Deborah Algeo: «Many More Use Cases for Tokenized RWA in 2026»
Expect the tokenization of real-world assets to take off further in 2026 with the adoption of many more use cases, including collateralized lending, according to Zodia Custody’s Deborah Algeo.
Digital assets are experiencing accelerated growth with greater regulatory clarity, increased adoption and continuous innovation. Cryptocurrencies aside, which are taking a breather after Bitcoin fell 6 percent in 2025, the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), like stocks or bonds, is in the spotlight with promises of greater efficiency, lower costs and other benefits.
«Based on our conversation with clients, we expect to see many more use cases for tokenized RWAs in 2026,» said Deborah Algeo, managing director, Singapore and Hong Kong, Zodia Custody, in an interview with finews.asia.
APAC Leading the Wave
Anticipated new use cases for RWAs involve payments, settlement and even collateralized lending. And by region, Algeo believes Asia Pacific is a «frontrunner» in the space with developments such as the freshly introduced stablecoin regime in Hong Kong.
«We are focused on APAC, and we plan to continue growing our presence in the region. We think APAC is going to become a big growth corridor for institutional adoption of digital assets,» she commented.
Client Focus on Risk
At Zodia Custody, which provides digital asset custody services, the firm mainly works with clients in two ways. One is to provide direct custodial services and the other is to provide white-label technology services.
According to Algeo, clients are increasingly focused on risk in security, governance and conduct. Security risk involves areas like key management and cybersecurity. Governance risk covers factors such as due diligence of board members and investors. Conduct risk involves the evaluation of processes, particularly where human intervention is involved. Compliance risk focuses on anti-money laundering monitoring of both on and off-chain activities.
«We really pride ourselves on bank-grade risk capabilities,» Algeo added.
