How tokenised assets and DeFi are transforming finance

Key takeaways

• Explore how DeFi (decentralised finance) and tokenisation are reshaping global finance. This report reveals how DeFi and blockchain-enabled tokenisation are transforming how value is created, exchanged and stored, triggering a fundamental shift away from traditional intermediaries towards programmable, transparent, 24/7 financial systems.

• Understand how tokenised assets unlock liquidity, efficiency, and accessibility. From real estate and commodities to government bonds and digital currencies, tokenisation enables assets to be traded instantly, fractionally, and with far greater traceability. These capabilities are opening markets to new investors and driving the rise of entirely new asset classes.

• See how DeFi is converging with traditional finance. Financial institutions, including global banks and payment network are integrating blockchain, stablecoins, and smart-contract infrastructure into existing systems. The result: faster settlement, lower costs, and new models of cross-border commerce.

• Explore the global regulatory race shaping the future of digital assets. The US, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE are rapidly advancing regulatory frameworks designed to attract capital and innovation. These initiatives are accelerating institutional adoption and positioning key markets as global DeFi hubs.

• Learn where Australia stands and where it could lead. Australia has taken a more cautious, trust-first approach, focused on investor protection and systemic stability. But with growing retail adoption, major pilots like the RBA’s Project Acacia, and shifting regulatory momentum, the nation now has a chance to become a leader in secure, standards-based digital finance.

• See what comes next for markets, technology, and policy. The report highlights smart contracts’ potential to automate entire business processes, the economic value of real-world asset tokenisation, and the critical mindset shift needed for Australia to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Credit: The Australian Financial Review's thought leadership division

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