IOST Rebrands as RWA-Centric Blockchain to Pioneer the Next Crypto Revolution

The innovative Layer 1 blockchain platform IOST, launched in 2017 as the self-styled "Ethereum Killer," has unveiled a bold rebranding initiative to become the go-to blockchain for real-world assets (RWAs). Under its transformative "IOST 3.0" vision, the project is redefining its focus, integrating a Layer 2 (L2) solution built on Binance’s BNB Chain to establish a robust ecosystem for the tokenization of physical and intellectual assets.

During an exclusive interview with Block Media, IOST CEO Blake shared the project's forward-looking strategy, stating, “In the next crypto bull market, RWAs and AI will emerge as leading metas. Our aim is to tokenize assets that investors not only value for returns but take personal pride in, such as K-content, royalties from iconic musicians, and equity in high-potential ventures like SpaceX.”

Blake also introduced the Signal Ring, a unique wearable integrating decentralized identity (DID) authentication via heart rate patterns. This hardware-blockchain merging initiative lays the foundation for an ecosystem that blends cutting-edge technology with groundbreaking use cases.

IOST’s Evolution: From "Ethereum Killer" to RWA Specialist

Founded in 2017, IOST distinguished itself as an institutional-grade blockchain funded by blue-chip investors like Sequoia Capital and Matrix Partners. Unlike projects tapping retail initial coin offerings (ICOs), IOST charted a unique path focusing on institutional backing. Its token went live in early 2018, followed by the mainnet launch in 2019.

In 2023, spurred by an evolving market landscape, IOST resolved to pivot toward RWAs, setting a clear goal of rebranding as a dedicated RWA-focused blockchain by 2025. Operating through its native mainnet and the newly integrated BNB L2, the project lays a solid foundation aligned with future blockchain trends.

Why IOST Chose RWAs as Its Strategic Focus

Blake attributed the shift to an introspective analysis of the crypto landscape. “Back in 2017, we didn’t foresee today’s trends. We deeply contemplated where we could create the most meaningful impact, and RWAs clearly stood out," he explained.

The global asset market, worth a staggering $600 trillion, has less than 0.1% of its value represented on-chain—pointing to enormous untapped potential. With the RWA and AI sectors likely to dominate the next bull market narrative, investors are already pivoting toward projects that excel in this niche. Blake emphasized, “Just as Ethereum became synonymous with DeFi, IOST aspires to be the flagship name for RWA trading, especially in retail-dominated markets like Korea."

Key Pillars of IOST's RWA Strategy

Collaboration with Industry Leaders

IOST itself acts as the blockchain infrastructure rather than directly tokenizing assets. To achieve its RWA vision, the platform has joined forces with renowned tokenization specialists—DigiFT and Securitize—to onboard asset-backed products.

Prioritizing High-Pride, High-Interest Assets

IOST’s focus balances financial returns with emotional appeal, an important factor for digital asset investors accustomed to high yields. Blake noted, “RWA yields—ranging between 3-7% annually—are modest by crypto standards. Consequently, we prioritize products offering both tangible returns and intrinsic pride, such as Korean music royalties or high-profile TV/film content.”

Additionally, IOST intends to tokenize private equity in leading ventures—like SpaceX—enabling investors to back groundbreaking innovations. Leveraging its extensive U.S. venture capital connections, IOST seeks to make these opportunities accessible to the retail crypto market.

Signal Ring: Redefining Identification and Rewards

The Signal Ring, IOST’s wearable device, represents a convergence between hardware and blockchain. It uses unique heart rate micro-intervals as a decentralized identity (DID) verifier. “No two heart rates are identical,” Blake explained, “making this technology an exceptional biometric authentication tool.”

Signal Ring Features

• Mining Rewards: Buyers of Signal Ring can mine three times the IOST tokens equivalent to their purchase volume. The first wave of devices sold out within 30 minutes of launch, and shipments are scheduled to begin in September, with app functionalities live by October.
• Health Tracking: Beyond blockchain functionalities, the Signal Ring app tracks health metrics such as sleep patterns and stress-related heart rate variations. While this feature operates separately from RWAs, it adds an intriguing utility layer to the device.

Introducing IOST 3.0: Enhanced with BNB L2

Blake described IOST 3.0 as a comprehensive evolution of the project. The integration of the BNB Chain’s L2 ecosystem has been a strategic move aimed at regulatory compliance, scalability, and expanding IOST’s reach into newer markets. By aligning with Binance's robust infrastructure, IOST enhances its appeal via a broader community base and stronger developer capabilities.

The Role of IOST’s Proof of Believability Algorithm

Proof of Believability (PoB), IOST’s in-house consensus algorithm, underscores its commitment to innovative blockchain mechanics. As market trends shift from speed-centric narratives to those emphasizing specific use cases, PoB aligns with the growing demand for utility-driven algorithms. This dynamic model bolsters trust and value in blockchain operations, aiding IOST’s ambitions to spearhead the RWA landscape.

Strengthening Developer and Community Engagement

Japan remains IOST’s largest community hub and a key growth pillar. Partnerships with Japanese universities have fostered developer talent, while strategic marketing bolstered its community presence (e.g., the unintentional MMA fighter endorsement in 2019). Moving forward, IOST will focus more on onboarding RWA products instead of traditional decentralized app (dApp) development.

A new platform dedicated to RWAs, with integrated liquid staking and DeFi collateralized by RWAs, is set to launch by the year’s end, further solidifying IOST’s status as a comprehensive RWA blockchain.

The Stablecoin Decision: Leveraging the BNB Ecosystem

Although IOST initially explored launching its own stablecoin for RWAs, it has reprioritized its efforts. “Considering the vast resources required, we chose to maximize Binance’s ecosystem instead,” Blake explained. This decision allows IOST to use proven infrastructure while focusing on RWA product rollouts.

Strategic Partnerships and Airdrop Plans

IOST’s alliances with firms like DigiFT and Securitize are critical to its asset-tokenization strategy. Furthermore, collaboration with a U.S.-based RWA-specialized team—backed by a top-five venture capital firm—paves the way for innovative offerings. Blake also disclosed plans to airdrop tokens from this partnered entity to IOST token holders within the year.

Targeting South Korea: A Vital Market

South Korea ranks as IOST’s second-largest market after Japan, with local retail investors keenly awaiting RWA products. By early 2024, investors will be able to access K-content-tokenized assets via IOST’s platform. Blake concluded passionately, “Our Korean community has supported us since 2018. We owe it to them to deliver exceptional results as we move forward.”

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With its transformative rebranding and forward-looking strategy, IOST is perfectly poised to lead the blockchain revolution into the RWA era. From innovative technology like Signal Ring to strategic partnerships and regional growth, the platform is charting a course to redefine blockchain utility and investor engagement.