Blockchain-based tokenization of financial assets is progressing quickly, but experts warn that widespread adoption won't happen without clear legal and regulatory frameworks in place. The IMF raised concerns in an April 2026 report that tokenization shifts financial risk to shared ledgers and smart contracts, making it harder to intervene during market stress — and that without legal clarity over ownership and settlement finality, tokenized markets could remain fragmented and limited in impact.

Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary echoed these concerns at Consensus Miami 2026, arguing that major capital will only flow into tokenized assets once US crypto market structure legislation is passed and aligned with SEC rules. "When that occurs, it's going to change everything," he said — suggesting that the technology is ready, but the regulatory green light is what the industry is now waiting for.