In a groundbreaking move that has sent ripples through the cryptocurrency and energy sectors alike, a $75 million acquisition of an oil and gas facility in Latin America has been successfully completed using stablecoins and tokenized debt instruments. This landmark transaction, facilitated by Global Settlement’s cutting-edge platform, marks the first-ever fully tokenized capital stack acquisition of an operational real estate asset tied to commodity production. Finalized just last week, this deal is a testament to the growing momentum of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization in the financial landscape.
Tokenization: A New Dawn in Capital Markets
As institutions worldwide increasingly eye tokenization as the next frontier, the integration of blockchain technology into capital markets seems poised to redefine the playing field. By enabling the digitization of real-world assets such as bonds, funds, and other securities, tokenization promises not only simpler cross-border transactions but also faster settlements and novel liquidity channels. This follows a pattern of institutional adoption, which we detailed in our analysis of the RWA token market’s 260% growth in 2025.
“This deal fundamentally transforms the financial landscape of energy infrastructure,” said Alejandro Uribe, a director at Feniix Energy, the company behind the acquisition. “By integrating blockchain technology, we achieve unprecedented efficiency, security, and transparency.” Indeed, projections for the tokenized RWA market are ambitious, with McKinsey predicting growth to $2 trillion and BCG and Ripple estimating $18 billion in the coming years.
Global Settlement’s GSX Protocol, a cornerstone of this transaction, showcased its ability to coordinate stablecoin flows across Latin America, source vendors, and support the necessary technical infrastructure. According to Kyle Sonlin, founder of Global Settlement, the use of tokenization and stablecoins slashed cross-border settlement times from several days to mere minutes, an eye-opening demonstration of blockchain’s potential to revolutionize traditional banking processes.
Expanding Horizons for Emerging Markets
For emerging markets, particularly those with limited access to traditional financial services, the implications of this development are profound. “I believe commodity tokenization is a key growth opportunity for emerging markets that don’t have the existing access to traditional financial services,” Sonlin noted. The barriers to entry in debt and equity capital markets often hinder the growth of sectors like refineries and mines, despite their significant contributions to GDP. Here, tokenization could unlock new avenues for investment and growth. For a deeper dive into the regulatory implications, see our coverage on the need to revamp accredited investor rules.
Global Settlement, operating a layer-1 network focused on real-world asset transactions across multiple blockchains, views this successful deal as both a validation of its platform and a stepping stone for future endeavors. “A key goal in building [the protocol] was to assist in quantifying the benefits of tokenization to issuers and family offices,” Sonlin explained. “We are looking to expand and do more of these M&A transactions.”
The Road Ahead
While the potential of RWA tokenization is immense, questions remain about its long-term impact and scalability. Will traditional financial institutions embrace this new model? Can regulatory frameworks keep pace with technological advancements? The answers to these questions will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the tokenized asset landscape in the years to come.
As Global Settlement and other innovators continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with blockchain technology, the financial world watches closely. The success of this Latin American deal offers a glimpse into a future where tokenization isn’t just a buzzword but a fundamental component of global finance. As the tokenized RWA market edges towards maturity, the industry will be keenly observing whether this trend can maintain its momentum, driving a paradigm shift in how assets are managed and traded worldwide.
Source
This article is based on: Latin America Oil, Gas Deal Worth $75M Gets Tokenized as RWA Momentum Builds
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
