Web3 Industry Advances from Experimentation to Commercialization

The Web3 industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, moving decisively from its experimental beginnings to a robust phase of commercialization. This shift is marked by groundbreaking developments in stablecoins and the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), which have become cornerstone sectors driving growth and institutional adoption. Fueled by clearer regulatory frameworks and intensified competition among financial institutions, the Web3 ecosystem is primed to redefine how finance and technology intersect.

At the “Block Festa 2025” held on October 26 in Seoul, Ryan Yoon, Head of Research at Tiger Research, stated, “The Web3 industry is no longer just experimenting—it has moved into a tangible, actionable stage. Stablecoins and RWA provide institutions the opportunity to leverage regulatory advantages to carve out leadership positions in the market.” Yoon further noted how Web3 has evolved into a vital bridge between finance and technology, highlighting its imperative to demonstrate practical societal benefits as institutional participation, regulatory clarity, and governance coalesce to drive measurable outcomes.

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The Role of Regulatory Clarity in Web3’s Expansion

One of the foundational pillars of Web3's advancement is regulatory clarity, which plays a vital role in fostering trust and enabling growth across the industry. Yoon emphasized that coherent regulations empower institutions and investors alike, remarking on the significance of global regulatory developments.

In the past year, the European Union implemented the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, formally defining digital assets within a legal framework. The United States has also created federal guidelines for dollar-pegged stablecoins, providing a structure for investor protection and stabilizing the burgeoning digital economy. These regulatory advancements encourage institutional participation, allowing financial entities to confidently expand operations without ambiguity. “Previously, regulatory uncertainty deterred institutional investments,” Yoon explained, “but today, guidelines offer financial institutions a clear roadmap for integrating Web3 into their core business models.”

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Financial Institutions Accelerate Web3 Adoption

As regulatory frameworks solidify, global financial institutions are enthusiastically entering the Web3 arena, marking its transition into mainstream finance. Goldman Sachs and BNY Mellon, for instance, launched a tokenized money market fund (MMF) earlier this year, while Wyoming broke ground as the first U.S. state to issue a government-backed stablecoin, “FRNT.”

These initiatives signify a seismic shift from Web3 being viewed as a fringe experimentation to its recognition as a legitimate operational sector within financial services. The stablecoin market, a critical area for Web3 growth, exemplifies this evolution. Tiger Research reports that payment volumes processed via stablecoins soared to an astounding $27.6 trillion in 2022, eclipsing the combined transaction volumes of Visa and Mastercard.

With a current market capitalization of $286.4 billion, stablecoins are emerging as integral components of financial infrastructure, underpinning key services such as payments and remittances. Accompanying this rise are ecosystems centered around stablecoins, including specialized blockchains and payment applications, which continue to expand rapidly. “Stablecoins are no longer merely digital assets,” Yoon noted. “They are evolving into essential financial tools that bridge gaps in global financial systems.”

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Tokenized Real-World Assets Poised for Explosive Growth

Another promising sector within Web3 is the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), which demonstrates immense long-term growth potential. Although the current market size remains limited, representing just 2% of its estimated future scale, projections suggest it could reach $16 trillion by 2030. Yoon highlighted the diversification of asset classes extending beyond traditional instruments like U.S. Treasury bonds, encompassing equities, privately held stocks, and real estate. This evolution allows for greater portfolio diversification and enhances the efficiency of asset management.

“The structural transformation led by financial institutions in tokenizing assets will continue reshaping the global market,” Yoon stated. Tokenization is unlocking new opportunities in wealth generation and distribution, with considerable implications for both institutional and retail investors.

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Emerging Web3 Frontiers Beyond Finance

The commercialization of Web3 extends beyond financial services into innovative domains like intellectual property (IP) management, centralized exchange-based chains (CEX Chains), decentralized perpetual futures exchanges (perpDEX), artificial intelligence (AI)-driven networks, and Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). Despite these areas being in their experimental stages, they are rapidly gaining attention for their transformative potential.

“Industries such as IP and AI infrastructure are still in the process of gathering empirical data to validate their feasibility,” Yoon observed. Companies are actively exploring these opportunities through partnerships and pilot investments, paving the way for their eventual integration into the Web3 ecosystem. While these industries remain nascent, their medium- to long-term growth prospects are incredibly compelling. “Emerging sectors like AI and decentralized infrastructure will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the Web3 landscape, requiring close stakeholder monitoring,” Yoon suggested.

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The Road Ahead for Institutions in Web3 Commercialization

In both the immediate and long-term, stablecoins and RWAs remain focal points for Web3's commercialization. Yoon also predicts that financial institutions will progressively consolidate their dominance by establishing subsidiaries or pursuing acquisitions that integrate Web3 services into traditional frameworks. This convergence of conventional systems with blockchain-based solutions is set to redefine how financial services operate, fostering innovation across the board.

As Web3 continues its pivot toward commercialization, businesses and institutions face an imperative to adapt and innovate within this rapidly evolving ecosystem. The industry’s maturation signals a transformative moment that could reshape the global financial and technological landscapes, underscoring the urgency for stakeholders to actively participate in its future trajectory.