Crypto analyst Zach Humphries has drawn attention to what he described as a rapidly evolving role for the XRP Ledger in the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), suggesting this development may be underestimated by the wider investment community.
XRP Ledger’s tokenization potential gains traction
In a newly released video, Humphries argued that many investors continue to view XRP exclusively through the lens of banking and cross-border payment solutions. He emphasized that the process of tokenizing real-world assets represents a significant new direction for the blockchain, especially as financial institutions evaluate ways to issue, manage, and settle traditional assets on distributed ledgers.
Humphries referenced remarks from BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, who described securities tokenization as a fundamental shift for global markets. Fink stated that distributed ledger technology could enable clear identification of buyers and sellers and facilitate nearly instant trade settlement.
While Fink did not name the XRP Ledger specifically, Humphries indicated that the combination of industry sentiment and technical progress aligns with Ripple’s core strategic aims. Ripple is a fintech company focused on developing blockchain-based payment and settlement solutions, and the XRP Ledger is Ripple’s open-source, distributed ledger technology.
Humphries also pointed to comments from Ripple Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz, who expressed optimism regarding blockchains’ capacity to reach broad market adoption through innovations like tokenization.
Many investors focus on cross-border payments, but a larger story is emerging around $XRP and its broader utility. Recent data suggest a notable shift in capital flows, as more real-world assets are being tokenized and moved into the ecosystem, while other chains see less growth.
Significant inflows position XRP Ledger among top RWA networks
Citing figures from data platform RWA.xyz, Humphries highlighted that the XRP Ledger registered approximately $1.9 billion in net real-world asset inflows over the past six months, ranking it second among all tracked blockchains.
BNB Chain topped the list with $2.2 billion in net inflows, while Solana and Stellar reported $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. Ethereum, despite its dominant presence in tokenized assets, saw net outflows totaling around $2.7 billion during the same period.
These statistics reflect net capital flows rather than the aggregate value of assets per network. As such, Ethereum’s outflows do not necessarily mean its total tokenized assets are surpassed by those of the XRP Ledger.
| Network | Net RWA Inflows (past 6 months) | Net Outflows (past 6 months) |
|---|---|---|
| BNB Chain | $2.2 billion | – |
| XRP Ledger | $1.9 billion | – |
| Solana | $1.6 billion | – |
| Stellar | $1.5 billion | – |
| Ethereum | – | $2.7 billion |
Additionally, Humphries reported that the value of distributed RWA on the XRP Ledger climbed from $518 million at the start of 2026 to approximately $2.25 billion by the end of the first quarter, marking a sharp increase in tokenized asset activity.
Institutional moves and market outlook
Discussing institutional adoption, Humphries referenced the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation’s (DTCC) plans to launch a new tokenization service on October 28. The DTCC is a leading American post-trade financial services company focused on clearing and settlement of securities, providing critical infrastructure for the US market.
He presented this development as evidence that established financial market players are increasingly preparing to support tokenized securities. However, he clarified that there is no indication the new DTCC service will use the XRP Ledger or XRP token specifically.
Humphries concluded by advising investors to closely monitor data on real-world asset tokenization and Ripple’s involvement in the sector, instead of focusing solely on payment applications and market price forecasts.
Although rising inflows demonstrate growth on the XRP Ledger, the long-term impact for XRP’s value will depend on the network’s ability to drive ongoing adoption, real-world use, and sustained asset demand.
Mini dictionary: RWA.xyz, a data analytics platform focused on tracking tokenized real-world asset activity across public blockchains, provides capital flow and asset value data that help investors evaluate growth and trends in this emerging sector.
