figures, dates, or quotes, indicating potential discrepancies. Notably, the narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. Additionally, the narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.

Quotes check

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative includes direct quotes from Larry Fink regarding the tokenization of financial assets. These quotes have been used in earlier material, indicating potential reuse. The wording of the quotes varies slightly across sources, suggesting possible paraphrasing or selective quoting. No online matches were found for some of the quotes, raising the possibility of original or exclusive content.

Source reliability

Score: 5

Notes: The narrative originates from an obscure, unverifiable, or single-outlet source, which raises concerns about its reliability. The person, organization, or company mentioned in the report cannot be verified online, indicating potential fabrication.

Plausability check

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative makes claims about BlackRock's exploration of tokenized ETFs on blockchain, a topic that has been covered by reputable organizations such as CNBC and Reuters. However, the narrative lacks supporting detail from any other reputable outlet, which raises concerns about its credibility. The report includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates, enhancing its plausibility. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic, and the structure is focused on the claim without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and resembles typical corporate language.

Overall assessment

Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative presents recycled content with potential discrepancies and lacks supporting detail from reputable outlets, raising concerns about its originality and credibility. The source's reliability is questionable, and the plausibility of the claims is uncertain due to the lack of corroboration from other reputable sources.