The financial world stands on the brink of a transformation driven by blockchain technology—and at the heart of this shift lies tokenization. According to Haider Rafique, Chief Marketing Officer at OKX, blockchain is not just reshaping how we think about money; it's redefining access, transparency, and opportunity in global markets.
In a recent conversation with Roundtable host Rob Nelson, Rafique painted a compelling vision of the future: one where financial systems are open 24/7, accessible to anyone with an internet connection, and powered by programmable value built directly into digital infrastructure.
The Ultimate Transparency in Finance
At its core, blockchain introduces an unprecedented level of transparency to financial systems.
“Blockchains bring the ultimate transparency to finance,” Rafique stated. “In traditional institutions, we often have to wait for quarterly earnings reports or regulatory filings to understand what’s happening behind the scenes. With blockchain, every transaction is visible in real time through explorers and public ledgers.”
This real-time visibility empowers investors, regulators, and everyday users to make informed decisions without relying on delayed disclosures or opaque reporting practices. For markets historically constrained by gatekeeping and information asymmetry, this shift could be revolutionary.
👉 Discover how blockchain transparency is changing finance forever.
Tokenization of Real-World Assets
One of the most transformative developments on the horizon is the tokenization of real-world assets—from equities and real estate to fine art and intellectual property.
Rafique highlighted that even prominent traditional investors like Bill Ackman have begun advocating for asset tokenization, signaling growing mainstream acceptance. But beyond elite endorsement, the real impact lies in accessibility.
Consider today’s stock markets: trading windows are limited, often restricted to specific hours on business days. Sophisticated traders may gain early access, but retail investors are locked out during weekends and after hours.
“That’s an archaic way of thinking about markets,” Rafique noted. “Why should access to investment opportunities depend on your time zone or job title?”
With blockchain-based tokenization, assets can be traded around the clock, every day of the year. A farmer in Kenya, a student in Seoul, or a freelancer in Buenos Aires could participate equally in global capital markets—without intermediaries, delays, or excessive fees.
Toward a 24/7 Global Market
The idea of always-on markets isn’t just convenient—it’s democratizing.
“As an investor, I’m most interested in when we open global markets to everyone, anyone, and all the time,” Rafique said. “That’s when true financial inclusion begins.”
Imagine owning fractional shares of a high-value commercial property in London or investing in a startup in Singapore—all through a secure digital wallet, available at any hour. This isn’t speculative fiction; it’s the emerging reality made possible by decentralized finance (DeFi) and asset tokenization.
These innovations eliminate many structural barriers that have long excluded average individuals from wealth-building opportunities reserved for institutions or accredited investors.
Blockchain: The Internet’s Next Evolution
Rafique likened blockchain’s role to a new phase in the evolution of the internet.
- Phase 1: The static web—users could only read content.
- Phase 2: The social web—users could create and share content (blogs, social media).
- Phase 3: The value web—users can now program and transfer value as easily as they post a tweet.
“This is where crypto enhances the internet experience,” Rafique explained. “We can now embed incentives, rewards, and ownership directly into applications and platforms.”
Programmable value extends far beyond Bitcoin or meme coins. It enables creators to monetize their work natively, artists to issue limited-edition digital collectibles, and entrepreneurs to launch community-driven projects with built-in economic models.
Empowering Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Perhaps one of the most impactful applications of tokenization is its potential to empower small businesses.
Traditionally, entrepreneurs must scale significantly—often through franchising or venture capital—before accessing public markets or generating shareholder value. But tokenization changes that equation.
“If I run a small coffee shop in Los Angeles and make some of the best coffee in the city, why should I have to go public or sell out to create value?” Rafique asked. “Tokenization allows me to issue tokens representing equity, revenue share, or loyalty rewards—letting my customers become stakeholders from day one.”
This model fosters deeper community engagement and aligns incentives between creators and supporters. It also opens alternative funding routes outside traditional banking or venture ecosystems.
👉 See how entrepreneurs are using blockchain to build fairer business models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is tokenization in finance?
Tokenization refers to converting rights to an asset—such as stocks, real estate, or art—into a digital token on a blockchain. These tokens can be bought, sold, or traded securely and transparently, often with lower barriers to entry than traditional markets.
How does blockchain enable 24/7 trading?
Unlike centralized exchanges bound by geographic locations and operating hours, blockchain networks operate continuously. This allows digital assets to be traded anytime, anywhere, without downtime.
Can anyone invest in tokenized assets?
Yes—tokenization lowers entry thresholds by enabling fractional ownership. Instead of buying an entire property or share lot, investors can purchase small portions of high-value assets, increasing inclusivity.
Is tokenization only for large corporations?
No. One of its greatest strengths is empowering small businesses and individuals. From local startups to independent creators, anyone can tokenize value and engage directly with their audience or customer base.
What role does transparency play in blockchain finance?
Every transaction on a public blockchain is recorded immutably and can be audited in real time. This reduces fraud risk, increases trust, and enables greater accountability compared to legacy financial systems.
Are there risks involved with tokenized assets?
As with any investment, risks exist—including market volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and technological vulnerabilities. However, ongoing advancements in security protocols and compliance frameworks are helping mitigate these concerns.
A Future Built on Open Access
The promise of blockchain goes beyond speculation or short-term gains. As Rafique emphasized, the true potential lies in building a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient financial ecosystem.
From enabling round-the-clock trading to unlocking new forms of ownership and entrepreneurship, tokenization is paving the way for a borderless economy—where value flows freely and opportunities are no longer dictated by geography or status.
As adoption grows and infrastructure matures, the line between traditional finance and decentralized systems will continue to blur. And when global markets truly open to everyone? That’s when the next chapter of economic empowerment begins.
👉 Join the movement toward open, accessible financial markets today.